Oh, that's too funny!! And I think you're right! I think the powers-that-be attempted to do something clever and perhaps depended on the wrong resource! Still, thanks for your help!

The following is printed on the back of my sons' new swim team t-shirts: Qui would vulnero servo facio nos validus. What does it mean? I know it's something along these lines-- those who try to attack us only make us stronger, but I'd love to know for sure (and I'm thinking "would" is a misprint-- possibly a word in the english translation that missed the final edit?). Any ideas?

The following is printed on the back of my sons' new swim team t-shirts: Qui would vulnero servo facio nos validus. What does it mean? I know it's something along these lines-- those who try to attack us only make us stronger, but I'd love to know for sure (and I'm thinking "would" is a misprint-- possibly a word in the english translation that missed the final edit?). Any ideas?

I keep reading rave reviews but am left wondering... how do you use it on a regular basis? Do you simply read-aloud the text portions to your kiddos? Is there any writing involved? Do you create games or exercises on your own, or is everything needed for maximum gain contained w/in the text itself? I love the idea of learning roots & word origins (as opposed to simply memorizing lists), but please tell--- day in and day out, how do you use it??

Oh gosh... no worries whatsoever! It was good for me, quite actually, to skim through those excerpts-- that's some serious, serious algebra!! A tad bit intimidating, truth be told, but solid and good nonetheless!! Thanks so much for the suggestions-- I have much to consider in the weeks to come!

Wow! I just looked through the samples to the AoPS Intro to Algebra text, and it looks great! I *love* the thorough explanations-- we just might have to snag a copy and work our way through, just to be sure we've covered everything thoroughly. Thanks so much for that suggestion!

A thousand thanks-- you've all given me MUCH food for thought!!

Hmmmmm, that really does make sense! So "if math skills are not a constraint"... what math skills are necessary to succeed? Is algebra 1 enough? I'm just wondering if this progression might be a wise choice for ds, who will complete algebra in 8th (with a solid understanding, I hope!) & then begin (and hopefully make a solid dent in) geometry before the year's end. In your opinion, with that amount a math under his belt, would he be able to handle a decent physics program in 9th (as he continues to work through geometry)? And if so, do you have a favorite course?

Regentrude (or others!)-- I've never considered swapping Bio w/ physics (to thus follow your physics in 9th/chem in 10th/bio in 11th grade plan). Will you please explain why this sequence might be advantageous? Way back in the day when I was in high school, I followed the "traditional" trajectory-- Bio, chem, physics. I just assumed everybody did it that way! Why the switch? Ds will finish algebra next year (8th) and start geometry-- he does well in math, but he's definitely not math-gifted (I think he's more a humanities guy). Is your plan more advantageous for the math-science types or for anyone? Please... do tell!

Here's why I ask-- ds (14 in October) will be in 8th grade next year. We've never really DONE science in a serious sort of way-- in early elementary, we watched videos, read books, studied astronomy---> gentle, interest-led exposure. In 5th/6th/half of 7th, he took science through our co-op (basic bio/chem type stuff)--->*nothing* rigorous, but mildly decent exposure there as well. Jump ahead to high school-- I want him to take bio/chem/physics in 9th/10th/11th w/ a more advanced science in 12th *if* he so desires (though I don't think he will). So... for 8th grade-- in order to get him up to speed and ready for highschool level science, what should I do? Originally, I was leaning towards Physical Science w/ Derek Owens. Now I'm considering BJU (w/ dvds) Earth & Space. And opinions? Any different suggestions? I want him to work hard, and I want to force him to dig deep; I want him to be challenged and I want him to stretch. BUT, I don't want to completely overwhelm him, and I don't want science to completely dominate his year (other courses for him-- math, comp., latin, omnibus-- sit higher on my priority list for him). So, any thoughts? I'm starting to panic as high school rapidly approaches-- I don't want to waste his time before he gets there, and if at all possible, I want him to enjoy science (he really didn't enjoy his co-op experiences)! I'm just not sure... where to go? What to do? Would love your opinions and feedback! And thanks :)

Do any of you have any experience with this course (either w/ the text alone OR with the distance option/dvds)? It looks like it might be a solid study in literary analysis (which we have fairly neglected thus far) with many excellent works included... just thinking/planning ahead and hoping for some positive feedback! Thanks!

Wow, these are excellent ideas!! Thank you so much for sharing!!

We're in the process of adopting a little girl from China, so this summer I'd like to teach my crew a bit more about Chinese culture/geography/history/etc... and I'd like to make it as fun as possible! Any ideas/resources/links/what-nots you might pass along??

Hmmm, I didn't consider that point! Thanks so much for pointing it out!!

I chose LfC B at the end of last year, and it turned out to be a good fit for ds (10/11, 5th grade). A bit of review via level A wouldn't have hurt (we had taken several months off between LL1 & LfC), but quite frankly, I didn't want to spend the $$ on another entire level, so we just plunged in to B. No regrets whatsoever w/ that choice. I still need to purchase level C for the fall, but based on the material covered in B, skipping from LL1 to LfC C would have been a nightmare!