Has anyone purchased modeling clay or moonsand (or deltasand) products from Rainbow Resource? They have a lot of different types and I'm wondering if you have experience with any of them. Thanks.

do you have texts that you use along with Galloping the Globe or do you just get the recommended books from the library? What do you use along with the text? Thanks.

Hi there, My middle child is turning 4 at the end of July and I would like suggestions for his presents. What are some of your dc's favorites and must-haves? Thanks a bunch.

If I buy the AG for the SOTW Vol. 1 is it better to get the newest version (which one is that?) of the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia so that the recommended pages correspond well? I've read that the newer version of the encyclopedia is not the best and it's better to get the OOP white one. I would appreciate your advise. Thanks.

Hi, I've started to read the stories from this book to my 6yo ds. I believe I got the older spiral bound version of this book from PHP right when they were coming out with the newer version, so I don't know if it makes a difference. I've read that many of you use the AG and I'm wondering if it's necessary for me to purchase this at this time. Also, I read that there is audio CD version of this book. Those of you who has the CD, is it worth it to get it and do you use it often instead of reading the stories aloud to your dc? It's expensive, so I'd like to know if it's worth the investment. Lastly, what other materials do I need to go with the SOTW Vol. 1? Thanks.

Hi, I'm wondering if any of you knows of a CD out there with catchy tunes for learning letter sounds for an almost 4-year old boy. He doesn't watch videos so the Leapfrog Talking Factory won't work unless it comes on a CD to be listened to only, does it? Thanks.

Should one start with Primer or Alpha for an almost 4-year old who knows his number and count from 1 to 30 but still working on writing them out. He doesn't read yet. Thanks.

HI there, I totally understand the number bonds and I don't think I'm explaining "how to make 10" using the number bonds to my 6 yo ds very well. For example: 6+7 I say make 7 a 10. what do you have to add to 7 to make a 10? he says 3. do I then make him write 3 underneath the number 6 and say what do you have to add to 3 to make 6? he says 3. should i then make some connections with 7+3 equals 10 and get the other 3 to make 13? what should i say when he asks "you can also write 4+2 under 6 because 4+2 also equals 6, why does it have to be 3+3. I would say that we use the combination with number 3 because that's what you have to add to 7 to make 10. This seems so long winded and I haven't even gotten into subtraction yet. I also have him draw pictures to represent 6 in one color and 7 in another color and let him make 10 by circling it and counting the ones that are left. He seems to understand that just fine. Any suggestions? I feel so incompetent as this is only 1st grade math. Is this really necessary for higher level math in the future? Thanks very much.

Aren't they both literature-based? I'm planning to use either one for my soon-to-be 4 yo ds, who is currently semi reluctant to work on his letters and sounds. For SL, is it better to go with 4/5 or 3/4. Does it include a daily plan as a guide for me? I just saw a bunch of books and not sure how everything fits in and the same is true what I saw of BFIAR. Do any of these programs include phonics or math? How do most people afford SL? It's so expensive:( Thanks for your suggestions.

Does anyone have any experience with a prepackaged curriculum for Pre K such as HOrizon or Calvert? My friend wants to "try" homeschooling and this is the only she wants to do it. Thanks.

My ds6 is bright and a quick learner in many ways but I think he's kind of slow with numbers. We're using Singapore Math but I feel he needs to pick up the pace on subtraction up to 20. He knows it and definitely can get the right answer but slow. I asked him to count backwards today because we're doing 70-4 and it's so slow getting him to start counting down and then he skipped 1 number and had to start over. I don't know if he's just not gifted in this area or he's overly tired. Arrgh, it's so frustrating for me because I know he's bright. Is there a better program for this type of learner? MUS, do you think that would be better since I read that it helps children "see" math? Does anyone have similar problem? What do you about getting quicker on math facts? Just drill them? I printed out worksheets from math cafe. I would love your feedback. thanks. babygemma