We just started MCT island. We had finished FLL level 3 for my 3rd grader and level 4 for my 4th grader. I was so surprised at what my kids did not know after completing FLL. MCT island is absolutely the best curriculum I have ever bought. My kids love it and what they have learned is amazing. They really know their grammar.

We are classical homeschoolers. Plans for my fourth grader next year: CC memory work for memorization CC geography maps Literacy guides from veritas press of Stuart Little, Boxcar children, Homer Price, Charley and the Choc. factory (will add more just need to see how fast or slow we go) MCT town level Teaching Textbooks 4 WWE 3 Following CC science topics and just going more in depth with them

Snap circuits? My 6 yr old loves them.

I just found this online and it interests me. Anyone used it with good luck? It is really expensive so I doubt I would by the whole package. I was thinking about just picking out one concept and using it this summer to see how it goes. I have a 10, 9, 6, and 4 year old. But mainly was thinking of using it with just my older two. I think the Hugo Cabret and the Invention Science looks fun. What about the Number in the Stars and the World I and II social studies?

I used it and I actually thought it moved to fast for my 5 year old. He knew this letters and letter sounds but just could not get it. I have Dancing Bears now and it is working better. I like the price better on Dancing Bears.

Does anyone think that there is a huge jump in difficulty between Core D to E? I just bought Core E as we are about to finish Core D. My girls are 10 and 9 and are doing great with Core D. The books as the required reading seem to be really advanced compared to what we are reading now. Wondering if I should put Core E up for a while and doing the MP literature guides instead.

I would say you need both books.

I am following this. We tried Essentials this year with my fourth grader and dropped out. It was too much for her... Mainly the EEL. I am wondering if I should try again for 5th grade. Also if I should just do my own thing for grammar just like you.

So I thought I had this all planned out. But this forum is introducing me to so many new things. My soon to be 5th grader will have finished FLL 4 and half of WWE 3 at the end of this year. I was thinking of moving her to Hake Grammar 5 or Rod and Staff Grammar. Then thinking to cont. with WWE 3 and add Wordsmith App. BUT.... I just looked up MCT and it has sparked my interest. Wondering if we would like it, if it would be a good fit for us, etc. What level would I even start her in? I really like the idea of making grammar fun. But I like that FLL is open and go, no planning.

If I were going to place my 4th grader in this next year what level would I need? She would have finished FLL 4. So would I use the Jr. or just Analytical Grammar?

LA: WWE 1, FLL 1, Dancing Bears (not sure what level he is working on A now), Apples and Pears level A (spelling) History: CC cycle 2 Science: Christian kids Explorers following the topics covered by CC Math: not sure he is on Rod and Staff 1 now.... Extras: Fencing and boys tumbling classes

Math: Saxon 54 Language Arts: FLL 4 and Writing with Ease 3 History: Sonlight Core E and CC cycle 2 Science: Christian Kids Explore following the subjects covered in CC cycle 2 Latin: Prima Latina Spelling: Apples and Pears Handwriting: Queen's primers and book A for cursive Extras: Art class and tumbling

For my 5th grader here is what I have planned so far: MATH: Saxon 65 (finishing it up then move to 78) Grammar: Either Hake or Rod and Staff waiting to see them in person to decide History: Sonlight Core E and CC cycle 2 Writing: Writing with Ease 4 and IEW Fairy Tales Latin: Prima Latina Science: Christian kids Explore following topics covered in CC Spelling; Apples and Pears Extras afterschool activities: Art class, ballet, baton, tumbling

I would say FLL 4 would be fine. You do not need to do FLL 3 to proceed to FLL 4.

Your sons sounds very similar to my soon to be 10 year old. I took her to a specialist and found out she has a mild case of dyslexia. We have a tutor using the Barton program with her twice a week. I have her reading to me everyday, using Apples and Pears for spelling problems, and FLL for grammar and WWE. Things are getting better... it is just a slow process.

Apple and Pears? They have test to decide what level to place them.

You are on the right track to start looking into CC now. Our sign ups are coming up in a couple weeks. I suggest you go and check out your local community. My kindergarten loves it.

My girls learned them in CC this year in 6 weeks with the skip counting songs. It was amazing!!!

Maybe FLL 5 will magically make an appearance come fall when I need it. I just love it so much.

I just got Apples and Pears and have to say that I love it. So much easier than anything I have used before and now spelling is actually getting down daily. Dictation was just not enough for my girls.

Are you going to be doing FLL for the older grades? I just love FLL but not sure what to do for 5th grade grammar.

Wow thanks. I love the bright ideas CKE. It is just what I was looking for!!!! I thinking I am going to order it today and set up science for the rest of this school year.

This is our first year of CC and I am looking ahead to Cycle two. I would love to have something on hand that semi follows the subjects covered. This year I feel like I am barely touching science and would like to fix this.

I love FLL and I am looking ahead at my dd's 5th grade year. What would be a good grammar program that is similiar to FLL? I am so disappointed that it just stops at year 4.

I love FLL and I am looking ahead at my dd's 5th grade year. What would be a good grammar program that is similiar to FLL? I am so disappointed that it just stops at year 4.