I live in WNC...Franklin to be exact. Well, Cowee to be even more specific, it's 10 miles north of Franklin. We moved here 15 years ago from FL, as most have. We love it here. Geo

This is not particularly a southern trait. This is a lack-of-character trait. Geo

I don't like the idea of one topic for an entire school year-myself. However, I believe the motivation behind it is so that kids can learn it in more depth. I can't imagine learning anything of lasting quality in one week. We are seasonal learners at my house. We doing nature study in the spring/summer and cover many different aspects within that time period. If true interest is ignited in any area of science your child will want to spend more time on it in deeper study. Inspired by a thread on inquiry-based science, I just purchased an incredible resource for nature study/scientific method . The title is "Creepy Crawlies and The Scientific Method". See it on www.books.google.com (Thanks Kristina!) Geo

I'd think it would be harder to be at home alone with a 3yo and twins than hsing the 4 older with the other 3. They can empty dryers, vacuum, load & unload dishwashers. Not much for them, but probably too much for you-in the beginning. There's lots of real-life character education to be had for them in this situation! I wouldn't undervalue it a bit. Now's the time for the family to really work together.You could call it health and home management. I'd expect a light year where some subjects are concerned (history,science, & foreign language). I'd stick to self-guided materials in language and math. Plan about 2-3 months off around the birth...that's only if you want to be a sane hsing mom of 7 children. Be patient with yourself and your whole family. If you can do that, you may just enjoy the whole thing. Geo

Well, I fit the profile for 5 out of your 7 questions. I am 50 years old with a just-turned 7yods & 10yodd.., and a 17yodd, 24yodd,26yods,34yods. All are my biological children with the same husband. We're basically an infertile couple with 6 children. The last 5 were born at home. The real tough part was entering menopause while breastfeeding. Because early menopause runs in my family I was post-menses at 45. I'll be 61 when we're finally done homeschooling...we began in 1987. I think my family should present me with a gold watch when I retire...in 2020! Intrepid as I am, a medical condition with chance of birth defects would have caused me to restrain myself. My avatar says it all, Geo

Oh, so sorry. My heart feels for you. I have suffered miscarriages and can touch your pain in a small way. You are a grieving mom, be patient with yourself and those who mean to comfort you but only end up hurting you in some way (unintentionally). The bible says "Weep with those who weep". True wisdom. I found that the people who cried with me were my greatest comfort in those times. May peace come to you, geo

I live in western NC and I have to agree with that theory. Independent clansmen rolled over into small, close knit communities seem to have created this "world-within-a-world" atmosphere. Geo

In other words...the small-town dynamic? I think so. It's a way of preserving privacy and control (over your own life) in a close-knit community. Geo

snicker, snicker :thumbup: Geo, who shouldn't even show her avatar on this thread

[quote name=Alte Veste Academy; I guess I should buy Snap Circuits for him but it seems really early for that. I don't think it's too early at all! Snap-Circuits are very gentle' date=' IMO. My son started with them when he was 6, with the help of his father. In contrast, I am delaying academics with him because he is just not ready for formal reading or math instruction.For that reason alone I want to do real-life experiences with him...hence my interest in this thread. Geo

[quote It seems like a culture of avoiding direct confrontation, being civil at least on the face of things regardless of how you really feel. Now, there is something to be said about more civility versus in-your-face directness, but I know it will be hard for me - I am so bad at "reading between the lines" if you will. Oh sister, I know what you mean. After 15 years,. it's still hard for me at times. I am finally beginning to internalize that it isn't meant to just "blow you off". It's just a part of the unwritten social decorum. I have to remind myself that it's not personal...it's just their way. Church can be real interesting for me. I need to accept them and give them the benefit-of-the-doubt as much as they need to do the same for me.:001_huh: Geo

" People wave to you through the windshield of their pick up truck as they pass you on the road. Actually, I think it's a rule. If you are driving a pick-up truck and pass another pick-up truck, you have to lift the fingers of the hand on top of the steering wheel in a wave like gesture. I have learned to do it almost automatically now! " Absolutely! Anything else would be un-neighborly! Geo

Well, I live in the Smokey Mountains of western, NC. We moved here 15 years ago. Yes, I would say it is friendly, but different in it's friendliness. The locals here would stand and visit (jaw) at the fence with a total stranger for an indertiminable length of time-but you'd probably never become a close friend of the family. You see, in these mountains are alot of scottish clan folk. They move in a strong family "circle-of-trust". I am not sure they are even aware they are like this. I am not saying they are suspicious, no, not at all. If you forget your wallet at home, the store owner would let you pay next time your in town, even if he hardly knew you. It's just better described as "clan-ish". Upon meeting you, they often ask your last name immediately. If it's not "Duvall, Crawford, McCollum Moore, or McCall, they look a little puzzled. It helps if "yin's kin" (you are kin). Most folks just run in their family circles, particularly the old timers. It's not as pronounced as when we first moved here. Like alot of americana, it's dying with it's people. Being originally from Denver, Colorado, then Ft.Lauderdale FL...I'd take the old Scots any day. I love living here. Geo

I'd love to see your list of really interesting science books. I don't mean that as a challenge. :) It's just that I am always delighted to find new resources...like on this thread, for instance. Geo

It only makes sense to me that there needs to be a balance (of sorts) between the two-content/inquiry. I have a question. I like Nebel's "Building Foundations of Scientific Inquiry". However, my daughter is much older than the "K-2" marker (she's 10). Would this still be advantageous for my situation or would it be better to purchase "Nebel's Elementary Education"? I do have a 7yods, but I'd like to make sure I don't short-change my older daughter. Also, where would "Private-Eye" come into play? Does it offer something that the other two do not? Geo

Just one more thing...it ain't over 'til it's over. I have a friend married for 20 years and infertile. She was 40 years old and became pregnant. Randomly...just like that. Perfect pregnancy, perfect birth, beautiful child. I am not suggesting that it will be that way for you...it's just that God knows the has plans He has for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future. He is faithful. You can look to Him face to face without shame, and know He loves you and that you can trust Him with ALL of it. My heart and prayers are with you, Geo P.S. I know the cup tastes bitter right now, but don't refuse to drink from it...He has a plan!

Try B-complex 100mg, time-released. Every day. Just try it. For dh sake, if nothing else -seriously. It helps. In addition, Emerita progesterone cream 1/2 tsp applied to soft skin a.m. & p.m. can really smooth you out, help you sleep and prevents bone loss. BTW, welcome to the club. Geo

I've traditionally taught philosophy in 9/10 grade. It helps identify the worldview of the authors in their literature courses for 11/12 grades, which brings greater insight. Economics would be better suited for 12th grade because it has no special purpose or benefit before then, IMO. If you have not taught philosophy by 12th, I would choose that over economics. Geo

We own a "Matthew Henry's Commentary in One Volume". It's old, but I'm fairly sure they still print them. It covers the entire bible. This is not the concise commentary. Geo

I found this, it may help. http://giftedkids.about.com/od/familylife/qt/sleep_help.htm Also, for your consideration...Is it possible adhd is a factor? Does he talk excessively? Geo

I would look at www.elenco.com They have robotic kits and what-not. Happy hunting, Geo

[quote=I read somewhere that Math Mammoth is "Singapore for the rest of us," and that interests me since Singapore is so highly reccommended (but scares me). ...Maybe you shoud try Singapore first, before you think she is one of the "rest of us". It's no big deal...really. Geo

Singapore allows freedom to move at one's own pace without alot of revising. I would always have manipulatives on hand to aid the thinking processes. SM is great for thinking mathematically. It has been enjoyable. Geo