Explode the Code might be something you like, but it is not necessarily a spelling program. It's more for phonics, but it does have small reading portions that fit with the phonics skills you are learning that week, and in turn you are learning how to write certain words. I do NOT recommend the online version. I only enjoyed the workbooks. To add to the experience, I would have my kids pick 2 words each day and then write them on an index card and draw a picture that corresponds. To get even more out of it, you could make your own letter tiles or use plastic letters to spell out the words. http://eps.schoolspecialty.com/products/details.cfm?seriesonly=1460M

I can't help out curriculum wise, but I just wanted to say that I am sorry about your mom's diagnosis. I hope her treatment goes as smoothly as possible.

Oops, I just noticed two more replies. My notifications were off. Thank you to everyone that replied so far :)

Thank you. This was very helpful :) Exactly what I needed as a starting point.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply :)

No one has a secular curriculum they like for either science or history ? I know there are parents to middle school aged children on here. Just looking for ideas, for either one :)

Hi. What are your top choices for middle school history and science ? I want to start preparing for the fact that high school will be here before I know it. He is my oldest and the words, '6th' grade are making me sweat. Haha. I would also prefer a secular curriculum if possible. Thank you :) P.S. We have not done any formal history and limited formal science. Just for reference. Science wise, I am not worried about him being behind at all. We do a lot of 'un-schooling' science.

I am not 31, but saw the Broadway show several times as a child. I actually have never read the book, but still loved the show. I also LOVE the music. I have not allwed my kids to see the movie, but we do listen to the music. I hope you are able to find a good book version :)

I have an aspie, and he would spend 24/7 on electronics if I let him. Haha. With kids like him, things need to be visual and consistent. I came up with the idea that he ( and his sister) earn tickets for each worksheet/book they do. The max is 5 tickets, which is what they usually earn. Each ticket is then worth 15 minutes. They can use the tickets up until after dinner. After dinner, I prefer no electronics unless I put on a movie for the group to watch ( I have 3 kids ). On the weekends it's free electronic time, but I have the same 'no electronics' after dinner rule. For free time the kids enjoy drawing, drawing, drawing, making movies, and building. We have a lot of tinker toys, Legos, or other open ended 'math type' items. Sorry, about the lack of paragraphs. This website won't let me for some reason...it's weird :/

These are super cool. If you know the person, you should have her get someone she knows to do some cute graphics for a banner to set up possibly like an Etsy store or site on Facebook. Better pictures and website graphics will make these catch on. I think it's a really good idea !!! Maybe even find some people with educational blogs to test some out.

Oops. When I first went to answer you question, it only showed the question in the heading. Now after replying, I see you wrote more in the paragraph area. I thought that was odd there was nothing there. I personally think you should also teach him manuscript. I like the versatility of knowing both and manuscript is definitely more often used now. The program I mentioned above is my favorite.

I taught manuscript first and then did cursive. I waited until 5th with my oldest due to his motor skill issues. He started with the Handwriting Without Tears program and is doing phenomenal. Way better than I ever did ! Traditionally, HWWT starts cursive at 3rd grade ( I think).

I used place value rods.

I like these. Definitely book marked. We were using Singapore, but I dumped the core program right now. We still use the word problems, challenge, and mental math books. The core was just not working for my oldest, so he is now using the Key to Series. Oddly enough I use to live in Japan, but I went to an American school. Thanks for sharing !

Two questions. 1. How religious is R&S ? 2. Is this something the kids can almost do on their own ? Thank you :)