I have just begun using Science in Ancient Times with a group at our co-op of 1st/2nd graders. I have been a bit disappointed that the concepts are so difficult for children this age (i.e. experiments on factors, comparing the size of shadows outside, etc.) We are only just beginning so I hate to rush to judgement, but I am just dreading planning b/c I don't think they are going to "get it" when we do these experiments. Are any of you further along in the curriculum and can advise me on your thoughts, particularly with younger children? If we are going to switch curricula, I'd rather do it now than in the middle of the year. Thanks for your help!

It has been awhile since I used them, but when my older children were little, we used both Truthquest History and Biblioplan. Both are recommendations of "living" books (that you can check out or purchase) that are related to the time periods you are studying. Terri

Hi all, Saw this post and thought I'd say I just posted a used set for Alg. I here: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=344534 Thanks. :) Terri

We started out using Spelling Workout, and I realized my girls were just wasting time practicing words they already knew. We switched to Spelling Power, and I really like it. It sat on my shelf for the longest time (having had our sixth child last year) b/c it seemed so teacher-intensive. However, I actually tried it this year, and it really takes me no time at all. I can call out a list of words to my daughters while folding laundry or unloading the dishwasher, and then they go and practice the few they've missed. However, I also tried it with my son (who is a horrible speller), and I currently am logging onto the WTM site to figure out what to use with him!! :)

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth..." Genesis 1:1 Well, if it is good enough to begin the Bible's first sentence, it is good enough to start mine! ;)

Hi ladies, I have some used diaper covers I'd like to sell. Do any of you have a recommendation of where to sell them online? Is there a place that is easier and doesn't take your profits? Thanks. Reply directly to jimandter@gmail.com Thanks!

We are big coffee fans around here. To me the most important thing is to grind it yourself! We like Eight o Clock bean, either Columbian or French Roast. It is not expensive and was either the winner or runner-up of Consumer Reports' taste test a few years back.

Thanks for your ideas, ladies. I had forgotten to look in the WTM. Shhhh! Don't tell anybody. :blushing:

Hi everyone, I am considering purchasing Living Memory by Andrew Campbell, but haven't justified spending the money yet. Does anyone know if there are lists somewhere online of important information, quotes, poetry etc. that could be used for memory work? We're doing early American history next year, but it could be related to any topic. Thanks!

Hi ladies, So glad I can ask my questions to you smart ladies! We have pullets that are getting quite large and are in with our two laying hens. How do I feed them separate foods? Is there harm in my laying hens eating the starter/grower that the pullets are still on, or would it be safer for the pullets to eat the laying mash I feed the laying hens? The pullets are about 18 weeks now. Thanks for your advice.

My children love to sit and color while listening to a book on cd. The Jim Weiss ones are good or a longer chapter book is even better. Check your library and check out what looks best. I'd suggest the Little House books for starters, seeing the ages of your children.

Hi ladies, Thank you so much for your ideas. I asked my firls about the net and the shoe organizer but they said it wasn't fair to the animals!!! :001_rolleyes:It really is sweet- I want my girls to be compassionate. Anyway, I told them I'd allow them to go on the back of their room doors so they wouldn't be shut up in their closets ALONE, and that we could buy new shoe organizers especially for the animals so they wouldn't be in the smelly old ones that have had the little brothers' shoes in them. Also they can put them in the order they normally sleep with them, and we could create special stickers for each one's cubby with the animals names on them. THEY AGREED! I'm so thrilled. The organizers won't hold all the animals but many. Thanks for your help. It is funny to see how many kids have this "problem." And I say that to be funny- this is really no problem - a blessing of being a parent! Terri

Hi I'm not sure when you said you were going to Disney, but our best piece of advice for the entire trip is to purchase The Unofficial Guide to Disney World by Bob Sehlinger. It is great and a must-have. It gives you wonderful tips for families and especially how to avoid standing in lines. I am so jealous! Terri:seeya:

Hi everyone, Does anyone else have this problem? My girls (12 and 9) have a ton of stuffed animals that they want to keep. They don't want to put them up somewhere. They don't even like to put them in their closets. Therefore, there is a pile of them on their beds that get thrown into the floor each night, which makes walking into their rooms a hazard. I'm glad they like them so much (I was the same way as a child), but I'd love a way to organize them a bit better so they're not so messy. Thanks ladies. Terri:001_smile:

36 for about another month. At least I'll stay in that age range! :)

Both my girls have several Webkinz, and I've been pleased with the website. They have a limited amount of time to spend on it, but the activities seem to be a fairly profitable use of time. They think it is fun to decorate their rooms and send other "friends" gifts. There has been nothing questionable or unsafe in my opinion.

We did Disney in the rain when we went on vacation in January. Two pieces of advice: bring your OWN poncho from home. When it rains, everyone buys the Disney ponchos which are clear/whitish. It was much easier to lose a kids when everyone looks the same. Also, you'll need to make a plan if you have a baby in a stroller or infant carrier. It was too difficult to keep our baby in the stroller and dry (would require several ponchos, so I just wore him in an infant carrier and carried an umbrella. The lines are much shorter and almost everything is still open. It isn't my choice for Disney, but it is definitely do-able.

Hi- For those of you looking for something worthwhile to view on Memorial Day, why not rent "Taking Chance." It is extremely well done, and shows the honor given to fallen soldiers by our military and our citizens. It is well worth the time.

We've enjoyed the Book of Virtues and also the Moral Compass. We also like the Millers books. For longer books, the Lamplighter books are wonderful.

My personal favorite and the childrens' is Johnny Tremain. We also enjoyed Sign of the Beaver and Carry On, Mr. Bowditch.

I got an LL Bean Visa card a few years ago and shop there a lot now. If you order with the card, you not only get free shipping (with NO minimum) but also free return shipping if there is a problem. You can't beat this if you're like me and have no time to go out shopping. The disadvantage to shopping online is that sometimes you don't know exactly what you're getting and are disappointed when it arrives. With free return shipping, you simply send it back FOR FREE. That is a great advantage! They also have pretty good sale items.

Thanks so much. I'm just starting Tapestry this fall, and I signed up for 3! What a blessing!

A friend told me about the Carolyn Haywood books. You'll love them! They're old and sweet!

Less than three hours, which can easily be traveled there and back in a day, but the more children we've added the longer the trip seems! :) Terri Mom of 5 and one on the way

We've had an FSA with United Healthcare through the fed. gov't for several years and it has been great. It is actually getting easier to use since we have a new debit card that will deduct OTC and presc. meds directly from our account. We also have direct deposit not too so when we file a claim it is deposited immediately into our account. We've never budgeted too much - got to be careful about that.