Good point. However, there are also states where all homeschoolers have to test.

Could very well be, I know nothing about the HSLDA study. I was just making the point that these statistics are compiled just like any other statistic- they never account for everyone. But do they seem that off? From personal experience? I wouldn't say so, but I'm not around tons of other homeschoolers.

Probably the same way they compile any similar statistic- by studying a set of homeschoolers who do report.

I know I'm way ahead of myself but I'm thinking about next year and I may have the option to buy Year 2 used for a good price. I will go light for my then 1st and 3rd graders, but mostly thinking about my then 5th grader (dialectic). How much time does it take you? How independent is it for your child?

Do you just rate the books that you've read then? Just signed up but not quite sure how it works.

I was thinking it might be cool to keep track of all the books my kids read. What do you all do?

Saw this today and wanted to share: http://www.topmastersineducation.com/homeschooled/ (Not sure how to get the graphic in the post :confused1: )

BUMP. She charges $20 per half hour session ($80/month) for once a week, or $35 for 2 half hour sessions per week ($140/month). The best part is, you can have multiple students learn at once. DD9 and I always participate and my younger 2 tag along when they feel like it.

When we moved this fall, we were really bummed about leaving our French instructor. I asked if she'd be willing to try Skype lessons with us, and though she didn't have much experience with Skype she agreed. Lessons are going really well! She mentioned the other day that she's lost quite a few summer students, and I told her she should try Skype students. If anyone is interested in more info, you can post here or PM me for more information. Here's a bit of background on her: She's located in Bear Valley Springs, California. She homeschooled her own two children (recent college graduates). She also teaches piano and art, and is currently in the exploration phase of opening up her own fine arts academy. She's really intelligent and has a calm, content demeanor. We love her a lot :D. Let me know if you're interested!

A Living Education

Yes, definitely! I use them with a 5, 7, and 9 year old. I think they are perfect for this age group! As i mentioned, I did add the picture book because they enjoy that too, but that's not necessary. I also have Van Gogh coloring pages that we will use in our free time in the coming weeks.

Just blogged about last week's picture study with Van Gogh's Starry Night. If anyone has been wondering about SCM's portfolios, or picture study in general, you might appreciate it.

When did your kids start? DD9 will be doing it this year but DS7 is jealous and wants to try. Problem is, he absolutely hates the physical aspect of writing, and doesn't yet know how to type :-/. What would you do?

Much better options, ladies. Thank you :-)

DD9 and I have been taking French immersion classes once a week for a few months, and we're loving it and learning a ton! I'm finding, though, that DD is having a hard time with pronunciation. She's a complete visual learner, so it's helped for her to pick up L'art de Lire again to see the words on paper more. But I'm wondering if maybe she needs to hear the same words over and over again. Would Rosetta Stone maybe be a good option for this? What I'm hoping for is essentially a visual flashcard (with just the picture or picture and word in French) that also says the article and word. She could go over these again and again and hopefully get the sound of the words ingrained a little better. Any thoughts? We've never used RS and I know people feel differently about it, but keep in mind that it will be a supplement and not our main program.

I've never heard anyone mention these! Do you use these in addition to TB/WB/CWP? How to they align?

Wow... This is just what I was hoping for :drool5: Thank you!

:confused1:

NM, I found the grade levels :-)

Awesome! Actually found what I was looking in Geometry 1. I glanced through it before but I must have missed it! Also, where do you find the corresponding grade levels? Anyone know about Education Unboxed?

Wanting some reinforcement on these, but can't seem to find what I'm looking for. Does anyone know where this topic is found in MM Blue series and/or education unboxed videos?

Or your own personal blogs? I'm needing some inspiration and encouragement and would love to see what things might look like down the road. Anyone have a blog that has documented, however loosely, your long term homeschool journey?

Great points! In light of my other thread, you don't happen to have a blog do you? :thumbup1:

I'm specifically wondering about basic adding. For my other 2 I used a math program by the book and never added in C-rods. I can see how the rods are a great help! DD5 is able to quickly add numbers (sums up to 10) as we work through it in JM 1A. We usually just do lots of addition sentences on the whiteboard with the rods, but the next page in her workbook is a page of simple sums. Should I let her continue to use the rods? How did you all do it (especially those of you who didn't follow a math curriculum at this stage)?

Here are some we enjoyed the last time we did US history Amos Fortune, Free Man Sarah, Plain and Tall The Matchlock Gun all the Little House books (he might really like Farmer Boy) Sarah Whitcher's Story Sign of the Beaver Squanto Phyllis Wheatley: Young Revolutionary Poet