They are convenient but not necessary. If you don't mind using the ink then you can copy from the back of the book or like a PP suggested, fold a paper in half and do it that way. I like the convenience of having the student books.

We've had similar experiences. We have one that works from RR and I'm sticking to it. You can't imagine how many times we have spent the first 15 minutes of school searching endlessly for that grip! It's a must have at this point.

Love this pic with the kids looking at you. It's great!

I went to public school but graduated at 16 (10th grade) with the help of college courses. I realized that public school isn't for everyone. I was easily bored with the busywork the teachers tried to give me and it didn't take long for me to come to the decision that I would educate my children at home. This way, irregardless of their learning pace, I can keep them at a level where they need to be and cater the education to each child- which, IMO, is how an education should be. One size doesn't fit all! I only wish this decision would have came to dh that easily.:glare:

"I'm here anytime you want to talk, day or night" Those words were the most comforting. I also agree with the post that said be there when everyone else isn't. The first month everyone cares. Flowers are sent, cards arrive, dinners are brought to you, and the phone rings endlessly. After that the grief sets in and everyone has moved on with their lives...except you. That's when you need a friend to call and let you know they are thinking of you. When a special day arrives is another big one. Don't intrude, but kindly ask if they want dinner brought to them, go to dinner, or just to talk on the birthday, anniversary, or even holidays. Those are hard days to spend alone when you are used to your loved one being next to you and celebrating with you. It's unimaginable how a listening ear and kind heart is the largest gesture of kindness one can extend. :grouphug:

We have used CLE math for grades 1-4 and can't imagine switching. I'm sure if you use the search function and type in Christian Light Education you will find numerous threads on this discussion as it has been brought up many times. I'll give you my review in case you don't want to go search previous threads. We have enjoyed it tremendously. It uses the spiral approach so each lesson introduces a new concept and then reviews previous concepts. If your child tires of repetition you might consider marking off areas for them to skip if they have clearly mastered an area. My children haven't bored of the repetition so we complete each lesson entirely. The lessons start off with a speed drill of math facts, then it asks you as the parent to drill them with flash cards, have them count or skip count for you, or read numbers aloud to you(the teacher guide varies on what it asks of the student each day). They then proceed through the lesson. The books (lightunits) are not flashy in color or graphics but do have interesting facts posted here and there in them. There are ten lightunits in each grade. Each lightunit has lessons, two quizzes and a final book test. The first lightunit of each grade is a review of the previous grade. It is a very thorough and inexpensive math program that has produced great results for our family. On the Christian Light Families yahoo group they had a discussion about where to purchase from and it seemed most families prefer to purchase directly from CLP/CLE website to support them. We purchase through Anabaptist Bookstore online. They have cheaper shipping rates, great customer service, and I haven't noticed it taking any longer to receive my orders. Sorry for rambling on. I do hope I've answered your questions and given you a decent review of CLE.

We used this book last year and enjoyed it. It was thorough, inexpensive, not teacher intensive and yet she retained the information quite well. It sounds like it might fit what you are looking for. Good luck!

I agree with TracyR that it is important to memorize math facts before worrying about the how and why's. We've used CLE Math for four years and have had huge success with it. I also will agree that CLE teaches both the how and why's along with memory and drill. It is a great combination of both. If still interested you should check out the sample pages on the yahoo group. They might help you to get a visual for what it's like.

A sweet moment from one of my little mamas. Link is in the sig. line.

I'm with you on this. I didn't understand what they would have in them that would be a necessity. Taking into consideration the time we spend researching they might deserve a second thought. :001_smile:

Our group asks the ESD for permission to use one of the school's gyms as a location for it. They have let us do this free of charge for many years. We use a karaoke machine for the microphone. It isn't the best sound system but it has worked and is relatively easy to find someone that owns one. We set up the tables in a large half circle with the audience sitting in front of it. The participants set up their displays/projects about 15-20 minutes prior to the presentation time. We then pass the microphone around and let the kids announce their names, ages, and explain the projects they have. We happen to have three science teachers as spouses that do the judging (their kids don't participate). We typically ask Papa Murphy's, Pizza Hut, and Dairy Queen for donated certificates to give as rewards to all the children. A WalMart card is given to the top three winners (walmart donated them one year and the others we have had to purchase them). I hope some of this information helps you and if not sorry for rambling. :)

I used to relate to this. Now our homeschool group has gym day and library days on Tuesdays so we do one day, take a break on Tuesday, and then start again on Wednesday. I'm still trying to decide if I like the break or dread having a broken up week.:001_huh:

Ours is up, link is in the sig. line. It's one picture to show how our holiday went!

We have two that are skinny minnies from the get go, one that was a chunky monkey and thinned out around 5, and one that is huge at 10 mos. It appears every other one is chubby and we love it!

After reading the responses I'm aware that I didn't word the poll correctly. I should have put Neoclassical with Latin, but not at the center instead of Neoclassical without Latin. Sorry for that. It's been interesting to read the responses of how everyone classifies their style of schooling. I struggle with what to say when asked what method I use. Eclectic is too open and requires more explanation. Yet I can't clearly define classical vs. neoclassical (in the poll I did the best I could from what I understand of it). Thanks for all the responses.:001_smile:

Love this! Great job.

I thought his post was awesome! It sounds like a lot to do in 30 days. You will be busy! :001_smile: Don't forget to keep us posted on how it goes. I was going to post a comment but didn't know if he knew you posted about it on here.

Classical being Latin based and Neoclassical being based on the trivium but without Latin. This is how I have understood the differences to be. Please correct me if I am wrong. I know several others on the board use a CM method or some mixture of the above. I'm mostly interested in seeing who uses a true classical education method and who uses a neoclassical style.

I would agree with those that have suggested you provide what he wants...at home. He is in pre-k and will graduate to K when appropriate. My little guys have enjoyed using Rod and Staff's preschool series or Kumon workbooks. It makes them feel special to have school books so when I say it is school time they get their book out. Mine enjoy a box filled with their school supplies. Puzzles and board games become school tools too. We also have lunch boxes that we pack to take field trips, sometimes only to the park. My little ones enjoy trips to the library, grocery store, and anywhere. It's all about how you present it. If I get excited and say, "after school today we are going to take a field trip to the grocery store" they are beside themselves. They are eager learners at this point so enjoy it!

:iagree:me too. I voted before reading the category descriptions and misunderstood.

I tend to be drawn to the not-so-serious photos. Otherwise they are so very sterile and not enjoyable. These are fun and show personality. I like them!

Taco soup is always a big crowd pleaser around here. We make multiple batches and freeze some for later.

:iagree:This is exactly how I feel and what I wanted to say. Thanks for wording it so wonderfully Julie!

No credit cards here either. It's a great feeling when reading other posts that we don't have to be concerned about increasing rates. I do feel for those dealing with this though. We tried credit cards years ago and found them much too irritating for what they are worth. You couldn't give us enough miles, perks, etc. to have a credit card.