Since we began our HS journey, we've tried 4 different math programs. We are desperate to find the "right one" for my rising 8th grader. It's time to finally settle down. :) I would really appreciate some candid and honest responses from families who have used both. We have a copy of Chalk Dust for Algebra 1 I like the thoroughness of the video instruction...my son dislikes the length of the lectures. I like the fact that there is plenty of practice in the text, but feel the drain of selecting which problems my son should do (180 problems per lesson really IS a bit much...even doing eeo). I don't like how the book is made for a classroom setting. We both dislike the non-consumable book. :) I've seen video samples for Video Text and appreciate the animation and graphics, but wonder...are things presented so clearly that the student isn't left to question anything? I have not seen VT worktexts, so I don't now how they are set up. Is the worktext non-consumable? I've heard that a weakness with VT is the lack of word problems. If this is the case, do parents really find their own word problems for students to do? Isn't that a lot of work? :) I read one review that suggested using CD for the Algebras and VT for geometry. Would this be a smart way to go? Can you tell that I really need help? :) Thanks in advance!

I purchased the software, but had to move on to something else since there were so many gliches in their program at the time. Have they improved their software yet? Thanks in advance!

I may be wrong, but one of the reasons many of us homeschool is so that we CAN spend one-on-one time with our children. Why is this such an issue? I understand the need to foster a sense of self-guidance and independence when our children are older (large families know what I am talking about)...but for a 5-6 year old? C'mon. :glare: Surely parents aren't really wanting to give a 5-year old a worksheet and say, "Here you go, Little Johnny. Now go off by yourself and do your lesson." Ya know, it's okay to spend time with our children...it really is! Especially when it comes to setting a good foundation in math! :) We need to be unapologetic as we devote time to our children's education. Just sayin'...;)

One of the benefits of SL is that customers have 18 weeks to use the product...with a 100% guarantee! I don't know about WP, but as far as I can tell...they don't offer that same promise.

We need a writing program that will fit into one semester. I really like the idea of writing for a "newspaper" and that is why I am considering Wordsmith Apprentice. If anyone has used this, can you tell me if it's possible to complete this program in one semester? Thanks!

Thanks to all for the comments! I now see that I have some "homework" to do! :):grouphug:

We are halfway through our first year of First Language Lessons (level 4) and we are ready to toss the books! lol. We were not prepared for this teaching/learning style at all and have found it to be very dry. That being said, my son IS learning...but it isn't enjoyable. We are looking for a switch. He wants to learn diagramming (what a kid, huh?), and I understand that WG doesn't teach diagramming, but I am sure that we could diagram the sentences anyway. Has anyone tried WG? I'd love some real feedback before taking the plunge! Thanks!

Hi, You are talking about the Humpties Grammar. http://www.lamppostpublishing.com/languagegrammarpage2.htm#The_Humpties_~_Builder_Books I have used Humpties to teach parts of speech and loved it. I had accidentally stumbled onto that book and when we were finished, I was bummed that we couldn't go on. I didn't know that there were other Humpties books! They are a little hard to find, but I hope the link above will help in your quest. I'd love to hear about your experience if you opt to use them.