My son loved the Pilgrims Progress Young Reader edition and Mr. Poppers Penguins. Also, my daughter loved the Little House Series, Ramona, and Nancy Drew.

We are using Switched on Schoolhouse this year for history- which bascially is world geography- and my son is not doing well with the computer thing! I need actual books to be able to sit and do this with him. I looked at Galloping the Globe online, and it looks good- but maybe too young for a 4th grader? I'm not sure. Also looked at Trail Guide to World Geography. This might be more age appropriate, but is it mostly just mapping? I liked the whole literature involved with the mapping idea that Galloping seems to have. If you have any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it!!!!

Actually, I looked at your picture and I live south of Atlanta as well. I am going to be selling my school table which I honestly think will be even better! It is just like that one but not curved, it is a longer rectangle. The legs are adjustable and I have 4 matching chairs for it. It is in great condition! I was going to be listing it for $80 with the chairs. If you want me to send you a picture I will. Thanks! Karen

Does anyone know if the spelling notebook that Training for Triumph sells to go along with their CQLA program is the same spelling notebook used for ATI's Wisdom Booklet Language ARts? They look the same on their websites, but ATI has it for $5 cheaper. Just wondering before I order. thanks!!

Okay-how about- Rod and Staff or CQLA? Which would you choose? :)

We currently use Rod and Staff Grammar. Have used 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th grades. My oldest doesn't love it, but she agrees that it does give her a solid grammar education. My son, who is currently in 3rd, hates grammar. I was very interested in switching to CQLA- but have some questions. Does it teach grammar very well? Do the children retain the grammar? If you have used it and are now in high school I would love to hear if it benefited you or hindered you as far as the grammar is concerned. If we stick to R & S we will just add the Meaningful Composition for writing. Thanks so much!!! Karen

We currently use Rod and Staff Grammar. Have used 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th grades. My oldest doesn't love it, but she agrees that it does give her a solid grammar education. My son, who is currently in 3rd, hates grammar. I was very interested in switching to CQLA- but have some questions. Does it teach grammar very well? Do the children retain the grammar? If you have used it and are now in high school I would love to hear if it benefited you or hindered you as far as the grammar is concerned. If we stick to R & S we will just add the Meaningful Composition for writing. Thanks so much!!! Karen

I am so very confused on what is required for lit/grammar in high school. If my daughter is in 9th grade- should she do a literature program and an English program? And I was reading through some threads where people said to do IEW Windows to the World and Lightning Lit together? Or one a semster and the other the next? My daughter would benefit from writing instruction. Any suggestions for high school grammar? We are coming from Rod and STaff through 8th grade. Thanks !!!!

My daughter will be in 8th grade and we have purchased Rod and Staff reading for her. Is this adequate- or do I need to purchase a "literature" curriculum for her? Any suggestions is appreciated! Karen

thanks!!!

I am planning on using the entire Rod and Staff grade 1 material next year for phonics and reading. Do I need to use another curriculum for spelling- or is it included? Thanks for the replies! :)

The rep from VT told me that. We use CLE- which when I compare it to other maths it is very strong and seems to be "ahead" in math. My daughter completed 7th grade CLE- and I believe it definately prepared her to start VT. VT starts with pre-algebra(module A) and then goes into Algebra I. I did debate whether to give her another year of CLE in 8th- which I think would benefit her, and possibly make doing the Algebra I alittle easier since she would have already been introduced to some of it in 8th- but after talking it over with her she is up to the challenge to go ahead and just start VT. I figure we would just start slowly- taking 2 days to do a lesson, which VT reccommends if starting in 8th. Hopefully all goes well!

You ever go over and over something so many times that now you are just so confused? That is me trying to decide if I should start Videotext math for my daughter next year in 8th, or wait till 9th. My plan was to continue in CLE which we always have used through 8th- then switch to Videotext starting in 9th. The rep at the homeschool conference told me if I did that she would be repeating alot of math- so I should start her in VT next year in 8th. I could spread it out 8th-11th grade, and then she could either not do math in 12th- do a consumer math- or do a dual enrollment in college that year. But I don't know what to do!!!! Could any of you Videotext users out there shed any light on this- give me some direction- I would so appreciate it! My daughter does work very well independantly- she is not a math expert, but she does do well in math. Thanks !! :)

Got a question- my daughter was going to be starting Videotext next year in 8th grade. We got a sample in the mail, so she knows what the video lesson looks like. We were wondering about the student book- do they give additional "teaching" in the workbook, or is it just exercises? She liked the video lesson, but was hoping there was teaching in the book as well for further clarification. Thanks for the info!

We are looking to buy a pressure canner but can not spend a fortune! Does anyone happen to be selling one? Have a sweet day!

What a great idea! I think they are always motivated alittle more when they have some decision making in the process!

:iagree: I agree with CLE reading- we love it! Especially if you are already a CLE user, I think you will really like it. We do the reading program and also read other books as well.

I bought a chart from Doorposts- it is called the "If-Then Chart." It lists out the "ifs" - if you speak disrespectfully, if you argue/whine, then next to each one it lists a bible verse about this behavior, then it has a "then" column. If you do this, then this will happen. They give suggestions, but you can come up with your own. "Thens " could be loss of privilege, additional work, etc. I posted it in the kitchen, and when they do something on that chart they immediately know what will happen. It definately works if you stick to it!

My son, who loves History, couldn't get enough of it! We dvrd it- and he watched it twice! But the second time my 6 yr. old was in the room and some of it scared her alittle. (Revolutionary War). But it was very well done!

We too planted our first garden this year. We have corn and was told that it can be planted in rows- but at least 4 so they can cross pollinate. Everything else is salsa making oriented- tomatoes, peppers, cilantro, etc. I did learn not to plant your sweet and hot peppers too closely together because they too will cross pollinate!

thanks for the smile!!!

I would definitaly wait until she wants to do lessons on her own. I thought all 3 of my kids should play an instrument- first they did piano, then guitar, in the end it is only my 3rd who really wants to play the piano- and is willing! Sure makes it a whole lot easier!!:)

We use Rod and STaff spelling. So far we have used 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th. I have heard alot that the word lists are easier compared to other publishers,which I agree with, but I love the exercises that are given. I like the idea that there is no fluff and the exercises make them think about their words, not just memorize how to spell them. I would start on grade level.

We are using CLE reading now for 3rd and 7th and are really enjoying it. My son used BJU for 2nd and he liked reading the stories and doing the workbook. With CLE, yes there will be times that you may have to explain some differences, but my kids get that because there is so much diversity in the world- in America. You may like BJU better- definatley check it out. It too is a great program.

I am using CLP Adventures in Phonics for my K- they have flashcards that have the rules for long vowels. The O card is listed as - o, oa, o_e, ow. I keep all the flashcards in a pocket chart on display, so she gets to see them alot. I think with repetition (into 1st grade) and the more reading they do it will come together.