I'm one of them :)

I'm looking for a book to teach cursive that is both simple to use and a beautiful style of cursive. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Thank you all so much! I really needed to hear some fresh ideas, and to know that others have been there. I will stand firm and press on!

I really need some advice right now as I am feeling really heartbroken over some friend issues my dd7 is having. She spends a lot of time with our neighbor, a girl her own age. But this friend has lots of issues and doesn't treat people right, doesn't respect her parents, lies, sneaks etc. I have always been uncomfortable with this friend but my dd is so social and it is impossible to keep them away from each other unless we were to flat out forbid them playing together. My sweet, kind, respectful little girl is starting to take on some of these bad qualities of her friend. She is suddenly being unkind to her brothers, acting all grown up, challenging everything I say. . . Now I know that some of this is normal as kids grow up, but for a 7yo??? I am doing everything I can to spend as little time as possible with this friend but it is hard since all her co op friends live farther away. This is making me try to figure out how to be away from home as much as possible this summer, but I love being home. We have talked to dd so many times about this and are trying to coach her through being her own person and not letting others' negativity rub off on her but she is so young and this doesn't seem to be making a difference. I really need to find peace with this but can't seem to figure out how to move forward. What would you do in this situation??? Thanks for listening!

Watching the whole video in the class period is how it would have to work since I wouldn't want to ask everyone to make that investment so they could watch at home though that would be ideal. The video segments seem long - like 45 minutes, which is too much for a co op setting. But, I really want the extra support of Mr. P. Teach and I hear that kids love him. I just don't feel like I can get enough information to make the best decision without buying it and actually previewing it. . .

I am trying to decide between these two for a co-op class next year. Can anyone point me to the best place to find IEW reviews or offer your own? Thanks! I am a part of their yahoo group for co-op teachers but haven't found much in the way of specific reviews. My main concern is that SWI will take too much time watching the video. All things fun and fascinating seems very well laid out for a co-op setting but puts more on the teacher for presenting new information. This will be my first year so I like the idea of the videos. . .can't decide!

Milly Molly Mandy!

I am wondering if it is normal to have a lag between mastering spelling lessons and this translating into everyday writing. My dd7 is constantly misspelling words in her writing that I know she knows how to spell. I would love to see these spelling skills integrating a little more. Anyone have suggestions or do I just need to be patient? We are using and loving AAS. Thanks!

Any recommendations for early readers (~grade 1 level) without pictures. I think the pictures are a big distraction and I want to try dd reading books without pictures. . . Thanks!

Thank you all so much! I really needed this encouragement on a day when my dd's ps neighbor friend made my her feel really small, "behind" and on the outside. I love that this community can respond so swiftly and remind me that these are some of the very reasons we homeschool. I definitely have moments of weakness where I lose sight. Blessings all!

Hi, I wonder how many of you out there struggle with the social aspects of homeschooling. We are a part of a co op that meets once a week and while that is something, I still feel like my children are not developing socially as I would have expected. They are young (5&7) but I feel like they are behind their ps peers in terms of social awareness - a bit naive I guess. On one hand, I think this is beautiful and sweet, but I am a bit concerned about this trend over the years. . . Anyone else struggle with this? Thanks!

Thank you so much! I can't tell you how much your thoughtful response has encouraged me :)

This is so helpful. Thank you! Looking at the Barton website, I am thinking she might have a mild form of dyslexia. I feel so silly for not putting the pieces together sooner. It makes sense though that I have naturally gravitated towards curriculum that are good for dyslexia. . . I did a little research and it looks like an evaluation will cost over $2000. Ouch! Do I have any other options for evaluation? I am going to check those books out from the library - they look great! Do children with dyslexia tend to have better success homeschooling? I am totally willing to do my part and educate myself on how to teach, but paying for years of expensive tutoring is out of the question. Thanks again - I so appreciate this supportive community!

My dd 7 has struggled with reading from the very beginning. She now has an excellent knowledge of phonics (thanks to AAS and IEW's PAL) but she still really struggles with using her knowledge for reading (I'm guessing the problem lies in decoding but am not sure since she has the knowledge). I'm looking for resource suggestions both to educate myself on learning/reading challenges and to help her develop decoding skills. Also, at what point would you recommend having an evaluation done, and where do I turn for that. I'm not really wanting to go the public school route, but I also want to get her help if that's what she needs. Thanks so much!

I second educationunboxed.com. I watched some of the videos one night and had light bulbs going off in my head like fireworks! It was great and I am now excited to revisit some of the mental math stumbling blocks we encountered. We are also switching to MM from SM.

I can't remember how long it took, but it wasn't bad and is definitely worth it. I did make sure not to order anything on backorder though. the RAS paints are GREAT and a really good price. I think they also have a sale that might end today. you could use the extra money you save to upgrade the shipping . . .

We did our first HAS lesson today too and my kids loved it! I did too! I have gone from dread to love! Yay. Now, i just need to remember the Handel/Vivaldi next time : )

Oh, that's totally what happened. I never have been great at reading directions - I never saw anything like that, but it makes perfect sense. Hope I can get a new link : )

I don't use fb so I sent an email to the address on the site. Hopefully I'll hear back soon!

I purchased the combo pack for Intro to Science online and had not printed it out yet. Now I am not able to access the PDFs from the link that was sent to me. It says "PDF not available". I'm really frustrated that I spent the money and now can't access the curriculum for my lesson planning. I tried to fill out the "contact us" form on the website and that wouldn't go through either. I am new to ES and am wondering if this is a common problem? Hope not!

I purchased the combo pack for Intro to Science online and had not printed it out yet. Now I am not able to access the PDFs from the link that was sent to me. It says "PDF not available". I'm really frustrated that I spent the money and now can't access the curriculum for my lesson planning. I tried to fill out the "contact us" form on the website and that wouldn't go through either. I am new to ES and am wondering if this is a common problem? Hope not!

I just posted about this today on general Ed board. We too are still waiting. Glad to see one person got theirs : )

Just wondering if any of you who purchased home art studio from homeschool buyers co op has gotten it yet? Our supplies from Jerry's arrived today and we are all having a hard time being patient : )

Faith Christian school started out of a homeschool group and when we left they still allowed part time. Worth checking into. My kiddos were young when we left so not sure about the libraries. Cost of living was great! Lots of outdoor options. We loved it!

I used to live in Roanoke and it seems to fit your description. I would describe it as quite conservative. Lots of homeschoolers. My old friends are involved in cc which I think has several campuses. Also lots of people live outside the city. I can answer more specific questions if you have them.