I'm planning on 3 1/2 hours a day plus breaks. Bible - Scripture memorization, Orthodox Children's Bible Reader, Child's Book of Character Building (15 min, 5x) Math - MUS Beta (30 min, 4x) History - SOTW 1, SOTW Activity book, Usborne Ancient History, HITW Ancients cards (30 min, 5x) Spelling - Spelling Workout (10 min, 5x) Grammar - EFTTC (15 min, 5x) Reading - Gilgamesh, the Odyssey, Greek Myths - all by Geraldine McCaughrean (20min, 5x plus 30 min free reading) Writing - HWT (10 min, 5x) Science - Noeo Science Chemistry 1 (45 min, 2x) Latin - Prima Latina (20 min, 3x) Spanish - the Learnables (20 min, 2x) Music - Classical Music for Dummies, iTunes while coloring (30 min, 2x) Art - Drawing with Children, Discovering Great Artists (60 min, 1x)

We did the same as above, but went for 15-20 minutes. The first few pages (letter sounds) flew by, then it slowed to one page. As he got comfortable we sped up. Some days we'd do two or even three pages. He really liked having the lesson timed (same with reading later on).

I have an Ikea Fira 9-drawer mini chest I lacquered red. 19.99 plus paint, but you have to put it together. I like the shiny finish b/c random marker streaks wipe right off.

I second the NOEO science recommendation!

There seem to be quite a few of us in NOVA, particularly Fairfax County. I think we should get together. Anybody interested? PM me!

but my sons (3 and 5) loved CHOW. It's an excellent intro to history. We also watched applicable shows (mostly the History Channel) on iTunes and youtube. I added Homeschool in the Woods timeline (ancients), but that's probably a little much for most K's.

He was able to CLEP most of his early college math classes before he started college at age 14. He loved it. I was also homeschooled, but we used BJU math. I hated it, but went on to be a math minor in college, so I guess it was at least adequate. Thanks for your advice. I think I'll look over other curricula this summer, but use Saxon 1 and 2 this year. Ds IS enjoying it!

My kindergartener has been working on Saxon Math 1 this year, but it's going reeaally slowly. I finally started doing two lessons a day, ignoring much of the busywork. He gave me a big hug and said, "Thank you! I like math now!" Does anyone have a suggestion for curriculum that moves a little more quickly? Does Saxon pick up speed later on? Also, I would like him to learn Algebra and Geometry before high school - are there any curricula structured like that?

I'm wondering what your thoughts are on a woman's responsibility after the children are out of the house? Most women will have 20-40 more years of life. Our kids may have more than that. How should we (and our daughters) plan for that "season"?

We're in 20121. The hubby takes the bus and the metro, so that makes the commute longer. It's worth it for a little more room. Springfield is nice. Stay away from the Springfield Mall area - a kid was stabbed in the mall a year or so ago (some gang activity, if I recall). Good luck! DC is wonderful for homeschooling families. So much free stuff to do!

Centreville isn't far from Falls Church, a little closer than Manassas. Crime is very low here (Manassas is a little dicey), and there are lots of townhomes. We have a three bedroom that we're renting for under $1500, not bad for DC. Only problem is, DH commute (to downtown DC) takes 1 1/2 hours! The VRE is rather unreliable. I wouldn't chance it if I were you.