I recently came across Total Language Plus and am interested in using some of their American history literature guides along side Notgrass Exploring America. I plan to use the literature package from Notgrass, but will probably still add a few other books with some type of comprehension guides. This year my dd is using Wordly Wise and Easy Grammar, but I'm thinking of eliminating these two next year and using TLP. Does anyone have any experience with TLP? I've also considered Progeny Press, but I don't have experience with these either. :unsure: Thank you!

I plan to have my dd work through the big blue Official SAT Study Guide book. Is this sufficient on its own in regards to preparation for the SAT and being worthy of counting this as elective credit? If not what do you use or what would you add? Thank you!

Anyone care to chime in? I'm guessing the majority does not track hours for lab.

I'm sorry you are struggling. I feel your pain with Core 300. I'm totally regretting not sticking with my original plan which was to use to use Notgrass. We have already ditched SL's history guide (even tried using Day by Day) and are doing our own thing using Blainey's A Short History of the 20th Century. After reading the above comments about the literature I'm not encouraged. This is our first year with Sonlight and it will be our last. I hope you receive some helpful feedback and find something that works well for you. I wish I had advice to offer, but I'm new at this myself as this is our first year homeschooling high school. Best Wishes!

This is exactly how we use Rod and Staff. It is very easy to modify the amount of written work.

I was wondering if I should have my dd keep track of the hours she puts in for biology lab. It's not required by our state, but when I was considering joining a local PSP I noticed that they had a form for this. Is this a good idea just in case colleges ask for it? I can't think of any other reason for it. I'm a newbie and would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance!

I'm a newbie too, but I'll go ahead and give my 2¢. :-) If your kids enjoy workbooks you may want to look at Abeka for language arts. You may also want to check out Rod and Staff Spelling by Sound and Structure and Pathway Readers. It's good that you are comfortable to ditch what isn't working to find what works for your family! Hope you have a blessed year!

When my dd was 7 (now 15) she loved Geronimo Stilton. They are simple, funny, illustrated adventure books.

I agree! :-)

My oldest is in an online charter school, but we also have the freedom to choose which subjects she takes through the school. She has taken classes at a local private school and co-op. I can use whatever curriculum I want, but the bottom line is that my dd MUST take and pass the CAHSEE in order to receive her diploma. This is the distinction many would make for calling her a non homeschooler. She is technically enrolled in an online, publicly funded school. I see both sides of this issue being discussed. :-)

I agree with maize.

Lots of homeschoolers choose to outsource subjects. Just curious how you feel about these couses since the instruction and grading are not coming from the parent of the student.

Southern California here with a high of 98. I'm ready for fall!!!

Following! My dd will also be studying American history next year. I am already seeing that Sonlight is not a good fit. I am considering Notgrass or America the Last Best Hope for next year. I just requested Bennett's books from the library to preview.

We made an accordian style timeline using cardstock. We don't have a whole lot of space and this worked put perfectly for us. We can get it out as needed and I can fold it up and put it away when not in use.

Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew Geronimo Stilton ...along with all the other wonderful suggestions previously mentioned! :-)

Oops! Double post

I agree! :-)

Another vote for freepianolessons4kids :-)

Also... I can't seem to find any used 2nd edition teacher's manuals at a decent price.

Is the teacher's manual a necessary component for the course or can we get by with the videos, textbook and workbook? My dd had an opportunity to take this through a co-op, but our participation is uncertain since we had to take an unplanned trip to the states. I'm hoping that we can eventually participate with the co-op and just kind of tag along independently for now. The co-op leader has the teacher's manual and I don't want to spend money unnecessarily. The timing of our return trip is uncertain and we are probably looking at trying to tag along without a teacher's manual for 3 months. Is this doable or should I just buy my own copy?

My dd also has an assignment planner. Great idea without doubling the work of rewriting it out for me! :-)

I'm looking for a not too complicated system to track my dd's assignments so I know what needs to be graded when. I'd love to hear how you accomplish this....write assignments out in a weekly planner then grade and log assignments, Homeschool Tracker, .... ? I don't want to make it more complicated than it needs to be, but I can also see that I need something more than just grading logs. Thank you!!!!

Thank you so much ladies! Week 2 here we come!

You have some great suggestions here. I'd like to add Jewel Fairies by Daisy Meadows and Magic Tree House books.