I forgot to mention the parameters needed for my kiddos to take Spanish online at their school. They will be in a rather crowded area where other kids are in study hall. Therefore, they can't speak or interact in an online class. The class needs to be something they just are viewing and learning online or through a download. Would be so grateful for feedback! Trisha

Hello, My 3 kids attend a classical Christian school, and I would like to add Spanish to their curriculum. The boys, 11 th graders, are currently in Latin IV but don't want to take AP Latin next year. I have been given permission to find an online Spanish class for them to do while the other kids are taking language class. DD will be in 9th grade and is going to take Latin but she too wants to learn Spanish over the summer. My questions are : What is the best Spanish online class or software for kids who have had lots of Latin and therefore will pick up Spanish easily? It can't be a class that is taught live because they have to take it during Second period at school. Since all 3 want to take Spanish, do you know of a program that allows a family log-in vs. having to pay full price for each student? I need to find the curriculum by next week, so I greatly appreciate any recommendations! Trisha

I have spent hours researching parental monitoring apps for my teens' iPhones and feel like I am spinning my wheels. It seems the most commonly recommended are PhoneSheriff Investigator and Webwatcher. I am looking for something that most importantly is easy to use. The features I want are that you it picks up the texts and photos even if they have been deleted from the phone. I also want it to be able to block apps. I have read many reviews and they all have complainers so I just don't what it legit. Thank you for any feedback! Trishad@me.com

I have spent hours researching parental monitoring apps for my teens' iPhones and feel like I am spinning my wheels. It seems the most commonly recommended are PhoneSheriff Investigator and Webwatcher. I am looking for something that most importantly is easy to use. The features I want are that you it picks up the texts and photos even if they have been deleted from the phone. I also want it to be able to block apps. I have read many reviews and they all have complainers so I just don't what it legit. Thank you for any feedback! Trishad@me.com

It sounds like Spencerian is not something that one would learn to use everyday but rather for special writing . Am I correct? Any other ideas for a lovely , maybe slightly ornate handwriting curriculum that could be use for everyday use?

DD10 learned Getty Dubai (sp?) but wants to learn a much more ornate handwriting for everyday use. I looked at Spencerian writing but must you use a calligraphy pen to use that style? Any recommendations for a curriculum that will teach an ornate style? Maybe ornate is too strong of a word because we are seeking a style for everyday use but still a lovely style. Thanks!

Dh is doing a last minute trip to Poland and Germany and is taking Ds14. They leave Sunday and need to plan itinerary ASAP. What highlights would anyone recommend. Ds fascinated by all things military. Thanks!

I read the book " Do Hard Things" about a yr ago. The premise was that teens should embrace their youth and freedom by taking on challenges that would be harder when they have more commitments later on. I was intrigued that the writers ,who are teens, recounted that their parents gave them incrdedibly challenging books to read over summer . The books ranged from world view to philosophy and other topics. I would like to challenge my upcoming 7 th grade son to read several deep books this summer and I would be grateful for any suggestions. We are Christian and want books from that world view . ( not that they all need to be christian or religious books) DS12 is an avid reader and i am hopeful he will rise to the challenge. Thanks for your help Trisha

We have read Do Hard Things and I highly agree that it was a terrific book. 7 Habits was recommended to me yesterday so I think your echo makes that one a go. I read 7 Habits for people(not families ) years ago. I think the 7 habits book for families will be a terrific part of my reading plan but I am looking for something more like a workbook that has more questions to ponder. Any other suggestions? Thanks Trisha

Thanks for the 7 habits suggestion. I read the 7 habit for people(not families )years ago. I will get this book. I think I also am really looking for something a little meatier that will ask a lot more questions. Maybe a workbook format. Any other ideas?

Yes! I would love to find a resource that is from a Christian perspective. That is really my motivationg in trying to find a book or guide .... to not get get so wrapped up in ourselves and activities that we miss what God would have for our family. Thank you,Hedgehog, for pointing out that I left that all important part of the equation out!

I have twins who are 12 and a daughter who is 8. As my boys are about to enter teenage years , I am thinking a lot about what is important for us to do as a family and what is good but not as important. I want to look back when they graduate and think we were purposeful in parenting and knew what our mission statement as a family, didnt let activities crowd out family time and engaged in activities that were meaningful and not just of the moment. I am looking for a book or workbook to give DH and I the questions to think thru these ideas and more. Anyone know of anything like this? Thanks Trisha

I have twins who are 12 and a daughter who is 8. As my boys are about to enter teenage years , I am thinking a lot about what is important for us to do as a family and what is good but not as important. I want to look back when they graduate and think we were purposeful in parenting and knew what our mission statement as a family, didnt let activities crowd out family time and engaged in activities that were meaningful and not just of the moment. I am looking for a book or workbook to give DH and I the questions to think thru these ideas and more. Anyone know of anything like this? Thanks Trisha

I know there are very strict rules about only books or other media being enclosed. Can a greeting card be in the box? Thanks Trisha

Ugh! I never come over to this board..I spend way too much time on the curriculum board. Now the one time I am over here, my conscience is pricked and I have to rethink where I buy gazillions of books not to mention clothes etc. People mentioned other websites such as half.com and BN. How do you know if this is just one book that has been highlighted or if a company such as BN or 1/2 sell illegal filth? Who would be the best alternative company. Ugh..so sad