We have used this, but only as review after completing our K phonics program. I think it would probably work well for a student already familiar with the letter sounds....

Actually, both Notgrass courses are designed for 3 credits: History, English and Bible. As I mentioned previously, though, we are not using it as written.:) The course work would definitely take longer if completed as intended. IMO Notgrass offers a great program and can easily be adapted to suit each individual family. In our case, I have chosen to use it solely as an American History course, so I may pick and choose a few of the English assignments if I feel they will be helpful in our study of American History--those will not be part of their English credit. We have also found the Bible component to be quite light, with daily assignments limited to reading a few verses or to "think about" some questions. I am picking and choosing from those, also, for those which will enrich our historical studies. This will only provide a portion of their Bible credit. I am even adjusting the History component itself! I personally see no reason for my dc to answer the daily questions in writing. One reason for this is that they have plenty of writing opportunities in other courses. A more important reason is that I can use those questions orally as springboards for further discussion. So, that's why, with all of my customizing, my students spend about 1 hour individually on the assignments I've chosen, and then we spend time together in oral discussion. YMMV.

Hi. We have just begun using EA, so my experience if very limited thus far. Currently, we are very pleased with Notgrass. We are not using it exactly as written, though. For example, since we are using different materials for Literature and Composition, my dc are only reading the books for their historical value. Dc will not be doing any of the writing assignments/questions over the EA books. Another way we differ from Notgrass as it was intended is by discussing the history and Bible questions orally each day. Unless we take off on some tangent, (which we have already done a couple of times) our discussions do not take more than a few minutes. So far, my dc have not taken more than 30 minutes per day for the text/primary source readings, and perhaps 30 minutes reading the book. I said all that to suggest that time requirements will vary from family to family, dependent upon variables such as what assignments are used and how quickly one's children read. Therefore, Exploring America is, IMO a very doable and adaptable program. I have been pleasantly surprised at how greatly my dc are enjoying it, and by how much they are gleaning from it!

We have used LLATL since my eldest ds was in 3rd grade, (yellow book, I believe) and have used the Wordsmith series--W.Apprentice/Wordsmith/W.Craftsman--(very lightly) along with it in the Middle School/Early High School years. I believe that the middle level, just plain 'ole Wordsmith, works fairly well at the age of your student. HTH!

Sonlight offers schedules also. It is a bit more pricey, but does include a weekly list of necessary supplies for that week, plus a list of those items one would need to gather for the next week.

Not sure of your dc age(s), but here are some we have enjoyed: Geology Rocks! (this does include activities) Dry Bones and Other Fossils Usborne Guide to Rocks and Fossils How to Dig a Hole to the Other Side of the World You might also obtain some of the Smithsonian rock and crystal kits. I know Rainbow Resource carries them.

Well, I voted "Love it and will keep using it". Ds-16 has used it for Pre-Algebra, (which he could easily have skipped, but I saw no need at the time to do so) Algebra 1 and Algebra 2, and will be using it this year for Geometry. (He will also be using some of Life of Fred Advanced Algebra to "stay fresh", and then follow Geometry with LoF Trigonometry.) He has always done very well in math, but enjoys being able to move at his own pace. Dd-14 has also used it for Pre-Algebra, and Algebra 1 and will be using it for Algebra 2 this year (along with LoF Advanced Algebra). She is not quite as strong in math, so she is really enjoying T.T.. She especially appreciates that she can view solutions to every single problem. Her math confidence has soared with this program. Another facet of T.T. that we enjoy is its' humorous questions and the like--not that we would purchase a curriculum for that reason. It's just a nice little bonus. Although I know that there are definitely more rigorous programs out there, we are pleased with T.T.--especially with the independence and confidence it fosters.

I appreciate all the replies! I still haven't decided, but have better clarity after reading your opinions. Thank you so much!

Yes. Telltale Heart is probably my fave from Poe as well, and it is included in the Portable Poe. Hmmmm. I can't decide. I am just trying to streamline, and having a very hard doing so. So many great reads...so little time!

I am putting together our American Literature study for this year, and am wondering about the importance of Poe. How many (and which) works would you say are essential to a thorough American Lit. course? I ask because I have independent copies of both "The Raven" and "Fall of the House of Usher", as well as a copy of The Portable Edgar Allen Poe. If the former are sufficient, I will just happily set aside the latter. Would I be short-changing my dc by doing that? I would really appreciate any advice or opinions on this. Thanks!

LOL. Yes. That accountability to someone other than myself may be what we are needing. Although my son writes well, he hates the entire process. Hopefully, an online instructor will be able to encourage him in such a way that he will expend a little more effort on his work. Thank you for sharing your experience!

Argh! Now I have more options to consider!:eek: LOL. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll be sure to check them out.

Ah. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It is the "strengthening [his] essay through editing" that I think I am looking for. Thanks again.

...you feel online writing courses are. I am looking at either Write@Home, WriteGuide, or WriteOn! for my oldest ds (16 yo rising junior). On the whole, he writes very well, but I would love to see him step things up a level and approach his work with a little more intensity. Do those of you who have used any of the above courses feel that you saw significant improvement in your students' work? Are they worth the money and time? Please share your experiences and opinions, both positive and negative. Thanks!

If I understand you correctly and you are wanting guides for the books already scheduled by Notgrass, you might try Sparknotes, or Pink Monkey. And I agree with the Glencoe suggestion, though I'm not sure how many of the Notgrass titles they cover.

Oh, that's okay. I didn't mean to sound as though I had a problem with anyone thinking it looked boring. I was just clarifying how I felt about it. And I agree that you do know your kids--better than anyone--so I encourage you to go with your gut on this. You definitely have a full plate. (We have six also, but no additional day care kids, so I'm sure that must be a challenge.) I can completely understand what you are saying about "time and concentration levels". That's kinda what I was trying to get across. I felt disappointed to decide against Core 400 because I had really looked forward to it, but when the time came, it just didn't fit. Bless you as you decide!

I actually have been in the same boat. I purchased Core 400 and switched to Notgrass. I personally don't think the Government portion looks boring...it just seemed quite intense and time-consuming. If our situation were different, (i.e., we didn't have so many other difficult subjects to cover and other important activities demanding attention) I would maybe make a go of it. But I do agree that it is definitely designed to be discussed. And again, as I don't feel I have adequate time to devote to that, I opted for Notgrass. Anyway, just wanted you to know that you are not alone in reconsidering it after purchase.:)

Thank you all for your replies. It's so helpful to hear from those who have gone before! Blessings!

Hi, all. I am coming out of lurk mode to ask opinions of Boorstin's Landmark History of the American People. Could those of you who are familiar with it please let me know if you feel the writing style lends itself well to reading aloud? Would it hold the interest of 10-12 year olds? Also, while I am not looking for a text written from the "Providential" perspective, I would like one that is not bent on sharing only the negative aspects of America's history. Would you say that Boorstin is fairly balanced in his approach? Thanks in advance!