For us, I think it will be 4th grade. Let's face it. Until then, the focus is on the learning how to use the tools (reading, handwriting). Around 4th or 5th grade the children need to start using the tools they have been practicing with. None of my children have been ready for formal dictation until at least 5th grade, though. best intentions, Geo

Singapore Math 4 (including Intensive Practice, Challenging Word Problems) God's Design For Science: Our Planet Earth/Weather & Water...in conjunction with: Considering God's Creation Notebook pages Student Of The Word (Bible) (also our springboard for LA, Science, History) Ancient History Portfolio SOTW 1 Audio CD's IEW Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons A Child's History of Art (as applicable to history studies) A Child's Geography: Explore the Holy Land (to add a then/now dimension to Bible studies) Leftover pages from: Language Lessons for the Elementary Child Easy Grammar Great Editing Adventure 1 Spelling Wisdom, Book 1 The above does not include literature, source texts, reference materials, internet links, etc. best intentions, Geo

Michele, Everyone has a style that works for them. It sounds like your a good fit with Calvert. Is your child? Both of you matter. However , I would say this: unless your state requires that you keep a paper trail, that would only be a perk for you-not a requirement. I used 4th grade Calvert 16 years ago with my second son. The history, vocabulary, art, and writing were rich and challenging-even "classical". I would not say it was busy work...no, not at all (at that level, anyway). Piecing together curriculum is freedom for some (I am usually in that category) and an unwelcome burden to others. Choosing what is right for your family is the beauty of homeschooling. best intentions, Geo

We use "Atelier -Homeschool Art". It's a video based program. Each level has 3 modules, A-B-C. with 6 lessons in each module. My children liked watching the teacher explain the lesson with her actually doing it as she taught. The teacher has a small group of children as her class. When the teacher is finished with the instructional part there is a a few minutes of video clips showing the individual children working on their own art piece. I say the videos ARE the program. I could definitely pull-off using them without the TM. The TM includes an occasional art appreciation lesson (1 per module) featuring a famous artist. We co-oped level 3 and were able to complete the entire level of 18 lessons. The children enjoyed their lessons and seemed to derive alot of confidence from the videos. After viewing, I recommend you not turn off the DVD player while the children work (as music follows), it creates a pleasant atmosphere for quiet creativity. best intentions, Geo

The Home Instuctor's Guides (sonlight) are not absolutely necessary, but are a nice feature to the program. You never know when you might want to refer to it. I agree with the other poster: the mental math drills are a nice addition...as well as an answer to an occasional word problem (level 4 & up). The singapore "teacher's manuals" were for teachers in a school setting. If $ is a concern, just keep an eye out for them on the FS board here or homeschoolclassifieds.com ebay.com vegsource.com You can often find them for around $12ppd Definitely worth the price. best intentions, Geo

Sorry, I used mine-minutes before expiration. I believe they expired on May 15th anyway. adoremusbooks.com is currently offering 10% off + free shipping on $25 or more. The coupon code is: Summer8. They are a primarily a Catholic homeschool site but sell many common titles amongst homeschoolers. Hope this helps a little, Geo

After months of on & off searching for a sample audio clip...I find it...the same evening I finally posted for help finding it. Here it is for anyone else who might be interested: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=339047&event=SP1016|1168468|1016|1168468|1 016#media_players Scroll down below "Product Description" and click the little pictures for "real player" or "windows media". I think they will go over well enough with my kids...at least it will give my throat a break. I'd still like to hear reviews though. Thanks, Geo

My kids love to listen to stories in the car. I would like to purchase use SOTW 1 for that purpose. I know that the narrator is Jim Weiss, a master story-teller ... but I would still like to hear your reviews and maybe even uncover a well-hidden resource for a sample audio clip. Thanks, Geo

We have mostly used SWR in the past. However, we needed a break from the unrelenting "same-ness" of SWR. I bought Spelling Wisdom because I appreciate the goodness and beauty of the literary selections used in it. My plan is to apply the rules we have already been exposed to (if not yet mastered). I believe the approach to SW is as solid as that which is used in any dictation setting...modeling ...and imitating that model. best intentions, Geo

Heather, The wakings can also be a sign of an upcoming growth spurt. I've never been a "manager" of my babies. Something that fits my style & personality. I never had a problem with nursing at night, I just brought them into bed with me and "plugged 'em in" and put a pillow behind my back so I didn't have to support myself. I know that many people have issues with that, but we didn't. I DO know that I got more sleep than the other moms, though. Ultimately, do what seems right to you. to each their own, Geo

You probably need to read a "Boundaries" book by Cloud/Townsend. People who don't respect boundaries are only kept in check by people who protect their own. It is always acceptable to state the terms of the loan BEFORE actually loaning. It can save friendships and everyone will be happier for it. Now, having said that...I'll tell you I've been guilty of being afraid to say no. However, I am realizing that is MY problem. best intentions, Geo

