I have not yet joined a TOG co-op but have looked into them extensively. For whatever reason, there are at least 3 different TOG co-ops within my vicinity and they are very popular. I have thought of switching curriculum and joining one, mainly just to have a regular group of kids my kids can "do school" with. But so far, I haven't actually participated in one.

For next school year, I will need Rod & Staff spelling & english. We used to live near a convention and each year I would purchase from a wonderful booth there. We recently moved. There are not any area conventions that are within driving distance for me with R & S. Where do you usually purchase them from?? Thanks! Melissa

Hi, I have a gifted 10 year old that will be officially in 5th grade in the fall. I am trying to nail down what to use for math with him. Math is definitely his best and easiest subject for him. He is doing Horizons Math 4 right now, coupled with Singapore Math 4. He's doing just the student book in the Singapore "just for fun" and by choice. He is good at self-teaching, which is great since math is not my best subject. For fall, should I continue with Horizons 5? Should we do Singapore Math 5 too, as I am sure he will ask for it? Or, I also had someone ask me if we were starting him in pre-algebra, which is what he would be in if he was at the local public school. I know nothing yet about pre-algebra material or curriculum. What is the best age to begin that? Any tips or advice? Since math is not my best subject, I would prefer to either have it set up to where he can learn on his own or where it requires minimal teaching. :) Thanks!

I need to purchase the next level of Writing and Rhetoric. I am curious if anyone has a free ship or a % off coupon that they could share? Really trying to save some money :) Thank you!

I have an avid reader that is 9 yrs old (but can read at a much higher level). He has requested books that will teach him about the US government. For example, about the branches of government, etc. I would love book suggestions! Thank you!

Hi, my almost 9 yr old is always looking for new learning opportunities. I was curious if anyone knew about free online classes or resources that he might enjoy? Thank you!

We have completed MFW K, MFW 1st, MFW Adventures, and are about to finish MFW ECC. Here's what I would do (and plan to do with my 2 year old probably), as I do think MFW K is fairly easy and simplistic... PreK 4: MFW K Kinder: MFW 1st 1st: Adventures Adventures is a VERY sweet and so far my favorite of the MFW we've completed. I think it would be perfect for a 1st grader. I probably would not do CTG with a 1st grader (as the oldest child) just based upon the books I've seen with it.

Anyone?

I wanted to try out MCT and found Sentence Island on sale. I would like to use Sentence Island next year with my 9 yr old along with FLL4. After receiving the Sentence Island books, I am curious how to schedule it....the TM is not very clear. Any suggestions on how to implement MCT Sentence Island with FLL? I also might try to add in CAP W&R, maybe. Or maybe WWE.

We've not used Writing with Ease yet, but thinking about switching to it this fall. After looking at the website, I am confused as to what I need to purchase. There's a main book, workbook, and student pages?? Do I need all 3 at each level? I will have a 4th grade and 2nd grader I would like to start using this with.....so I know I will need 2 different levels. I am also interested in finding any of it used that I can. Thanks

I would love to "borrow" it, to start in August with my 4th grader. Is your offer still available??

We are using MFW 1st this year along with MFW ECC. Last year we did MFW Adventures with MFW K. I do add a few things and change the science. Overall, I like that it is planned out for me each week and each day. I also like how flexible it is. You can PM me any specific questions.

My son loves to read classic books and he requested that the Jungle Book. I thought it would make a great Easter gift! (YAY books!) But online there so many different types/editions to chose from. Which is your favorite and why? I would prefer one that is hardcover if possible and that will survive life with 4 kids :)

My DS, also 8 years old, is also finishing FLL3. I too have the same question you do about FLL4. Mine has been a tad bored by the repetitiveness of FLL3.

We are also doing R & S Spelling a grade-ahead for my "natural speller".

Do you think there's any chance they will sell a science notebook/journal to go with it? We currently use APologia Swimming Creatures and my kids LOVE the science notebook that goes along with it. I like that there's not tons of loose papers and that there are activities already for each lesson!

I feel like finding a writing program is one part I stress about as I plan each year. This year, we tried Writing Strands for my 3rd grader. While it is easy to implement (he does most of it on his own), neither of us are thrilled about it. I thought about switching to WWE or Writing Tales.....I need something affordable and not taking too much time. Thanks!

Do you think there are plans for a journal to go along with it? I LOVE the science journals with the Apologia Elementary series!

Hi, I am starting to plan ahead for this coming fall. I am really struggling with picking a writing curriculum for my then-to-be 4th grader. Currently, we are using Writing Strands 3 and almost 1/2 way finished. He completes most exercises without my help, but he does them quickly and with very little effort. He "completes" each one, but not at the standard I know he could, if he just put forth more effort. His opinion is that it is boring. I really want a writing curriculum that is not too time intensive yet will set him up with strong writing skills. I also cannot spend too much $$. Any advice or recommendations for what you used for 4th Grade? Thanks!!

Hi, I know it is seems early to start preparing which curriculum to use in Fall 2014, but I got an email recently that the local Homeschool trade show/conference is in March. So, prior to that, I really want to have most of my curriculum choices nailed down! Anyways, this year we are using MFW Exploring Countries and Cultures. It is going OK, not LOVING it like we did MFW Adventures. Next in the MFW cycle we would be doing Creation to Greeks. I will have a 4th grader, 2nd grader, and 1st grader doing the work. Questions, what was your opinion of CTG? Was it fun? Did kids enjoy it? What was the main history text? DId anyone add MOH or another supplement text for history? Did you supplement the science? We currently are working through the Apologia Zoology books. What is the science like in CTG? Would CTG be too difficult for a 1st grader??? Or too violent??? (she's very sensitive) Thanks!

I printed out 25 page booklets for each kid (3) for them to use in November. I would like to have each of these bound for durability. I have an Office Max, Office Depot, Fed Ex Kinkos, etc. near me. Which is the best for binding papers? How much can I expect to spend??

We are starting week 7 with MFW ECC. I have to say that so far we are loving it a lot LESS than MFW Adventures. I feel like the guide is very disjointed in how you introduce country information. You have to rely very heavily on the book basket books to give country-specific info. And, we just started Canada and my library and the other nearby library system only had 1 of the recommended books about Canada.

We are ordering our first iPad (an iPad 4) later this week. I am excited to have one. Now, though, I need recommendations for cases to protect it from my children! What are your favorite cases? Also, what are apps that you use regularly or ones that you like for your kids? Thanks!

Where did you purchase your recorders and what brand did you get??

We used it last year. I have to say the video quality is horrible. It was blocky, very very blocky, even on our smaller laptop screen. I'd planned to route it to our large TV screen but the picture quality was terrible.