Are you still using Calvert or how did you decide to switch? We are considering a K curriculum, but used Calvert for our 10 year old. I went over to your blog and saw the review of Nancy Larson, so are you using something else now? If you have any suggestions or ideas we'd really appreciate them, it's a hard choice...we are considering FIAR fo our 4 year old now. Amy

(please excuse cross-post, I also posted to curriculum board but haven't gotten any replies yet...) Our daughter is currently in an inclusion preschool 1/2 day, and we are considering whether to continue next year for KG or homeschool. (Well actually I'd like to homeschool either way, but we're deciding whether to also do KG. She has a vision impairment, and we would not get any assistance from her vision teacher if she were not enrolled. Of course, we're not getting a lot now, but that's another story...) I'm a big fan of phonics -- her older brother (now 10) taught himself at home with just a little phonics. Our daughter now is in last year of preschool but also has loved Leapfrog and is starting to put letter sounds together and spell words. This is coming from home, they are not doing at school. My question is, would it be confusing if we take a phonics approach (with reading lots of books of course, and probably doing FIAR) and she does KG which is more whole language based? I just asked her school what approach they take to reading in KG and this is what I got: "Basically, it's a combination of whole language and phonics through the framework of guided reading . We determine where each child's reading level is (though a running record) and place them in flexible groups at their instructional level. Skills are taught using texts at their individual instructional levels. Groups are made with anywhere from 2-6 children per small group. There is also a lot of opportunities for inventive spelling, which also supports print awareness." To be honest, I'm not sure I understand. But it sounds like a mixture and I'm really not at all happy about the inventive spelling. I remember her brother was spelling in KG and no one seemed to appreciate it, there was a lot of emphasis on inventive spelling. I just don't understand (myself) how encouraging invented spelling and getting used to that is going to help down the road when they have to start spelling words. Am I missing something? In her preschool class now they are doing "Tools of the Mind" curriculum which is very structured, they need to make play plans (draw picture and pretend "write" before they start to play (even if it is just scribbling on a line.) Just not sure where the school approach is leading, and what would happen if we also schooled at home. Would we have a collision of minds or would she implode? Any thoughts and suggestions would be much appreciated. :) Amy

for the replies and also especially for the link to the list of books. The other mom is bringing the manuals to co-op tomorrow and I'll take a look, but tonight I may look at the list and our libraries to see what I can find locally. Thanks again so much! Amy

Our daughter is currently in an inclusion preschool 1/2 day, and we are considering whether to continue next year for KG or homeschool. (Well actually I'd like to homeschool either way, but we're deciding whether to also do KG. She has a vision impairment, and we would not get any assistance from her vision teacher if she were not enrolled. Of course, we're not getting a lot now, but that's another story...) I'm a big fan of phonics -- her older brother (now 10) taught himself at home with just a little phonics. Our daughter now is in last year of preschool but also has loved Leapfrog and is starting to put letter sounds together and spell words. This is coming from home, they are not doing at school. My question is, would it be confusing if we take a phonics approach (with reading lots of books of course, and probably doing FIAR) and she does KG which is more whole language based? I just asked her school what approach they take to reading in KG and this is what I got: "Basically, it's a combination of whole language and phonics through the framework of guided reading . We determine where each child's reading level is (though a running record) and place them in flexible groups at their instructional level. Skills are taught using texts at their individual instructional levels. Groups are made with anywhere from 2-6 children per small group. There is also a lot of opportunities for inventive spelling, which also supports print awareness." To be honest, I'm not sure I understand. But it sounds like a mixture and I'm really not at all happy about the inventive spelling. I remember her brother was spelling in KG and no one seemed to appreciate it, there was a lot of emphasis on inventive spelling. I just don't understand (myself) how encouraging invented spelling and getting used to that is going to help down the road when they have to start spelling words. Am I missing something? In her preschool class now they are doing "Tools of the Mind" curriculum which is very structured, they need to make play plans (draw picture and pretend "write" before they start to play (even if it is just scribbling on a line.) Just not sure where the school approach is leading, and what would happen if we also schooled at home. Would we have a collision of minds or would she implode? Any thoughts and suggestions would be much appreciated. :) Amy

We're considering using FIAR for our 4 1/2 year old (going into kindergarten next year). I have a chance to buy vols. 1-3 used but there are none of the actual books included. I heard that it can be hard to hunt down the individual books as many of them are older. Can someone let me know who has used FIAR? I'd like to use them from the library if possible. We do belong to one large library system and 2 smaller libraries (we're library groupies)...so if I planned ahead do you think that most of them could be found? Amy

