Having multiple graduate degrees and having spent time teaching at a university, I generally have an 'over my dead body' policy when it comes to early college for our kids. I truly don't understand the hurry. This is a regular topic of discussion between DH and I as LegoMan is already well ahead of what this family appears to be advocating to graduate a child by 12. It is one thing when college becomes the only reasonable option for a child--I honestly think that is my worst nightmare and I can only hope that if we are faced with that in the future we can handle it with the wisdom and grace Jenny and her family appear to have. But to desire that path, to arguably push that path, is odd to me. What is the point besides bragging rights? LegoMan likely could go to college at 12. He wouldn't likely go to a top school as there simply aren't enough hours in the day between now and then to give him all the experience, extracurriculars, advanced coursework, etc. to make him competitive with the top 18 year olds in the country. But in our home education isn't simply a means to a job. It's about raising accomplished, mature adults who are well read, exposed to a variety of ideas and topics, and capable of executive function before we turn them loose on the world. We are attempting to raise the next generation of doctors, lawyers, engineers, and ultimately leaders (obviously they may end up having a different idea for their path and that's fine too--we are determined to at least preserve as many options for them as possible). As a practical matter I view LegoMan's accelerated pace as an incredible opportunity. We will have time for the advanced STEM coursework he seems to be headed for while also allowing us the chance to give him a rich liberal arts education (as he won't likely get that in a heavy STEM university program). Why not use every year available to go wider and deeper, to allow them exposure to more ideas and opportunities before life gets very serious? Why the rush?

Listening in. With LegoMan moving so quickly I have a relatively short amount of time to improve my own education and be ready to meet his ever increasing needs. It's a lot.

It's cheaper? I tried to switch to MM after having a child blow through 4 years of SM in one year ($$). But in the end I'd rather spend the money on SM.

They work fine for my accelerated kid although we don't use them formally. He's a huge Fred fan. I'd say maybe 4th or 5th grade level?

The next two are out for sure as I just downloaded them from Audible. Not sure if the 4th book is out yet or if it's just not out for Audible.

This sounds like an amazing plan!

Same here.

Thanks Gil!

One way or another, we'd like our kids to be fluent in Spanish before they graduate from high school. Fluency including speaking, reading, and writing. If you've managed to make this happen but 1) couldn't move to accommodate immersion anytime soon (or possibly ever), and 2) neither parent was fluent...what worked? We are willing to start early and be consistent but I'd love to hear about systems that produced results. For example, how many hours a week did your child work with a native-speaker tutor? Did they also use a reading and writing curriculum on top of that? Any other methods that helped? We strongly suspect our oldest has a knack for languages given the incredible progress he's currently making in both English and Latin. Hoping to start Spanish with him soon!

I don't suppose anyone has ever seen Mindstorms on sale? I figure I have some time between now and xmas to save some $$.

I know over time I've seen a few people mention that with a few items LOF Physics can be totally interactive. I don't suppose anyone has a list handy?

I've hung out for awhile and found a few people who seem to have similar goals and similar children and for the most part only pay attention to what they are using. I think that while there are a ton of options, if you know what your philosophy and goals are, what are non-negotiables in your home (we won't use religious science books for example), and have some idea of your kids' learning style, the options decrease drastically.

I've been using Latin Alive for myself and I'd think got an older child it could be independent. The videos are really helpful.

Yay!!!

If you're going to buy something I'd look at Right Start with the game pack and spend lots of time with the manipulatives and games. I agree that worksheets aren't a good plan. I bought 4 full years of math curriculum in one year with LegoMan so I feel your pain.

Just sympathy here. Nothing like YE curriculum to clarify things!

I would do ELTL and AAS. ELTL covers the same general content as WWE and FLL.

Right Start math games?

Yes! Some days he's 14 and some days he's 7 and it's killing me. Major writing meltdowns over here too. One sentence kid. Just write one sentence!

ArtsyGirl has speech issues and will be receiving therapy through the local school in the fall. If I thought for an instant there was any chance they'd properly accommodate her medical issues (auto immune condition) I'd send her in a heartbeat. Between work and LegoMan I am seriously tapped out.

This is a really interesting question. For us, the plan is up require both. But then again LegoMan happens to love both and is good at both so at this point that plan seems doable.

Double sided. But it sure took them awhile to figure it out.

It took a bit of work but Staples finally managed to print me a clean copy. It's definitely a Staples issue. Nothing wrong with the file.

Exactly. Those really aren't difficult questions.

Between family and employees I use it to focus on my own stuff.