I always found it annoying growing up to read "he" everywhere. I admit, it did make me feel left out because I felt that whatever was being said didn't apply to me, as a girl. I am a feminist, have been most of my life. In school, I did use "she," as a representative pronoun, mostly because I wanted people to know what it felt like to be excluded in that way. By the time I was in grad school, I opted for alternating he and she in order to be fair. I clearly remember thinking, when I visited my first woman doctor (a neurologist), that I didn't know women could be doctors. I grew up wanting to be a doctor, because women could. Anyway, I don't want my daughter thinking she must grow up to be a certain thing, if her true heart's desire is to be something else. So, at the very least, we alternate. But we might just use "she," too. ;)

What about Horizons math? I'm not sure what you mean about Asian math, but Horizons is solid and it is spiral (like Singapore Math).

I found the "family" method of long division online. It was a great pneumonic (?) device that helped my ds remember the process. It is: Dad - divide Mom - multiply Sister - subtract Brother - bring down Rover - remainder or repeat (depending on outcome) HTH, Jennifer

That is a sad story and I feel your pain. Does your library have an interlibrary loan program? This would be a somewhat painless and free (at my library anyway) option. If it's available anywhere, they should be able to get it for you.

I just bought the RSO earth & space, though I didn't look for the kit. I'm just planning to buy as I go along, using the lab supply list in the beginning of the book. They have an asterisk next to any out of the ordinary supplies, such as binoculars and a triple beam balance. There is a "try before you buy" link on the pandia press website if you want to see what it will be like. From what I have seen so far, it is very hands on. There are one or more experiments for each week, and journaling is suggested. I'm excited to get started with my dd,7, soon. I'll be happy to look through the text & answer any specific questions you may have. HTH, Jennifer

Yes! It was the "confessions" site. Thank you!!!! I will definitely check out hands of a child, too. I did not expect a reply so quickly, and I wasn't even sure anyone would know what I was talking about. Clearly you all are awesome!

Sometime in the last few weeks I saw a link to a website that talked about literature units and lapbooks. I think the materials were for sale. I was really intrigued, but cannot find any reference to that post now (of course!). Anyone remember what I'm talking about? I think one of the units was about Robinson Crusoe, or some other book about islands, sailing, & pirates. Thanks for any help you can give me!!!

This will be my second year homeschooling. Here is what we are doing for second grade (so far): Bible: JBQ, morning devos Math: Horizons 1-2 Reading: Finishing ETC 6, 7, 8 Grammar: FLL 2 Spelling: Spelling Workout Science: RSO Earth & Space History: SotW middle ages (I think) HWoT Reading: Yes, we'll be reading, but I haven't figured out how/what yet I think that's it. Hope you have a great year!

We used Horizons 4 this year, and while I did think there was alot of review, I also think what often seemed to be review turned out to be expanding on concepts already learned. After completing 4th grade this year, I did decide it was silly to review math all summer, as there seems to be review built into the curriculum(I suppose that is due to its spiral style). Instead, we will just forge ahead with 5th grade. Hope this is somewhat helpful!:001_smile:

I am somewhat new to homeschooling. We've completed our first year (yeah!), so you can take my advice with a grain of salt. I'll be using R.E.A.L. Science Oddysey Earth and Space next year with my dd and ds, in 2nd and 5th grade. I'll just find some more books for the 5th grader to round out the program. They have other "level one" programs that could be used for multiple grades.

I just bought a timeline from Add-a-Century Timeline. It is a timeline that can be mounted on the wall or put into a binder. You can completely personalize it with categories that go down the sides with the year stickers that you place across the top. It's a little pricey, but I think it will make the history timeline fun for my ds, who is not into crafts. They provide stickers for the years and categories, and even offer pages of stickers with different historical events. The pages are designed so that you can add or rearrange (hence the name). Their website is www.addacentury.com.