I would agree with sticking with Singapore. As they get older it takes less teaching time, in my experience, and over the years I became much more efficient in the teaching. I've had as many as four doing Singapore Primary at once. As I added students I reduced the amount of time I spent teaching from the HIG. My kids have all done fine.

Having lived in L.A. for some years, I personally know 3 or 4 animators who make decent livings. I don't think it is very far-fetched. We have one friend who has his own small animation studio and has worked on some of the big video games that have come out recently. He sometimes works very long hours against some tight deadlines, and they are far from rich, but he makes a comfortable living.

I will just say "ditto" to all that Kathie said. I, too, have used it through Diogenes. I really appreciate this program and am thoroughly happy with my children's writing and thinking abilities, post CW. I also allow the workbooks to lead. We used Harvey's Grammar along with the workbooks for a year and finally settled on JAG and AG after finishing up FLL4. I just preferred bringing what we were learning into the lessons. The grammar exercises in the workbook are frequently review, but helpful in solidifying concepts. We are big fans of the copia-building techniques, and use the dictionary and thesaurus heavily beginning in Aesop B. Through Aesop A I take their imitation as dictation, and have the child copy it. By the time they are in Aesop B they were usually proficient at typing, so that made things easier. I have found using CW that my kids progress slowly, but steadily. It is definitely a marathon-type curricula, in that they become very strong writers if you stick with the process. Slow and steady and all that.

You need to read Farmer Boy. We were just remarking while reading it this morning how much Almonzo ate when he was 9. But they were well-off...the Ingalls family, not so much. I have three teenagers and 1 pre-teen, so I don't even want to talk about food consumption. The more active they are, the more food they need. My 17 year old just finished cross country season...it was nearly impossible to keep him full. He drinks a ton of water everyday, so it's not a lack of fluids, and he does not eat junk, usually. I have decided that they just need to eat more at certain points. Period. They are much more focused on their work when they aren't hungry. I keep raw almonds, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, and peanut butter toast on hand for snacks. We only drink whole milk - the fat helps fill them up. Every meal has a good bit of protein...lots of tuna and chicken salad, or meat-based soups and chilis. When my kids were younger we had scheduled snack time. This helped with the constant asking. They knew at 10 and 3 they got a snack...usually a big one :-) Otherwise they were welcome to get a glass of water.

When my kids reached subjects that I lacked the confidence to teach we outsourced (mostly German, lab sciences, and math). Now we have moved to a town with a phenomenal Classical charter school and I acknowledge that, in certain subjects, my high-schoolers are better served there. I think it really comes down to what your objectives are academically and what would benefit your specific kids. I have two daughters, that after home-schooling exclusively til now, decided to go to the Classical charter school full-time this year. I am glad that the school welcomes homeschoolers and doesn't quibble over transcripts. It has been a wonderful fit for them. They are challenged academically (the school is really great), and they are blossoming personally and socially. They are my extroverts - and I have come to realize that my idea of a quiet, slow-moving lifestyle was near-torture for them as they got older. The change in them (and our relationships with one another) has been extraordinary. My oldest is very academically-minded and is thriving in three AP classes at this school this year. They utilize Socratic discussion extensively and the classes are small enough (5 in his AP Chem, 6 in his AP Lit. and Comp., and 12 in APUSH) that the discussions can be vigorous and very challenging. But he is also my brooding introvert, so he likes his quiet time at home, the ability to think and dig into subjects of interest, and our one-on-one discussions. I think he is quite content with how his senior year is going. All this to say, I take it on a case-by-case basis. It is not so much that I outsource because of a lack of confidence, but because I see a better way for a particular individual.

My junior took it today and was confident upon completion. She finished everything with plenty of time, which is success here...I have methodical, plodding test-takers! Her brother is a NM Semifinalist, so she has put a lot if pressure on herself to follow in his footsteps. We shall see!

DP...sorry!

We have never done formal spelling or vocabulary. We do LOTS of copywork, dictation, reading aloud, independent reading, etc. throughout elementary, middle, and high school. I think some kids need these things taught formally and some do not. It has not hindered my oldest two, who have excelled in AP classes and standardized testing. You know your kids best. If there are better ways to spend your time, by all means, follow your gut!

I just need to say that I was pleased to see you use that awesome word. It is a family favorite ;-)

This is how we do it, too. Family read aloud time is for everyone and no one is ever allowed to read ahead or finish the book.

Corky's!!!

My history and government-loving son really enjoyed it. My daughter tolerated it- didn't hate it, but it's not something she really enjoys :-)

We completed Hillsdale College's Contitution 101 and Constitution 201 courses to complete our US Gov't credit. We did all of the additional reading through Hillsdale's Constitution reader (which was inexpensive - but all can be found online for free.) I also had them complete a couple of papers. The courses are FREE!

The thing that amazed me most when I went in for the first time to sign my kids up for part-time classes was hearing this: "We believe the parents are ultimately responsible for their children's education. We just come along side and help." It took me 60 full seconds to get my wits about me! Not what I was expecting! Needless to say, I have two kids who will be going there full-time this year. It is an excellent public Classical charter set up with houses (a la Hogwarts). My biggest surprise has been that such a school exists!!!

