I have a friend doing BJU for the samee reasons, and it was a relief for her. She just needed a break. Another couple friends do ACE and are happy with it. Very hands off. My sister-in-law is not Catholic but they love Seton... Lots off great choices out there!! Don't fret...believe that you will hear a voice behind you saying "This is the way, walk in it." BTW, that 's great advice for me too, as I am agonizing over HS Spanish, Homeschool Tracker, electives, blah blah blah. :iagree:

I have hear that with HST+ I can purchase premade lesson plans. I have been able to find an online list for Edu-Track but not HST+. Has anyone purchased any or found a list? Also any input on HST+ compasred to Edu-Track. Primarily for high school record-keeping and assignments.

So you really don't think it is particularly difficult? What about adding a more visual piece?

Would you suggest adding Learnables as a visual supplement to Breaking the Barrier. Or something else that has a more visual element?

My son is emphatic that he really wants to do Spanish for high school. Any curriculum recommendations?

Smart to get buy in from your kiddo. Enjoy your conference. You've made me want to check into this. I wonder if you could switch from Saxon Algebra 1 to this curriculum since it is also a 2 year Algebra sequence?

This gives me hope because my son doesn't even seem to care when I have taken away all his privileges. Not that he has very many. As his sister said last night, "[He] cares what everybody else thinks, but [he] doesn't care what his own family thinks." My other teen son is the exact opposite (as she also pointed out). But at the end of the day, he still kisses and hugs me and all seems right with the world. Until the next morning begins......

We really liked All American History. It is geared for middle schoolers, but the text is still pretty in-depth, not such a narrative like MOH or SOW. It also has great review questions and tests. You should be able to pick it up at a Used Curriculum Sale for about $20 or $25 for all the pieces.

Someone in an earlier post suggested Keys to Algebra. They are a set of 12 "booklets" that you can buy individually by topic for cheap. They are much more friendly looking and good for review.

Thinking about my own experience in Algebra, I say move on. I struggled with Algebra and got a "C" and sat in class wondering what in the world we were doing. That was a new experience for me, because that was the only "C" I ever got in my life, and a "B" was rare. The next year, I loved Geometry, got an"A" and Then an "A" in Alegbra 2, Trig and Analytical Geometry. I do think that year gives your brain a chance to catch up. And you need a break from that nasty algebra.

And my oldest is just finishing 8th so I was going to do what you suggest and try to work with it this summer. Is there a way with either of them that I can sort of "preload" assignments in chronological order, then through the school year I can just print off a weekly list of assignments?

So, Anne, what I understand is you prefer Edu-track, but Homeschool Tracker is what really works? Can you give me a few more details? Dping this stuff on the computer is already stressful, because I am not particularly administrative (sort of in spurts) and I hate learning computer things.

Thoughts? Opinions? I plan to use it for high school transcripts, etc. Any tips to make getting started easier are greatly appreciated. Thanks! Jennifer

Just reading this makes me stressed!

I have been looking all over for my HSLDA guidelines for HS and cannot find them. What is the typical amount of history required? Do you typically include a geography in addition to world history and US history? Also, is is better to do US History as a sophomore or junior so your child is more likely to do well on a CLEP. In other words, if he does US History next year, should he try a CLEP or wait an additional year?

Catie Frates has a great ecology of Florida online class that lots of Florida folks and coops use. (She teaches at coops all over the state. The textbook she recommends is Priceless Florida and her website is http://www.catiefrates.com/middle_school_science.html.

Did you use dissecting kits with the scalpels and scissors?

Our cottage coop is doing dissections tomorrow. We plan to be in pairs and each pair will do a worm and either a frog or dogfish shark. Any suggestions on how to make this a smoother operation? Jennifer

I used HST many years ago, and found it to be sort of a waste. Howeveer my 8th grader is now doing work that I want on his HS transcript, so I know I need to get serious about it. People in my community are seriously divided between the "new" HST and ET. Any thoughts (or opinions)?

I didn't realize that Art Reed is different from the Saxon videos. Is it also different than D.I.V.E.? And are his videos specific to Saxon. And what should I look them up under? (To purchase?) Thanks so much!!

I would consider IEW's "The Elegant Essay" and "Windows to the World" (Intro. to Literary Analysis). They are each a semester long for HS, written by a former homeschool mom turned professional educator (with degrees)after her kids graduated. It is a little teacher intensive, but both are easy to use and her teacher's manuals are very conversational, interesting, and helpful. I was strong in lit and writing, but find I am learning tons, esp about analyzing literature in relation to worldview. Actually I know they do use IEW in CC, so maybe you are already using them. We are doing them with a small group of other students (meeting once per week) to discuss books and the papers. $50 each for the student and teacher books at CBD and Rainbow. James Stobaugh's materials ("For Such a Time As This") are very intensive as he writes for the SAT boards. Both my boys and I have enjoyed his stuff and learned a ton!

I got mine at a Used Currriculum Sale for $20 for all 3 pieces. I am usually willing to drive almost an hour and a half for large sales that I know are good. Also, if you sign up to sell at them, you can usually get in and shop before anyone else. Go with a list and a Rainbow Resource catalog to check prices and reviews. I do agree with you that I thought the Rainbow price was pretty cheap. Do they have any samples you can download free online? If not, call the company and tell them you'd like to see samples and they might be willing to work with you. I know James Stobaugh does that with his curriculums. If you were closer I'd let you look at mine.

Although I agree that yelling is disrespectful and ineffective, it looks like you are probably exhausted and maxxed. I say this based on my own experience. I also work part-time (a lot from home), and my husband works a ton and is emotionally tired when he comes home. (He is a pastor.) When I am over the limit, I also yell. :confused: I agree with the online study suggestion. (I will check it out myself.) Also, take a look at the book, Boundaries. It has been very helpful for me in understanding when I don't need to emotionally responsible for my kids, husband, etc. It has helped me get a little more balance and give everyone around me a little more grace. Also, Making Anger Your Ally. Hang in there. You are making a lot of good choices. Anger is just a sign that something inside of us needs attention. Blessings of peace and favor to you today. <3, Jennifer

Cheryl~ if you are going to need Notgrass History, I pray you will find it cheaply at a used curriculum sale as I did. Jennifer

I always do it for him, even though she's never been particularly gracious, helpful, or generous toward me (usually difficult and selfish). However, I figure it is honoring our parents and I am modeling for my children how I want them to treat me (us). Besides you reap what you sow... so all you ladies feeling unappreciated, your time will come. :)