One is coming to our area, but I really don't have the $ or time budget for it. It seems a shame not to maximize my understanding. Any comments or suggestions? My son will be in 1st this year and had mastered his early phonics rather easily with ETC 1-3. I want us both to learn the rules of spelling and phonics with SWR. Are there any DVDs of SWR training offered anywhere? All I have seen were created for a previous book and adapted to SWR a very long time ago. Thanks for any input.

Sorry if this has been asked before, I am on mobile web, so it is difficult to search old threads. Does anyone use Spell to Write and Read with First Language Lessons? I like the idea that we would learn the why's and rules of spelling with SWR. I also like the multi year use for one purchase. I have not had much luck looking at samples of either. I went to a talk on SWR at our HS resource fair last year and really liked what I saw. Our son is in K now. We are using Explode the Code for phonics right now and I think I would like to continue that series if it does not interfere. I would love any other experiences and input. Thanks

I just went through this with my son. He asked me to read him a book about firefighting helicopters. When I told him I did not have one but would add it to our library list, he surprised me by saying, "That's okay we'll make one together.". I naturally asked him first to tell how the fire started for a good beginning. It just took off from there. I continued to ask him what happened next or why that happened when he seemed stalled. He loves the cartoon Busytown Mysteries, so I reminded him about the kids singing "Who,What, When, Where, Why and How." I told him it was important to tell those things for the story to be complete. together we only wrote and illustrated about 8 pages, but that little book will be a treasure for years to come. Every child will vary in their ability to express themselves, so I guess it is important to gently guide them through. Enjoy the ride!

I had asl in college. My prof was a foster parent to deaf kids and worked for the courts as interpreter. She really focused on the fact that there is a culture of the deaf that should accompany study of the language. Also remember that the syntax is different. I think syntax is the right word- word order, sign placement changing the meaning like a suffix or prefix, plus you eliminate some words at times. Remember too that american sign language is much more useful than signed english. Be sure you get asl materials. Your child could some day work or volunteer in a wide varitey of positions with asl experience. I have forgotten most of the specifics, but I've given you enough to start researching on. My son signed before he learned to talk, then lost interest. Now he is learning again, so I am interested to hear what others have to say too.

I don't know if this is your concern or not. Just wanted to add that we have almost finished book one, there are lots of stories from other cultures' mythology and references to other gods. These are set in different typesetting on the page, so you find them easily. I don't think you would miss too much if you leave them out. I tried to preface each story with " This is a made up story from their time." I also explained often that they worshipped a god of the river or a goddess of the moon, but we know our God made those things and he is all powerful. My son made me proud because he told me, but there aren't other gods, just God. I have always loved mythology myself so I enjoyed the stories, but I made sure the context was appropriate. I know you are on the WP board too, so if you are using HIH, I had to preread to make sure the chapters flowed together because the IG jumps around so much. I also refernce the more Christian creation compatible dates from SOTW instead of those in the Usborne Ency. That book has lots of evolution in the first hundred pages. My son was fascinated and I told him some scientists believe that THEORY. But we have learned God created all things. HTH

I am planning CAW for 4th. I think I planned. S&S for 7th mainly b/c there is so much complex mechanical and scientific themes to explore. My son is 5 now, but I like everything planned out too. He is going to be in construction or engineering or something, so I want him to be able to build more models and experiments for S&S. Early on I planned CAW for 2nd, but he is sensitive and I wanted him to mature to understand the suffering and want in other countries. I also think he will better understands missions work by then.. I don't know anything about MFW. Have you looked at HIH? It is mostly SOTW with creating playspaces and hands on activities to enhance the learning. Over on the WP board one mom is using it with her 11 yo. She is expanding it to fill that age group's interests. You might check it out.

Hi, I love WP! The materials are wonderful. They are a small family business and it does take some time to get back to you with emails and phone calls. Someone once posted on another forum that the Brooks (owners of WP) live on an island in VT and the power and phone can go out for periods of time. When you do get to talk to them, they are fabulous. They consider WP a ministry and truly want to know all about your children and your needs. I have heard they give very in depth advice during phone calls. There is a forum on the WP website too and someone may be able to answer your questions there. When you do order, WP is plagued with backorders because they are a smaller company. Your patience is rewarded with a program your children will probably love. My son is very active, hands on learner so I think WP is a perfect fit for us. We are just getting started, so I am happy we have such resources available to us. I placed my order for this year in April, hoping to miss the fall rush. Unfortunately, a lot of items weren't quite ready yet, so I have received 6 shipments (I believe) and was just told the final box should be here this week. I have received replies to my emails with-in 24 hours- except for one email that fell through the cracks some how. When I call I generally keep trying until I get to talk to a live voice. My husband has a small business too and customer service is often his weakness, so I try to be very patient. Best wishes with you school year, Martha

Winter Promise has a program called Hideaways in History that we will be using this year. The basic idea is to use the book "Creating CLever Castles and Cars" to create a play area for children to experience a time and place in history. This program pairs it with "The Story of the World." Each week a different time period and location is used. Looking over the materials, we are excited. Some of ideas include building and decorating a pyramid, the Great Wall of China, American Indian teepee, a bathtub submarine, and several others. I know it sounds overwhelming, but you choose the projects you believe will interest your children the most. Some parents build a project each week, while others build one (or less) a month. Some parents build smaller scale models and decorate (more like a dollhouse). The main idea is early exposure to cultures and people of history. This program uses all 4 STOW, which has drawn some criticism since these books are designed to be used over a period of years. You would just choose the stories which would capture your children's interest the most.

We have one son, 5, and I try to set aside $20 each week. When that fails I also throw in birthday money for me or him from my relatives. It comes to about $1000 per year for one kid, so it is more than enough. I choose what I want and compare prices- package purchase vs amazon vs used (when available). We use Winter Promise-a good bit of exclusives or consumables at this age-, so I usually just order the whole pack and am pretty happy. I always have extra $ left right now, so that is for field trips and those little extras.