Yes.

We only use the CDs also for 5th and 6th. The workbooks have the same material as the CDs. My children simply sit at the computer with pencil and paper in hand to work the problems. The lower level CDs have built in grade books to record all work, quizzes, etc. I love that. As far as TT being behind, I think a child should take the placement test on the site in order to choose the right level. TT isn't remedial. It's for the "average" student. The first sections of each level are review of the previous level before diving into the "grade" level work so I could say TT5 is TT4/5 or TT6 is TT5/6, IMO. I think TT builds a great foundation with this. However, for the mathy child, I would definitely consider placing he/she ahead a level or so depending on the placement test.

Yes. We are switching to more of a block schedule for some subjects. Instead of the two or three days for science and history, we are dedicating one day to each subject. We have been trying it before the break and it works much better for us as far as getting things accomplished.

We use WG as a supplement to Rod and Staff English just to bring the pieces together for reinforcement. It's working out really great. Wish I had done this last year. WG only take 15 min to complete and we sparse 4 sentences 3x/week. Works great.

Thanks! After looking a bit more while out today, I think I'm going to try David's line.

I've been on the hunt for a great sulfate free shampoo and conditioner. So far...I love the looks of Cristophe and the David Babaii line. I really love the fact that the Babaii line does NO animal testing also. Anyone tried either of these by chance? Would love your feedback. :) Thanks!

:iagree:My dc attended an ACE school in the past. I didn't like the lack of hands on activities and other approaches to learning. It was basically "read and fill in the blank".

a treadmill :D

My dc have experience with private school and public school. They never want to return to ps. They love to learning opportunities homeschooling has provided.

Here's ours.:)

:iagree:

Have you checked the HOD board? I'm sure there are others in your same situation using HOD and effectively teaching multiples. They may be able to offer some advice. I homeschool 3 children using MFW CTG and I find it very easy to use with multiples in addition to having a hectic schedule. My youngest will be using MFW K in the fall and the older 3 dc in MFW RtR. I love the lesson plans weekly grid for the same reasons mentioned. If we don't get to something on one day, we move it over to the next. I hope you are able to find something that works. I know how frustrating it can be when you are trying to find your groove.

:iagree: MFW has a biblical focus. Donna, I love how you use the grid. I've been teaching 3 children using MFW for past two years (4 will be using MFW in the upcoming year) and I think I may just borrow that idea. ;) Thanks

We are sticking with the same curriculum next year except in the area of science. I'm still researching that one.

I didn't find the thread for the last Oct. reports but we have a four day school week so here's ours. Have a blessed weekend.:)

:grouphug: I know what you are going through. I did the same thing years ago when I pulled my bunch home except I had a highschooler in 9th, twin 2nd graders and one 1st graders. I chose Ace and Abeka curriculum because the christian school used both. Ace was ok but was not pushing them academic wise and appeared too easy and Abeka, although very academically strong, was too teacher intensive and draining me. Through trial and error, I finally discovered what works. I just hate that my highschooler was the guinea pig during those years. My youngest children won't experience all of that but anyway, I discovered that I needed a curriculum in which all of my children could be taught together. One that addresses multiple ages. I agree with the previous poster that you shouldn't have to spent so much time with your 1st graders. You could have school with them first, set them aside with some fun educational activities, books, videos and games then have school with the older children.

I love CM also with a mix of things. We used Rod and Staff English in the past but I became worried for the same reasons as you are...the retaining issue. We went with Winston Grammar this year and after two months of using it, I've have added Rod and Staff back. I've found that Winston Grammar makes a great supplement using the color coded cards and the Winston lessons are completed 2-3x/week in less than 10 minutes. I think it's a great reinforcement of the concepts covered in Rod and Staff English. Your child may be too young for Winston now but I know some just use the color cards and parse two to three sentences from writing each week.

Ironically, this is my situation with my 5th and 6th graders except I want to return to Rod and Staff English while we do Winston this year. After two months of the Basic set, Winston takes just 10 minutes a day and 3x/week. It seems more as a supplement to grammar to me than a complete program. Not to say that it isn't incomplete because it does work and the cards reinforce the rules very well. However, I miss the comprehensiveness of Rod and Staff. I love having capitalization, punctuation and writing included which is missing in Winston. My dc love Winston and it's working so we are definitely keeping as a supplement. I spoke with a Rod and Staff rep this week who recommended my trying the 5th gr. English since it has so much review of the lower levels and above that takes off quickly. He recommended dropping down to the 4th grade English if the 5th appeared to be too difficult for my dc. HTH

Everything gets a name and date here.

Here's ours. Happy WW!

I agree..just skip them.

I don't have a lot of time to spare and appreciate a well planned curriculum so we use My Father's World also. I find it to be a great fit for us.

Wow! Your responses are so encouraging. I guess we are on the right track. I didn't homeschool my sons at preschool/K level so this information is extremely helpful. Thanks so much for the wonderful tips!

My youngest dd, 3, has been learning her letters but she recalls the sounds instead of the names of the letters. She has been trying to blend these and play read using her little books. I think she can recall the names perhaps if I really pushed it but we learn mostly through fun educational play or loosely schooling. After four sons learning the "common" way, I just thought this was...well..different. ;)

Sheldon's has the exact same age or grade line up as Serl's. Primary is for 2nd and 3rd. Advanced is 4th through 6th.:)