We are loving Trail Guide to Learning from GeoMatters...it's all in one except for Math. I had ordered Sonlight but then returned it b/c it was too much for us to manage...TGTL is the perfect fit for my oldest! Their curriculum starts at the 3rd grade level.

DS (9) loves (I mean LOVES) meterology and geography. If he could meet Reed Timmer from Storm Chasers, he would probably pass out. :) He has been obsessed with weather from an early age (1st grade?). We have read, it seems, every tornado/severe weather book from the library, watched documentaries, explored weather related sites on the internet, met 2 local meterologists, took zoo classes about weather, conducted many weather experiments, and have lots of random tornado drawings stashed around our house. :) We are looking into a Weather Spotter class for him and I would like to get him involved in computer programming. As for geography, it fits hand in hand with meterology. I have supplied him with numerous maps and supplies and he just drinks it up...researching, sketching, making up his own lands and continents as well. He finished world geography early last year and was wanting more and I had to scramble to keep up with him. This year I am prepared with several options. I tried to find a geography bee to enter him into, but could not find a local one.

I am feeling a little intimidated at the thought of 5th grade! My goal is to push my son a little more this year towards greater independence. Does anyone here give their child their own planner to keep up with? We tried daily assignment sheets last year but I couldn't keep up. It was easier for me to just tell him the next thing but this really isn't fostering independence. Would love to hear some ideas. :) Our line-up (which begins next week!): Math: TT 5, Mental Math 5th grade HIstory: Our main program-- Finish Trail Guide to Learning: Paths of Exploration then begin Paths of Settlement (this includes copywork, LA, history, geography, and some science--we'll use some other things to round it out a bit more) Science: Apologia's Young Explorers Chemistry and Physics Spelling: AAS 5 (may stretch this out over 2 years...not sure yet) Geography: Trail Guide to Bible Geography and BF Holling C. Holling Geography (Not really needed, but my geography-loving son begs for more so I am prepared!) Bible: Charlotte Mason scripture memorization/reading plan to go along with TG Bible Geography Literature: He's taking an awesome Lit/Writing class at our co-op. I am so excited for this! I have additional books picked out and we'll see how far we get. Art: Art HIstory at our co-op Typing Latin: He wants to continue with Latin's Not So Tough but not sure if we can squeeze it in. Soccer/Basketball/Possibly Piano lessons

Yes, bought a BIG box curriculum (first time ever) b/c I panicked since we'll have a newborn in the house this fall. It was not at all what I was hoping for. I knew we'd never get it all done and packed it all back up and blew $48 to mail it back. DH said it was $48 well spent if we were going to be miserable doing the curriculum, and he's right. I have now *settled* on Trail Guide to Learning for my 4th grader and we're supposed to start back next week but the TM is on backorder until 8/1. We'll get a grip on math, spelling, and some good reading before it arrives. I also have one starting K this year, so lots of changes but we're all excited!

Thanks for the input. I didn't realize that last year was an updated IG. I guess that's why I'm not seeing many used ones available. I own CHOW and several other books on the list, but yeah...trying to piece it together is a headache and may be more expensive. I'm still going back and forth on a box curr. vs piecing it together myself. This will be my first year with 2 official students AND a newborn....I'm scared I'll be so tired and incoherent and just want the convenience of plans neatly laid out. I just hope it won't drive me crazy b/c I'm such a tweaker and love to make my own plans. It's only a year, right? Lol Still pondering.....

So I've never used a box curriculum but am considering it for next year b/c we'll have a newborn in the house and I just know I need open-and-go for most things. I've been researching and it looks like SL will fit our needs BUT I don't need everything in their package nor can I afford it all. It looks like they have separate IGs for the core, science, and LA...yikes! Here's what I want to get but not sure if I should buy the IGs from them and then search for readers, add'l books from other sources/library to cut costs? Core C (history only, don't need Geography) LA 4-5 and readers Science D (uses RS4K plus other books) TT 4 for math I already have AAS4, Geography, Bible, and Latin so I don't need the full program. Can anyone offer any input on how to piece together my order in the most cost effective way? Thanks so much!

Thank you. I was in their store and that's why the samples weren't showing up. Can't wait to check it out!

Does WP provide online samples of their programs? I am looking on their site and can't find any. Thanks!

Sensory tubs worked wonders for my toddler during school time. Here's a blog with lots of ideas... http://countingcoconuts.blogspot.com/search/label/Sensory%20Tubs We also have a 2-sided small easel (chalkboard/magnetic white board) that has been great for my kids. They did do-a-dot pages with magnets, patterning, and just free play. It was a great $25 investment from Hobby Lobby!

Awesome!

Since beginning hs'ing, I have learned to mentally prepare for those types of weeks....b/c they are a guarantee. We just step back, try to get some fresh air and re-group. Snuggling up and reading good books is always a good antidote. ((hugs)) Here's to a better week next week! :). Sounds like you are doing a great job!

We are using TT3 and I don't feel like we are behind. I love the approach but for us, I believe any math program will bring my son to tears...he just hates doing all the steps required to solve a problem. We used BJU for K-2...nice, solid program but yes, teacher intensive.

Thanks for all the suggestions...will def check out the links and ideas offered! I know it would take forever to get through all the countries but he is motivated and begging. ;). We finish our state study next week and he's expecting to start World Geo. soon, lol.

Thank you for the reply. The program looks great but you're right...pretty expensive. I will probably just create my own with maps, books, and a good atlas. :)

My son (8yo) is really into geography...he started making his own country cards and wants to study ALL the countries of the world. We're not looking for a real in-depth program but something like GTG. He's been "traveling" around the world using Google earth and has finished "Stack the countries" iPad app. :) Thanks in advance!