Not even sure what the SWR stands for. Particularly interested in this one if it is a supplement to FIAR. Am also wondering about Dakota...and how this compares to the religious supplement to FIAR. Sorry to have to ask such simple ?s! :) Amy

Can you spell out the acronyms of the ones you recommended? I'm not sure what all of them stand for. I was also really interested that your DD did Calvert preK then switched as of K. What was the preK like, especially in comparison to what you did with FIAR in K? I mentioned that our DS (10) is doing Calvert and we're happy, but the early years are different, it's $, and I really think that DD is a different sort of person altogether. She is much more hands-on and activity-oriented. So I'd love to hear a little more about how you would compare the two programs. Thanks! Amy

figuring out all the acronyms. What is OPGTR, ETC, MEP? I'd like to check all these and the others out (like Phonics Pathways). Just need to figure out what the letters stand for. Amy

Thank you to everyone who has replied so far...DD is only 4 1/2 now, she'll turn 5 in August. We are planning for next year. For those of you who were talking about pre-K...we are really interested just in what would be "K" level. So if we need to supplement, what would be good math and phonics programs which would mesh nicely with FIAR? I've also heard a lot about HWOT. Is this something that could be incorporated (I think I saw this on one signature)...I've heard that it is very hands-on and that it might be a way to keep her interested as she is very very activity oriented. For instance she loves art and is constantly asking for crafts or paper to make cards...now she's doing letters on them just for play. I'd love to motivate her to keep doing this kind of thing. As far as phonics, she is a big fan of Leapfrog DVDs (leftover from her big brother)! I was wondering about something that would be as much fun that could continue phonics study. Amy

We are looking at different options for kindergarten, and wondered what others use and are most happy with. Has anyone used Calvert for K? We are using for our 4th grader and are happy with it, it is structured but we are "loose" in our approach and supplement lots. The structure is really good b/c it pulls us back in and we like the SOTW used at his grade. We've heard mixed reviews about youngest years however and are not so sure it is necessary at the lower levels. Also wondering about Core Curriculum, if anyone is using this and how this works. I didn't even know this was a curriculum until a day or two ago I just thought it was a series of books (What your 2nd grader needs to know, etc.). Anyone using a classical approach, and how would you implement this at K? What about FIAR? I realize these are just several, we only just started looking at curricula. Our daughter really is hands on, super active and likes to do things. Very bright but not a sit still kind of girl (if you know what I mean!). We are really open to lots of different ideas. If you give me some suggestions we also have the Rainbow catalog and I can get more info there -- I just need a push to go in the right direction. Amy

I have a chance to purchase FIAR manuals 1-3 along with cookbook from another mom, and was hoping to get feedback from others about how it works. And also what to supplement with. I understand it can be a full curriculum, but that it really focuses most on the literature. What about phonics, math, etc.? If we used this, what would you also recommend we pair it with? Our daughter is bright and at 4 1/2 now already is putting letter sounds together and can read a number of words. One thing also is that our daughter has a vision impairment -- sees well only close up-- and also is very hands-on and active. She likes to DO things! Amy

Just was reading and came across this approach, and it sounds familiar. Maybe this is what the schools are leaning toward now? Don't understand how this differs from Whole Language, maybe someone can help me out here... Amy (the OP)

I have been exposing our DD to phonics, not really instructing, and at almost 4 1/2 she is sounding out words. Lately it's not just been initials, but she is actively trying to go for the whole word. This is great, given that she also has a vision impairment. But I was wondering if others here use phonics or what other approach they are taking. And if you could tell me which you prefer and why. I grew up with phonics myself and really think that's the way to go but wonder what I may be missing. What curricula for KG are phonics and which whole language or other? Wondering also if anyone knows what they are teaching in schools these days? Is it a combination? Amy

This is our first year homeschooling, started last fall with our 10 year old (4th grade) son. Your blog has given us a number of ideas so far, and something high to aim for thank you so much! I think we first saw your blog when we were looking for timeline ideas, but it has been an inspiration in many ways since we found it. Not sure what caused you to have a break, but would you consider sharing some of your thoughts about why you reconsidered school options? Your ideas and approach has given us so much to aim for, that we might also gain something from why you considered not homeschooling. You are doing so much with Satori! Amy

Help! We have had the same washer/dryer for many years -- at least 15. My DH has been good at tinkering, and has taken things apart many times to fix belts, motors, etc. But the dryer has finally died -- we have determined that the broken part in question now is $$$ enough to go ahead and buy new rather than fix. We would like to go ahead and get a set so they will match, as the washer may not last much longer anyway. So...we are now in the market for a new washer and dryer. I will start researching (while taking clothes to the laundromat!). But does anyone have specific features they recommend, things to watch for, etc.? We would like to reduce water usage, but am not sure about front loading. Do they take longer? And what about the Kenmore brand -- we've liked their products for years but understand Sears is in some difficulty, what would happen if they went out of business, would we still be able to get parts some years down the road? We wash daily here, approx. 2-3 loads. Amy

