Here are my plans and a question or two: History: Core 100 from Sonlight Science: Apologia Physical Science Math: Math*U*See pre-algebra Grammar: Analytical Grammar Bible: Sonlight Vocabulary: Wordly Wise Book 8 Logic: here is my question: What is the difference between Critical Thinking books one and two and Analogies 1? I can't decide which to use and don't want to overwhelm my son. We have struggled in the past with overwhelming subjects and had to scrap those subjects altogether. He is a bright boy, but could use a confidence boosting subject. Is Critical Thinking an intese book that should wait until later high school years? Any input you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Okay, so I was talking to my oldest the other day about what he wanted to do next year (4th grade) and he said health. Who knew? Maybe he'll be a doctor after all? :D Anyway, not planning on doing any health next year, I'm totally clueless as to what is even out there! Here is what I'm doing for next year: Bible, History, Reading, and Science - all Sonlight Handwriting - HWT Math - Saxon Spelling - Spelling Workout and Financial Peace Jr - only lasts about 6 weeks Any advice would be great. You all have such wonderful ideas! Thanks in advance, Tammy

As a lefty myself, I really like HWT. My oldest is a righty and does great with the program; my youngest is a lefty and his writing is a little - well, bad. But I know it will click and he'll writing as neatly as my oldest in a few years. From the teaching perspective, I find it easy to do and my kids really enjoy the program. We used a different program at first with my oldest and it was terrible and caused many tears. So the title was what first caught my eye with this program! It really is hard to beat. Tammy

My oldest has gone through book 8 and my youngest just finished book 4. We have used it as our main phonics for my youngest and spelling/phonics for my oldest. Both my kids are good readers, with my oldest being a very strong reader. I will say my oldest didn't like ETC but I made him do it anyway :001_smile: I noticed a difference right away in his spelling - which is the main reason I purchased the program for my oldest in the first place. I'm typically not a workbook person, but I can't argue with positive results. Tammy

I always say Calvert is the Cadillac of homeschool curriculums. We used it the first two years with our oldest when we thought that more expensive meant the best. Don't get me wrong, we liked Calvert, but it was p-r-i-c-e-y! I agree with the others, I would hire an art teacher and a music teacher - and maybe a housekeeper. Mama's got to get something out of this dream too!

I totally agree with Sarah - sometimes saving time (and gas, and frustration) is worth the money. I actually found my science kits on ebay and feel we got a great deal. It's kind of like buying the cores - sure I could find all those books on my own (or order them separately), but I don't have that kind of time!!

Does R&S 4 English offer enough writing or would I need to find a supplemental writing program? My son currently hates with a capital "H" the thought of writing, but I'm hoping to spark his love of writing soon. Thanks for any thoughts you can provide.

I just happened to run across this when I logged onto the forum today. THANK YOU for the great advice. Hubby and I just finished putting aside the $$ for our kitchen redo. Great advice! I'm so glad I stumbled across this!

I use Destination Math with our Saxon 1 and 3. It does seem to do a good job correlating between the lessons. I also like using it because it gives my kids a different type of teaching perspective in regards to math. My first grader especially really likes it. My third grader I think really likes it but doesn't want to appear too excited (not cool, ya know ;-) I don't use Destination Math for each Saxon lesson. There are some lessons that aren't correlated to Destination Math, and sometimes I like to teach the math lesson myself just to make sure something isn't falling through the cracks. Overall, I think it was a great investment for us. I plan on using it again next year.

First of all, my homeschool co-op utilizes two separte church buildings for our classes and graduation. The church building we use for classes has suggested we purchase our own liability insurance and that's all we need to do to use the building. Our co-op board didn't feel that was an outlandish request, and having insurance is today's litigious (sp) society is a good thing. The second church has never asked us for anything to use their building for graduation except to clean up when we're done. No problem. Secondly, I agree with others who posted previously, you need to speak with your pastor. Base your actions on Matthew 18:15-16: "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." There are many out there who think we're "weird" for homeschooling, but that's okay, doing what God calls you to do sometimes makes you look "weird". As far as the classroom, what do the Lutherans have available? :lol:

I was watching the individual competitions tonight and finally had to stop. The commentators pointed out four mistakes from one of the Chinese competitors and she ended up with the same score as one of our competitors, who made no mistakes. They were confused, and so am I. I also noticed the other night that one of the girls still had her baby teeth. It makes me angry to think about it; they're not playing fair. A 12-year-old is much more limber and agile than a 16-year-old. Yes, the 16yo has the experience, but her body is bigger and can't move as well as a 12yo. I had also heard the girls are taken around age 3. I also heard one of the gymnastics wanted to stop, but her parents said no because they have a much better life now that their child is involved in the gymnastics. It makes me more and more grateful that I live in the USA!

I just noticed I have one square and don't know how it got there. I noticed y'all talking about using rep points. What are those? What does the square mean? Thanks for helping out a newbie. :D

As I was reading this post I was wondering who no one would mention the ultimate best of all time - Duran Duran. So, thanks Crazy Coffee Chic. Almost every one you mentioned is a fave of mine. Also, did anyone hear the song "I Eat Cannibals"? During pom-pon camp one year we did a routine to that song and I loved it. I would have to add that to the list as well. Recently Duran Duran did a concert that was shown on VH1 and I loved it! I guess you never really grow up ... Thanks for starting this post - it's bringing back some great memories.

We're using: Sonlight Core 3 SOTW 3 Saxon 3 Explode the Code 7&8 R&S English 3 Spelling Workout C Prima Latina God's Design for Chemistry Bowling team Co-op Art Piano various YMCA sports Sonlight Core 1 SOTW 1 Saxon 1 FLL first grade Spelling Workout A God's Design for Life My Printing Book (HWT) Bowling team Co-op Art Piano various YMCA sports I think that's it -- it certainly LOOKS like enough :laugh:

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I'll be checking these websites out!