I understand completely. We are also considering the Algebra, but I think we would do it this summer and then move into NEM 1 (which scares me, but my hubby really wants us to do.) Good luck finding some more people with experience.

No, spelling is absolutely NOT necessary for a certain sub-set of children. My oldest three have never done more than a few months of formal spelling (but have had thorough phonics instruction) and very, very rarely spell anything wrong. I would say go with your gut. If you don't think she needs it, skip it. If you change your mind, add it back in.

My oldest is currently finishing Diogenes Maxim. He is learning essay writing this year, and will further advance his skills in essay writing next year in Chreia. I am extremely happy with the results thus far. He is currently learning the progymnasmata paragraph types for essays: encomium, paraphrase, cause, opposite, analogy, examples, testimony, and epilogue. They have also begun learning and perfecting thesis statements in preparation for the modern 5 paragraph essay. We have always done narration, dictation, note-taking and outlining in our other subjects. So my son has the ability to write a summary from an outline already. I am beyond pleased with the writing instruction in CW. I would second the idea that it presents new concepts at more age-appropriate times than my public school experience. I have been satisfied moving slowly through copywork, narration, dictation, imitation, outlining, etc... I feel it has given my children a fantastic foundation - CW is adding to that and training them to be very proficient writers. By the way, I am in my third go-round of Aesop (4th grader) and my second go-round of Homer (6th grader) currently. The more I use it the more I like it and appreciate it....and the less likely I will ever use anything else.

Yes, Pinocchio is a perennial family favorite here.:001_huh:

I just asked about this - here's a link to the discussion.

I just asked about this - here's a link to the discussion.

Tide - just like my Mommy.

My 7th grade son is a scary-good writer for his age. He aspires to be a writer when he grows up (history and biographies). He is currently in his 4th year of Classical Writing and is really honing his skills. Honestly, though, I think a kid who loves to write would do quite well with almost any program, given the right guidance. What you really want is a program that will sharpen his skills and stretch her abilities, especially technically. Then he will be even more free to be creative.

I agree. It's a good opportunity to teach your son that sometimes our plans have to change and that flexibility is very important. It also teaches a crucial lesson about putting others ahead of self. If it were my grandmother I would want to honor her last wish. By the way, my husband is almost always gone away for my oldest daughter's birthday since his family always meets that weekend for a very special horseback ride that was begun by his grandfather 50+ years ago. We've just always picked a different day to celebrate all together (while allowing her certain special things on her birthday, like choosing meals and such). It has really never been a big issue.

Who here really plans their year? Me! Do you plan the whole year or in chunks? I plan what will be done for the whole year using Excel spreadsheets. For instance, I break down history (SOTW) into reading, coloring page, maps, Encyclopedia reading, read-alouds (I include all the recommended books my library system has), assigned books for each child, and projects/supplies. That way all I have to do is schedule what comes next each week. I do the same with math, keeping a spreadsheet for each book of Singapore math, listing all the exercises, Practices, and Reviews in order, combining the exercises that can be combined, etc. Then I just cross off what was done last week and plug in what needs to be done this week. Do you make all the copies of stuff you'll need at one time? No, usually I make weekly copies unless I am including the pages in a notebook (ie. science). Do you buy any supplies you'll need before your year? Some of them I purchase with my big Rainbow Resources order. The rest I get on an ongoing basis. How do you decide what you will cover? Typically I just follow the scope and sequence of the particular books we are following unless I think a particular child needs extra work/practice. Then I just add in practice where I feel it will be beneficial. Do you do a goal type thing? Not really. Do you use a planner, paper, online? Excel spreadsheets are worth their weight in gold. Each week each of my kids gets an excel spreadsheet with their assignments for each day. They cross off things as they complete them.

Thanks, Kathy. I will definitely check both of those things out.

#1ds - 5.5 #2dd - 4 #3dd - 6 #4ds - 6.5

Thanks for the input, Laura!

Thank you, Jen. That helps very much. I guess what I really need to decide is if it will discourage him or not. He is an exceptional writer - loves foreign languages, etc. He is good at math, but doesn't love it. All of the responses are very helpful - thanks!

Thank you both so much for your insights. It sounds as though it is a well-done program, and I was impressed that the price wasn't super-high. Thanks!!

Does anyone have any experience with the Art of Problem Solving online classes? I am considering the Algebra I class for my son who is a slightly above-average math student. Any opinions?

I love mine! I like that I can fit multiple kids in my big soaker tub. I also like that the bath stays cleaner without people taking showers in there all the time (I get REALLY grossed out taking a bath in a combination shower/bath - I don't like dirty feet :-). My shower is big enough to shave, etc., so it works well.

I really like this response - and agree completely. :-) I really do believe that, for the most part, picky eaters are created.

Phonics Pathways - I do not line anything up between PP and ETC.

I have been very happy doing FLL 1, 2, & 3 with added copywork/dictation/narration in other subjects in 1st-3rd grades and beginning writing (with Classical Writing here) in 4th. I have 3 very competent writers so far using that system. I am sure WWE is a fine program, but I would say it is definitely not necessary.

Same here.

Classical Writing - finishing B and moving into Homer A.

Listening carefully - I could have written that post - I'm 35, 5 kids, youngest is 3 1/2 - all other details are the same. Even the 23 days - weird!!!

got zapped by an electric pen twice in 10 seconds - I thought it was some sort of weird static issue the first time, so I did it again :-)

20 -30 minutes for the textbook lesson and the workbook exercise(s).