(Please excuse cross post, I also posted in the general forum)... Our daughter is 4 1/2, and has been home a little over 3 years. She has always enjoyed milk and dairy. Especially cheese and yogurt. For the last 6-8 weeks, though, she's had persistent runny stools. So we just had a number of tests -- xray, stool, and blood. The last of the tests came back today, and the blood tests indicate a milk allergy. NOT lactose intolerance, which I have always understood many Asians have. But a MILK allergy, which means she's allergic to the proteins in the milk (And in any dairy product, and also milk products are used in many processed foods). Our doctor indicated she should avoid milk but may be able to have some up to tolerance (whatever that means). The thing is, we've never tied it to when she takes in milk. And although she's been off milk products for several weeks now with only an occasional slip, the stools have remained -- maybe she's still had some milk protein in the other foods she is eating? She does seem healthy in all other ways, not losing weight or anything. No rash or other allergic symptoms. Anyway, if anyone is familiar with milk allergy and questions to ask, books to read, and any other source of info--would you please share? We are a bit concerned as we've never dealt with food allergies before. Thanks! Amy

Our daughter is 4 1/2. She is Chinese but has always enjoyed milk and dairy. Especially cheese and yogurt. For the last 6-8 weeks, though, she's had persistent runny stools. So we just had a number of tests -- xray, stool, and blood. The last of the tests came back today, and the blood tests indicate a milk allergy. NOT lactose intolerance, which I have always understood many Asians have. But a MILK allergy, which means she's allergic to the proteins in the milk (And in any dairy product, and also milk products are used in many processed foods). Our doctor indicated she should avoid milk but may be able to have some up to tolerance (whatever that means). The thing is, we've never tied it to when she takes in milk. And although she's been off milk products for several weeks now with only an occasional slip, the stools have remained -- maybe she's still had some milk protein in the other foods she is eating? She does seem healthy in all other ways, not losing weight or anything. No rash or other allergic symptoms. Anyway, if anyone is familiar with milk allergy and questions to ask, books to read, and any other source of info--would you please share? We are a bit concerned as we've never dealt with food allergies before. Thanks! Amy

Just got Iphone, looking at apps. Really want to find a good app to keep track of book collection at home (one that you could scan a barcode and it would enter data), also one for scheduling. Any thoughts, suggestions? What about Evernote? Any suggestions would be very helpful, all is new here. Amy

The Out of Sync Child talks about sensory issues, but you might also look for The Out of Sync Child Has Fun. It is another book by the same author and it has specific activities and suggestions. It is a great supplement to OT. They are all activities that you can do at home and are fun for kids. The same author also recently wrote one titled I think Growing an In Sync Child, which is how sensory activities can benefit all kids. I didn't think this one contained as much useful info. But the Out of Sync Child Has Fun is WONDERFUL. Amy

I saw that in the poll a number of people have voted 64GB, although those that replied generally thought 32 was enough. Any other comments would be appreciated! Amy

that would be a deal breaker for me also. While I would value the psychologist's services, I agree with WendyK about having the discussion with her about needing to work within given parameters. She was out of bounds. School choice is a very personal issue. If you had chosen a religious school (Catholic or other), would she be as quick to diss that? Or if you had chosen a public school, how would it have been if she had pushed to have your daughter at a religious school? I don't think so. We have only just begun homeschooling. However, I think that some folks are open to it and some are not. Personally, if I had gotten this reaction I would be seeking another psychologist, one who is open to homeschooling options (if that is your choice). Amy

to everyone who has shared their thoughts. It helps a lot! Amy

my technie husband just came home and chuckled. Said he hoped someone would catch this. And this is why an Iphone is such a big thing for me. Amy

I'd like to be able to watch some. How would this work if I had something like Netflix with instant download? I've never tried this but would really like to be able to watch some older TV shows again when I have time. (Ha! I haven't been able to watch TV in ages and with HSing really am busy) I used to like to take a TV into a room when I was cleaning/organizing and this worked really well. But this was in the old days when you didn't need a box, cable, converter, or whatever the thingies you need now are. And that's showing how old I am. ;)

Does that mean that I could videotape on the Iphone, and then move some videos to iCloud and be able to access them anytime? I'm so not a technie I'm typing "movie" and have to keep correcting it to video. Don't know anything yet about the iCloud. Can anyone fill me in? Amy