This happened to us two years ago with my humanities-loving 17 ds. What worked here was Derek Owens math year round, with a Mathnasium (the local tutoring center) contract. The combo has worked great - my only dislike is the cost! He was able to get to Calculus using this method.

Very pleased with our 2011 Kia Sedona. Comfy, reliable, decent gas mileage, no issues thus far (65,000 miles).

I have never done formal spelling with any of my kids. Phonics instruction is a priority in the younger years (we complete every single page of Phonics Pathways!), as is copywork and dictation. All five of mine are very good spellers and a program has never been necessary.

Local Classical Charter school: AP Lit. & Comp. AP US History AP Chemistry OR Mechanical Engineering At Home: Finish Pre-Calc then Calculus American Lit. (.5 credit since he is taking AP Lit.) Personal Finance Finish up German III It's a huge load, but he wants it all!

Well, of course not. If you are uncertain about your risk-factors that should most definitely play into your decision-making.

Frankly, I would read some research on the topic. As with everything, anecdotal evidence never tells the whole story. I am currently on my 3rd hour at the DMV with my son waiting to get his permit. But when I get home I will link some articles/research. And FYI, I have no horse in this race...I've not hit menopause yet. But, I know my MIL is a very compassionate and extremely brilliant researcher in this area. I know she wouldn't ever recommend something to her daughter and daughter-in-law if she felt there were very high risks.

According to my MIL, who is one of the leading research endocrinologists in the country, yes. But replacement therapy has to begin at menopause or shortly thereafter. There is little to no benefit for those who wait more than a couple years after menopause. The only women she would not recommend replacement therapy for are those at high risk for breast cancer. She said the research shows that those who are not at high risk have a very, very small increased chance of breast cancer. The increase in quality of life, according to her, vastly outweighs the risks. She speaks from experience, as she has been doing estrogen replacement (patch) for 20 years. Your question was timely as she was just visiting and she discussed this with me at length :-)

We travel and scuba quite a bit. They make heavy-duty mesh scuba duffels for wet gear (wet suits, flippers, gloves, booties and such). We check them all the time. The contents are not dripping, but they are definitely wet. The mesh assures that the contents won't be moldy and stinky when we get home. That has always worked well for us.

<<raising hand>> Ooo...ooo...me! I just said goodbye to my 4th set of houseguests this summer, our AC broke in June, my husband is traveling a ton for work, and a hail storm recently destroyed our roof and we need to pay a huge deductible to replace it. Boo. My oldest is applying for a Naval Academy appointment this year and that alone is sending me into a catatonic panicked state. Just a few days of quiet and I'll get right on that. ;-)

I agree with Craftyerin. Phonics Pathways has been exceedingly successful with all 5 of mine at 4-5 years old. Thorough, straightforward, cheap, and easy.

Well, we have been doing something that I guess would pass as Morning Time for years, although we don't call it that and I don't have a basket. I wouldn't call it magical. Nor is it always cozy, comfy, or even peaceful. But it IS a logical way for us to lay out our day, and it IS a part of our family culture, and I am thankful that we have stuck with it for all these years. I think Morning Time begins to really make sense when you have a range of ages and stages in the house. Mine range from 7-17 and once our morning time ends, people scurry in several different directions, typically not coming together again until dinner or even bedtime. With outside classes, online classes, part time jobs, volunteer positions, piano lessons, horseback riding, church events, sports practice, etc...we are off and running once our together time comes to a close. Morning time gives us that family anchor time that is crucial, and pleasant, for our family. Since we have a number of things we work on together as a family...memory work, devotionals, hymn singing, read alouds, picture study, etc., doing them all at once first thing in the morning is the only way we can be certain that everyone can participate. Magical? No. A usually pleasant family time where we can get to the things that are most important to us? Yes. Over the years I have learned that the things that are most important to me should be scheduled first thing...First thing = important as far as I'm concerned...that way when life interrupts our homeschooling day (a recent broken wrist - and subsequent x-rays and cast application is a good example of this), I know that we have still gotten to the things that matter most. First thing in the morning, when my kids are fresh and well-rested, and my house is neat and clean, and I have a big 'ol cup of joe in hand, is a delightful time to set about working together as a family. It makes complete sense for us... Now, if something different works for you, well then, steady on! That is the wonderful thing about homeschooling. If Morning Time doesn't make sense in your current situation, by all means, do what DOES make sense. But I think the recent positive response to Morning Time is because many people realize, for them, in their current situation, it is a brilliant way to accomplish what needs to be accomplished, and what is important to them, in the most pleasant way possible - all together as a family. That's all. I don't think anyone considers it magical - just something they had not thought of before. And therein lies the beauty of such a space as this. A place where you can read and share and learn and always ask yourself the questions, "Is there a better way for me to reach my goals? Is there a better way to help these small humans become amazing big humans?" Take what works. Leave the rest. And carry on.