I like BSGFAA. My son used this numerous years ago and still remembers so much! I really like the individual worksheets. We also used the maps and timeline. I learned a lot as well. Although my ds is now doing an old testament survey next year, I may use this for my 8yo dd next year.

Four kids is a lot to share one set of tiles. I would have at least 2 sets, and I am as cheap as they get.

I'd like to hear more on this topic since I'm not sure if my kiddos have any busy work. Where does the learning end and the busy work begin?:bigear:

I immediately throw out the catalogs and start pouring over my books for next year.

We like R&S for grammar. I know there are writing lessons as well, but those lessons are clearly marked if you wanted just the grammar focus. You really can't beat the price either.

We like rainbow science. It is physics, chemistry, and biology.

What would you require for a high school P.E. course? My ds is not involved with any team sports, but is very physically active. I don't want to give him a credit for something that I can't qualify. We also rollerblade for 3 hours a week. What about that?

MUS blocks

I used Spelling city this year for my 2 children. My experience was that there were some glitches at the beginning of the year, but it was straightened out in a few weeks. It was great for my natural speller to learn vocabulary (13 yo). The lists that I found on their website were great. My 8 yo who needs more help with spelling/phonics did not do well with this program. She now uses AAS and it helps her a lot. When she is old enough do work more on vocabulary, we will use spelling city for her.

I like http://www.donnayoung.org

I second Aha! Science. My 8yo dd had little to no science experience. This has given her a nice overview of different topics, and who can beat $15 a year? It took me a few days to figure out the site, although the tutorial videos answered all my questions. I love that there's no grading. All I have to do is check the site to see that she completed the assignment and passed the tests. We do experiment kits on occasion when I want to do it.

1776 The Chronicles of Narnia movies White Christmas Seven brides for seven brothers Milo and Otis Homeward bound: The incredible journey Mirror Mirror Veggie tales movies Dr. Suess movies Alvin and the chipmunks Kit Kitteridge: American Girl The princess diaries Ella enchanted The princess pride jungle book The secret of moonacre

MUS has timed tests on their website. I use these as review and my kids like to beat their time.

We didn't do art or music all year, which is a shame because my dd has a great talent in both. The odd one is Bible. Although we attend church at least twice a week, I never found a Bible curriculum that I liked. All three are high on my list for next year.

You could check out Times Tales or Times Tables the Fun Way.

This is too funny because I realized that we already have this book. It will be the perfect jumping point for readers and read alouds. Yay!

This is what I'm looking for in regards to history for my VSL 8yo dd. She tells me she "hates" books, so I don't want a 100% literature approach (although I'm easing her into books slowly). Great colorful pictures would be helpful. Fill in the blank would be okay if we could do it orally. A few activities are great for her, but too many and they won't get done. It needs to be fairly inexpensive. Any ideas??

Thanks so much for the ideas! Can someone tell me; is Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter okay for teens?

What are you reading? What are your kids reading (ages please)? What are you reading aloud to your kids? What's the best book you've read this past year? I'm reading The Imperfect Mom. My 13yo ds is reading The Palace of Laughter. I am reading aloud to my 8yo dd The Cricket in Times Square. My favorite book of the year would be The Circle Series by Ted Dekker.

I'd love to know too.:bigear:

I've always been blunt with my children because there should be no shame or embarrassment about sex or our private areas (in context of course):001_smile: I would just tell her that babies come out of your v*****. At 5, she should know what her v***** is or have an approximate idea. I also tell my children about sex at a fairly young age. That way there is always an openness about the subject. I know some people would disagree, but my 8yo and 13 yo children are not sex crazed or damaged for knowing about sex. My 8yo dd even asked me a question about a hermaphrodite (she overheard a Tv show). I tried to get out of answering, but she was persistent. I told her that some people are born with test*****s when there should be ovaries. She was like, "Oh, okay." She didn't know what that meant but it was enough that I answered her question. Kids are curious. Sharing the amazing way that the Lord has made us should leave no room for shame. Sorry if that was way more than you wanted. Also there is a good series of books if that helps. Learning about sex by Ruth Hummel. This is a Christian series that has different books depending on age.

I have an 8yo dd who is also highly social. I sit with her during most of her work, or I sit next to her and read while she works independently. We also have 2 outside social activities a week that my dd loves (gym time and homeschool skate). One time I had to punish her by making her sit out during skating and work on schoolwork. I only had to do it once. Because she is so social, this is definitely an incentive. Also, we began using Accountable Kids. This has helped as well.

That's a hard one. Let's see: 13yo DS-ACE Geography, Essentials in Writing, and Learnables Spanish 2 8yo DD- AAS, Drawing with Children, Rod and Staff Reading I could go on, but I'll stop with 3 a piece. :001_smile:

From what I see, there is more grammar in the younger years with the most at about 4th grade. Toward the later years, the is a grammar review with a focus more on writing. I think it would be enough.

I haven't used it yet, but I liked the samples and reviews enough to order it for my 9th grader. I heard it's like MUS for English, and my son loves MUS.