Burnt do you say? Probably just that. Cucumbers need TONS of water. I live in WNC and I've never been able to grow peppers past late spring/early summer. They are kind of a "cool crop." They go dormant in the intense heat of summer, even with peppers on them. I've had green peppers stay dormant all summer only to "awaken" in the early fall. However, the peppers didn't taste right... they were bitter. My personal favorites (because I do them well) are yellow squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, cilantro, basil, mint, oregano. Zucchini is super-easy to grow, as well. In fact, there's a joke about it: "You know it's summer when you go to church, and you lock your car so no one puts a bag of zucchini in it"! I have had people try to give me zucchini the size of a baseball bat, lol! I guess that's okay, if you like to eat loofah! :0) Good luck, Geo

Here's a link...you can pick. Hope it helps. Scroll down, they're at the bottom: http://www.notebookingpages.com/index.php?page=Free-Science-Experiment-Notebooking-Pages best intentions, Geo

You would probably like the first 30-45 minutes, then it gets scary/disturbing. I was completely agitated when it was over...suspense thriller-borderline horror-thing. I wish I had checked it out before going. best intentions, Geo

Almost 28 years! Geo

Yeah, done all that before...more than once. Still, that's cheaper than some of my friends spend on gymnastics. If their kids are really good, they get on "team". That means traveling expenses, hotels and entry fees for competitions. One friend confided that "meet season" alone ran her $10,000. That does not include the $400 a month fee for basic instruction. After 4 years of that, her daughter quit. Rediculous. Let that be a lesson to all of us. best intentions, Geo

We buy ours at Sam's Club. It's "Fresh Salsa/Salsa Fresca" We pay $6.78 for 48oz. On the garlicky side, which we like. My hubby insists on buying 2-3 everytime we go there. Since he doesn't usually like fresh tomatoes, I indulge him:) He says fresh tomatoes "aren't done" inside.:glare: Geo

Why not choose 1 Core...the one that would be easiest to adapt to the other two children...up or down, your discretion. If this indeed is the Literature based program I suspect you are referring to, using Easy Grammar for the oldest two should fit well within standards for this next year. You didn't mention Science, so I assume that is not presenting a problem. If there is a problem surrounding LA for your 6yo, please clarify. best intentions, Geo

God's Design For Science Series: Our Planet Earth, Weather & Water History Portfolio/History Portfolio, Jr. (Ancient) A Child's Geography: Explore The Holy Land Student Of The Word (a winner for 2 years already, hoping for a 3rd) Story Of The World volume 1 audio CD's best intentions, Geo

I haven't pursued these topics in a few years but I would love to return to... Art Art/Music History Philosophy (especially as it is reflected through the arts) best intentions, Geo

I'm way too eccentric to follow a pre-determined course of study. My dream would be to research/practice whatever topic interested me until I was satisfied. That would be a little heaven-on-earth for me. Actually, I already do that to an extent, between the hours of 10pm and when I start to fall asleep...sometimes way beyond the 2 hour time framed posed here. Some of my interests/topics are: Ancient Civilizations (particularly their advanced technology) Evidence of Genesis in the Chinese language Story-telling as an art Doll-making of all shapes and sizes (from 1" -20") This is not a hobby..it's art! best intentions, Geo

I don't know of anything free, though there may be something out there..my suspicion is that it would be a teaser to try and get you to buy their service. Try the book "What Color Is Your Parachute"? This book is a leader on the topic. They have one for teens, to help them understand better what they truly enjoy or feel satisfied by...and then guide them to career possibilities that best accommodate that interest. best intentions, Geo

Winners: Student of the Word Singapore Math Books on tape from the library Language Lessons For the Elementary Child Handwriting Without Tears Mighty Works Of God: Self-Government Losers: Balancing The Sword Real Science 4 Kids: Pre-level 1 Chemistry Apologia: Exploring God's Creation with Botany:glare: best intentions, Geo

Create a Porfolio! You can purchase them in art supply stores...or make one or more out of posterboard. For larger artwork (11x17) use 1 large posterboard cut in half and stapled around the 3 edges. Use smaller poster sheets for regular size paper. Affordable enough to indulge your tempermental artist! It's good practice to have her date her work on the back-side of each masterpiece, making chronology possible in the future. Creativity is such a wonderful quality...be thankful! best intentions, Geo

It may be possible that it is an "Asperger" or "PDD" type trait and not OCD, specifically. My son is also ADHD and is showing signs of of Asperger/PDD type behaviors (loud speech, clumsy, difficulty with handwriting,VERY easily frustrated-leading to outbursts, etc). The behaviors have always been there, I am just becoming more informed. I have not yet taken the step toward testing, for no other reason than fear and grief. Anyway, there are AS behaviors that may seem at first to be OCD but are not, or he may have OCD as a co-morbid to the ADHD or AS. I've read alot about these but I am struggling emotionally with what it all means. I'm getting sad now, I must go. Geo