My daughter loved Breadwinner when we studied the 20th century last year. There are actually 2 more books in this series. It is set in Afganistan( sorry about spelling) There were also quite a few from WWII that she liked. SnowTreasure, Number the Stars, A Father's Promise. My side of the Mountain wasn't set during the war, but it was very good too. I'm not home right now to look on my self, so this is all I can think. Janis in DE

I'm using TOG for my 4th year. We started with year 2 and are currently using Year 1 Redesigned. I was married in an Assembly of God and gone to a non-denominational church for the last 35 years. We have currently started going to a Reformed Presbyterian Church. I have found nothing in TOG to cause a problem. The new church we are going to has been having a foundational adult Sunday School class. We have found it very interesting. Though we might have some differences of opinion we have found nothing of what we consider core to our faith. I know that might not be true for everyone. As we have grown older we have much more acceptance for the differences in the different denominations, as long as certain core beliefs are there such as Bible as the Word of God, Saving Grace. Jesus as the Son of God. Janis in DE

My daughter is 12 and we've done very little formal spelling since 1st grade. We always ask her how to spell something. She's better at spelling than me and my husband. She tests at better than a 12th grade level. Janis in DE

TOG doesn't teach spelling, but they do have lists that you can use for vocabulary or make lists from for spelling. Janis in DE

Have you looked at Math U See? They do a very good job of explaining the why and they use blocks for manipulatives. Janis in DE

Half way through here, so week 18. We just have to do our TOG unit test and then we are off for 3 weeks. Janis in DE

We have just decided to drop latin too. We did Latin Primer I and II and this year we moved on to Latin Prep. My daughter has not liked it and has been begging to stop. I had chosen to give her a year off of English Grammar since we were doing Latin Prep and she was ahead a year in English Grammar. We will be starting Analytical Grammar in January. We will pick up either French or Spanish in high school. Janis in DE

I already have Years 1,2 & 3 Redesigned and the Classic versions of all 4 years. If I can only get Year 4 Redesigned in Digital then that is what I will do. I do like the idea of digital because it saves a lot of space, but I've never done a lot of reading online. I think I might just like it in Digital though. Janis in DE

I am just finishing Video Text Algebra Module A with my daughter who is in 6th grade. It is time for the unit exam. I was wondering how everyone handles this. My plan is to watch the videos again as a review. Give the first test as a pre test and then go over anything she got wrong again. Then give the second test as the test that gets graded. What do you think? Thanks. We are taking this slow since she is young. I only plan to do two modules a year. Janis in DE

How long and for what grades have you homeschooled? Started in Kindergarten and my daughter is in 6th grade Did you know from the start you would homeschool or did some event point you down this road? No, I put 4 older children through public school. The youngest was in 12 grade when her baby sister was due to start school and she insisted that I not put her in public school. Were you homeschooled? No Does anyone in your extended family homeschool? No What method and materials did you use your first year of homeschooling? Writing Road to Reading, Abeka History, Spectrum Math What method and materials are you currently using? TOG, IEW, Video Text Algebra, Latin Prep What books, ideas, etc. have helped shape your homeschool? TWTM discovered this about 1/2 through kindergarten What has been the most challenging aspect for you? Actually teaching, it is not my "gift" What aspect has come naturally for you? Organizing and planning this is my "gift" What are your favorite homeschool memories thus far? Lots of fun field trips What is the best advice you've been given? Teach history Chronologically What advice do you give others just starting this journey? Enjoy it, don't stress

Hi Shelley, Do you happen to own the Pop Quizes? I know some busy moms that use these to give them a good overview. Maybe listening to them would allow you to have a decent discussion without having to read all the teacher pages. We do a modified discussion in our co-op. I'm in charge of that and there are some weeks that we don't get it all done. Hang in there, it is a wonderful program! Janis in DE

My dd age 11 really likes the Discover 4 Yourself by Kay Arthur. Janis in DE

We started Video Text this week. My daughter is entering 6th and we will be taking 3 years to do the program. At least that is my plan. We are taking it slow and just moving forward 1 lesson at a time after I'm sure she understands the concept. She's young, so I don't want to push her. I like the idea of me doing it too, since it has been over 35 years since I took Algebra. I sat in on a demo at our convention and was sold. Janis in DE

I bought several of the back issues and then got a subscription. I reallly like how it is put together. I use TOG and when I get an issue I just file it with the time period it covers. Then when we are on that time period I will often schedule some of the articles for my daughter to read. Janis in DE

I've used Saxon from kindergarden. We started with Saxon 1, so we have always been ahead a year. We just finished 5th grade and Saxon 76. We will be moving to Video Text Algebra next month, but taking 3 years to do it. Veritas Press also uses it a year ahead. Janis in DE

When I was trying to make this same decision I was told that Biology and up you should get the newer version, but for General and Physical there wasn't enough of a difference. I bought both used for $20 each and spent the money I saved on the CD to go along with them. Janis in DE

My daughter will be starting Latin Prep in August too. We will be using the workbook also. I planned out the year for 4 days a week for 32 weeks using Homeschool Tracker. I would be more than happy to email you the schedule if you would like. Just email me at Jmene811@aol.com Janis in DE

Story of the World is listed as an alternative. That would be a good option for this age. Janis in DE

I think all grammar can be a little boring too. What I like about AG is that it is only 10 weeks plus reviewing once a week for the rest of the year. This way we don't have to do it all year. So cut done on the boring issue. Janis in DE

Analytical Grammar is a great way to sure up Grammar before high school. It can be done in 1,2 or 3years. You don't do it for the whole year unless you want to complete it in one year. This would give you time to add writing. I really like IEW and will be using their Ancient History lessons next year since we are studying the Ancients. Sonlight gives you plenty of literature. Janis in DE

I just bought LOF Algebra and Video Text. We are taking 3 years to do VT since my daughter is just entering 6th grade. We will use LOF for reinforcement. Janis in DE

I decided to go with Video Text for my rising 6th grader next year. We are going to do it over 3 years and throw in Life of Fred to put some humor and life application into it. Janis in DE

I will be doing Ancients again with my daughter who is in 6th. We will be using TOG and I have been reading some of her literature over the summer. I like to stay somewhat ahead of her. So far I have read and enjoyed, Golden Goblet, Hittite Warrior, Victory on the Wall, and Adara. I'm getting ready to start The Bronze Bow. Janis in DE

I'm sitting here watching Fox New station with Laura Ingraham and she had some PHD on there talking about how parents shouldn't be able to homeschool their kids. He was outrageous!! Saying that parents can not be qualified to teach all subjects to their Jr. and Sr. High students. Of course there is no mention of having them take college courses for some of these or that parents that are qualified often offer co-op classes, or that there are DVD courses available. He was very condescending.

Yes, TOG is a complete language arts program if you add grammar and phonics for younger children. Janis in DE