I am looking at some language study guides to supplement my 8th grade son ~ we are also using Sonlight Core 100. I am seriously considering Total Language Plus (looking at Swiss Family Robinson, Carry On Mr Bowditch, Johnny Tremain, but not decided on any books for sure). Would love to hear from some that have used these, or feedback from other literature guides as well.

I like the one with your son in it. which one is his favorite?

Could some of you tell me about math curriculum that is not parent intensive. I just cant get My oldest daughter to understand me. It's about to make me crazy!?!?!! Please help!!! She is in 7th grade and getting her to do anything independently is like pulling teeth! I have 4 other children and I use MEP Math with the others, but she and I just aren't clicking.

Was looking at the Homeschool Buyer's Co-op the other day and ran across Explode the Code online version. Anyone use it and care to share your thoughts?

You have to make sure you don't have any fruits or other foods that they are able to feed on sitting out. I have heard of the vinegar and dish soap working for some too. I also boil water on the stove a few times a day and pour it into the drains. (I think I read somewhere that they breed in the drains and this will kill them.) It works very well and should have them gone in a day or so. Hope this helps you!

I have 5 children ~ one very close in ago to yours DS is 9 ~ born Dec 2002 ~ 4th grade He went to public school his kindergarten year and we just kept with the grade levels year to year since I brought them all home. :0) FWIW Our school district cut off was 5 by August 31 (don't have to be registered for kindergarten until age 6 though)

Your post was beautiful! Praying for you as you face the difficult days ahead. :grouphug:

We have had Smokey Current one is Chaos ~ sounds a little like Cash, he may be able to get used to it quickly.

Praying for peace and healing! :grouphug:

Where is the best place to purchase a large whiteboard? I just ordered a small white board and a small black board and I would like a large one for the wall, or on an easel. :0)

We love games! A favorite card game around here is Dutch Blitz and a new favorite board game for the time is called Dominion. Both are lots of fun!!!

Sandbridge is great family atmosphere! Love it!!! There is a great little restaurant I think it was called Margie and rays or something like that. Very good food!!!

That was beautiful!

I have a Kodak Easyshare All In One 5100 I love it! It is easy on ink and the ink is also cheap to replace. LOVE IT!

Everything showing up full price as of last night around midnight for me. Right when I was ready to checkout. Ugh!

What I think my problem really is, I want to piece and use different resources. Like math worksheets, MEP Math, various online resources ~ and maybe follow a typical course of study for each child's respective grade level to be sure that they are learning what they should be at grade level. I have used MUS and my children hated to watch the lesson on DVD, which is what the whole program was about, so we switched to Rod and Staff. It has worked for us for two years, but they are getting bored with it. So, I guess I don't really want to teach without a curriculum. I just want to pick and choose and make math a little more fun for them. I am so tired of hearing, "I don't want to do math (whiiiiiiiiiiine)!!!"

I have an 8th, 7th, 4th, 3rd ~ we currently use Teaching Textbooks pre-algebra for the 8th and Rod and Staff until then. I am considering dumping the textbook and doing our own thing in math. Focusing on each concept until they seem to get it and move on. For what it is worth, I went to college to be a Math teacher (didn't finish my degree, decided to stay home when the babies started coming.) Just wondering, are there any others who teach math with no set curriculum? How's it working for you? Thanks! ETA: Not considering dumping Teaching TExtbooks ~ I think once they get into pre-algebra, I will leave it. It just seems like Rod & Staff has so much review work, that I am able to do that stuff with them on my own teaching.

I am looking at the different literature guides available and would love to hear from some of you that have used them. I am currently looking at Literature in Teaching ( L-I-T Guides) ; Total Language Plus ; and Progeny Press ~ these are what I have looked at, but would also love to hear any additional ones you have used and loved (or not loved). Will be for using these for ds 7th, dd 6th and ds 3rd ~ we use Rod & Staff English, but not reading. TIA!

Wondering, what age/grade do you stop using a spelling curriculum (or workbook)? My ds gr 7 & dd gr 6 both are good spellers, but I wonder if we should continue spelling through grade 8 when the series (building spelling skills) is over. Thanks - all of the advice in this board is so useful!!!!

ok, this may be a silly question, but.... I have been looking at Notgrass history and it seems like it would be perfect for my son (7th grade) . I want to get the America the Beautiful pack, which is a one year study for grades 5-8. My question, if we use it this year, (I would like to use it with my ds 7th grade and dd 6th grade), what will we use next year in 8th grade, while waiting to go in to the Notgrass high school series? Or should I just wait and use America the Beautiful in 8th grade? If so, what do we use this year? Thanks for any help!

I am interested in Spelling Workout for ds 7th grade, dd 6th grade, ds 2nd grade. Do I really need to purchase the teachers manuals for each one too? What other spelling programs do you love? Thanks!

Oldest ds loves history - he is in gr 7. Please share some favorite history curriculum. In order of importance 1.fun and interesting 2. Price 3. Reusable for 4 other children TIA

Thank you all so much!

A lot of the families in our co-op use mus, so when I started homeschooling 3 years ago, we used it too. My children have not enjoyed it. My oldest ds did fine with it, but dd hasn't retained much. We are thinking of switching to r&s at new year. What do you use for math, and what grades are you teaching if you don't mind me asking.

It is also very affordable, which I need with 5 children and reusable......