"I'm an atheist and a secular homeschooler. I think the examples in the books are absolutely hilarious. They certainly lead to some interesting discussions with my equally skeptical kid." Gosh it mustn't be that bad then:) thanks for your opinions I appreciate it! I'm actually surprised you would even consider using it. I guess what I have learned from everyone's posts is it is a great grammar program and I shouldn't discount it just because of religious content. I will check out GUM. I've never heard of it and check out KISS for the hundredth time.

Serendipitous, thanks you very much for doing that! I appreciate it. That sample isn't bad I could deal. I tend to teach bible as history. So maybe I could handle it. Grammar is what the curriculum is for. I have to keep that in mind. We love FLL it will be hard to replace.

I don't mind Bible quotes for sentences but I do not want anything preachy or bashing to people of other religions. We believe but are not "religious." We appreciate all religions for what they are. My son has read the Bible(kids) so he is familiar with the stories. Maybe it would work if we think of it as quotes from literature. I can't decide how I feel. I just don't get a "this will work" vibe from MCT or KISS. I go back and look over and over and it just doesn't "feel" right. Thanks for all the opinions so far.

Would this be totally off the wall? Would the amount of religion in it drive me nuts? Is it easy to skip? I want something thorough, that won't break the bank. I also think I would like a program that ties writing in with grammar. My son wants something that can be done quickly without a lot of repetition(which he doesn't need) My other choices are Hake(worry it will be too much repetition) , AG(pricey) or voyages in english(too pricey). I also was looking at CLE but again not secular. Thanks for your help!

No advice but I can sympathize. I have a very sensitive little guy. One day when he was three we were in the dressing room at Nordstoms and he bursts into tears. Hysterically crying. The "music was so sad". It was classical "elevator" music. He'll make a good husband some day.

We live near Boston. We visited Minuteman National park and loved it. We are planning to go back soon. You can ride your bike along the battle road and make stops along the way. We are also planning a trip to Boston to walk the freedom trail. I'm sure we will need more than one day. Plymouth Plantations is nice, not my favorite. Sturbridge Village is better in my opinion although different time period 1800's. RI has a smaller national park, Roger Williams National Park and Slater Mill(industrial rev). Have fun!

This year we are going to use them as prompts for a middle ages journal.

If I had to do it again. I would have him read through picture books. you can find them with higher reading levels(than Magic Tree House), The interest level will be there developmentally and they really are good stories, better written than a lot of chapter books, esp series. I rushed my "great" reader to chapter books and I feel like we missed some great picture books. Just because they have chapters doesn't mean they are better. Of course when we were in your position I wouldn't have thought this way. Hindsight is 20/20. We are currently reading through the Caldecott Medal winners and having a great time. I am blessed with a great library and librarians who always have great recommendations. For easy type chapters my son loves(even still) the Great Illustrated Classics. Quick reads but he loves to say he read Moby Dick :)

http://www.nps.gov/mima/forkids/upload/Junior%20Ranger%20Guide%202009.pdf Some of the activities have to do with being in the park but I think you could get a lot out of it using internet resources.

Also check out PBS "Liberty the American Revolution."There are online activities and a teachers guide. I haven't used it yet but it's on my list.

This is also my sons newest obsession. We are lucky to live near Minutemen National Park so we took a field trip. Loved it!! We are working through the junior ranger book(free on the website). Besides the fieldtrip(which will be repeated soon) he really has enjoyed the history channel's "The Revolution". We watch through Netflix.

I was going to do something similar with holiday celebrations. Christmas around the world etc. I don't have specific books planned because I'm blessed with a great library with lots of choices. We read lots of fairytales/myths/legends from around the world. My son loves it Hope you find what works for you.

We're trying it this fall. I've heard good things about it. I'll post a review once we get a good feel for it.

Disney's nature has study guides that go with the films. We did Chimpanzee last year and my son loved it. Great reward to get to go to the movie theater for the film when we completed the packed. They release a new film each Earth day.

Thanks for the ideas. I never thought of freezing them. They won't lay come winter. How long can they stay frozen for?

We have an abundance of eggs. Like 2 dozen a day :). Even giving them to family/friends, the guy who walks down the street... We still have a lot. Anyone have any good recipes? Looking for something different so with them. Thanks

Would love to find one too.

I'm basically in the same boat. I work two days per week so I have three days per week I can teach. On the two other "school" day I have my son complete a review math sheet or two, spelling work, assigned reading, watch a documentary that correlates with math or science, latin lesson(for him that's independent), a reading comprehension assignment (which are written answers so I consider it grammar, handwriting and writing), dance mat typing and xtramath. I always wonder if it enough on those days but writing it out assures me it's plenty :)

SSL you only need the student book that comes with the CD. I think LL is fine for your 5th grader. My son is 4th he works independently.

My son likes study jams. They have math and science. http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/index.htm

My son (a very strong reader) has read a ton so I will list some favs. The phantom toll booth, Swiss family Robinson, jungle book, Anne of green gables(this was an audio book), treasure island, Black Stallion, cricket in time square( read this twice and listened to audio BIG hit), The wheel on the school, Dr. Dolittle. Not all "classics" but good reads. Black Beauty was an epic fail. I think it's the first book we have ever not finished.

We started RSO this year. We didn't get very far because my son got "stuck" on the periodic table. He couldn't get enough. We both really enjoyed it. Making marshmallow atoms was a big hit. I'm adding in RS4K this year(basically because I was curious about the curriculum). As far as blowing things up, he went to several Mad Science classes, which he loved. No mess for me :).

no one huh? maybe I'll try one and post a review.

"A Child's Introduction to Poetry" by Michael Driscoll I just ordered this. I think it will be a fun introduction. I like that the CD will read the poems because I have a hard time with this.

Any one used these? Opinions? My son seems to enjoy this companies products so I was thinking of trying one. Shiloh I think.