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mamaneale

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  1. Is it fair to say that Mystery of History and Story of the World are pretty similar, except that MOH presents its information with a strong biblical worldview? Are they otherwise pretty equal in teacher-friendliness (ie ease of lesson planning), amount of hands-on activities, and the level of interest they excite in the elementary aged child?
  2. As far as exercise goes, do you have any interest in walking/running? There are lots of "couch to 5K" program plans available for free online, and it looks like your kids might be old enough to do it with you and/or ride their bikes along while you train. Or will your husband join you? Signing up for a local 5K race might be just the commitment you need to get you moving, and maybe you could all do it together as a family by doing your walks/runs in the evenings. Also, Jillian Michaels has some VERY effective work out videos. One of my favorites is called 30 Day Shred. It's about $7 on Amazon, each workout takes about 1/2 an hour to complete, and you will see results pretty quickly doing it just 3 days a week. You need some hand weights -- 2 or 3 pounds each to start with -- or cans of soup work well in a pinch. :) I recommend setting your alarm clock about 40 minutes earlier and doing the workout before you shower. If you find online groups to be motivating, you can join http://www.dailymile.com to track your workouts. It is easy to make cyber-friends on there to encourage you and share the journey. Once you make a plan just take it one day at a time. Try not to get overwhelmed by the big picture; daily goals are better to focus on. You CAN do this.
  3. Oh yes... Khan Academy has a computer programming playlist as well (http://www.khanacademy.org), and another site to check out would be http://www.codeacademy.com. We haven't explored this second one yet, but it was recommended to me by a trusted source. Hope this helps!
  4. Also check out this great free tutorial: . “Learning HTML for Kids” http://www.goodellgroup.com/tutorial/ We've used both Alice and Scratch with great success.
  5. Thanks for the input; I am leaning toward just picking up the Evan-Moor ones, or something similar.
  6. Thank you, Lizzie. I am looking for straight-up geography, too, and am wondering if I would be served just as well by getting an inexpensive workbook (like Evan-Moor, for example), or if there is something special that makes this worthwhile, even if I don't do all of the extras. Any thought on that?
  7. Just had to chime in here -- I've started my last two preschoolers in Saxon K and it has been fun, motivating, very hands-on, and perfectly suited to preschool. From there I move on to a more writing-based program (MUS for us). I know that doesn't specifically address McRuffy, but it may be an alternative to consider if you find McRuffy doesn't fit. :) Donna in Idaho
  8. I am a huge MUS user, but I've started most of my kids with Saxon K for fun math games and basic skills, then moved to MUS when they are ready for more writing. Donna in Idaho
  9. Would any one be willing to share what they liked and did not like about this curriculum? I am considering it (the US book) for my soon-to-be 7th and 5th graders (with a 2nd grader and kindy along for the ride). What additional recommended resources were you glad you purchased, and which ones could you have done without? Also, how long would you estimate each lesson takes? Is it better done as a group or independently? Thanks so much! Donna in Idaho
  10. I was lurking on this post because I have had the same question... And I think I am going to go with A Beka. Thanks, everyone! ;) Donna in Idaho
  11. La Clase Divertida is fun, though I don't feel that the workbooks and flashcards are very teacher-friendly. But the kids are doing a great job and they get a kick out of the video teacher. :) Donna in Idaho
  12. I am in my 6th year with TOG; have used the classic and have now switched to the redesigned version. I think redesigned is definitely easier! For the ages that you are teaching, I'd say let them soak up whatever they can and *enjoy* history. I guide my kids into the main thoughts and ideas of the week (which is usually very easily done), but I try not to *force* them to stick too closely to the predefined objectives if they are otherwise loving the topic and learning lots. Now, my oldest will be starting junior high next year, so I will definitely be stepping it up then, but even at that age, I'm not convinced that I am going to go with the tests/quizzes/evaluations yet. And by the way (I hope I don't get into trouble here...), I don't even *look* at the teacher's notes at this age; I'll save that for later. ;)
  13. I have enjoyed reading them to my kids and discussing the content. I would encourage you to check out the reviews at Amazon.com and preview them at the library. There seems to be some disagreement as to the accuracy of the history as she has written it, and there is a definite slant to her writing (good for oral discussions). I prefer them as a supplement rather than a stand-alone curriculum. :) Donna in Idaho
  14. I would encourage you to make sure you get time on the schedule -- even if it means doing less with the "littles", because you are on the downhill slide with your 15yo on the way to graduation. You need to make sure that child is equipped for the next step (whatever that may be). Just my $.02. :) Donna in Idaho
  15. We are a houseful of happy meat-eaters. And we're proud of it! :) Donna in Idaho
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