They don't sell sets of the books listed in the Book Basket, but that's a wonderful idea! MFW does put asterisks next to books/videos that they highly recommend from Book Basket. When you get you're guide, you could consider those items for purchase first.

I see you're still trying to figure out writing!:lol: I feel for you. It is no easy task!!!!! I'm using IEW with my 5th grader and WWE with my 3rd grader. I only have the Complete Writer -- I didn't purchase the workbooks because I thoght I'd use things we read for literature and history for our writing assignments. Although I feel WWE is an easy program to use, I find that I don't use it often enough because I don't have set assignments to open up! Obviously, using the Complete Writer requires that I sit down an plan our assignments. Unfortunately, I don't do this enough, so I'm not hitting the my intended goals with my younger son. For me it's a double edge sword: If I have the workbook, I have no planning, but we'd be writing about things that we're not studying. If I don't use the workbook, we don't write as often as I'd like because I don't have a "set plan"! At any rate, I'm not *that* concerned because he does plenty of narration and copy work with FLL and SOTW.

I've only used a small part of WWE level 2, but I will try to explain the differences: In WWE the student focuses on narration, copywork and dictation. In the early levels the parent reads a passage and asks key questions, helping the young student to pick up on the most important parts. Throughout the week, the dc do copywork and finally dictation. As you move through the program, the assigned reading passages get longer and hopefully the student begins to develop an ear for the most important parts of a story so he can retell it on his own. The dictation work gets lengthier and, of course, time is spent correcting and improving the dc written work. Kids are listening to and working with well written pieces of literature or interesting non-fiction passages. In IEW the student reads a passage and learns how to outline it, picking out 3 - 4 keywords per sentence. He then uses his keyword outline to retell the same passage in his own words. There is a checklist, where kids "dress-up" their passage with more exciting verbs, adjectives, -ly words, etc. As the student progress through the program, they learn how to outline longer passages. They also learn how to write reports, narrative stories, critiques, etc. With either program, students are writing about pieces of literature or other types of written work, rather than have to create their own essay out of thin air. I like both programs, but IEW suits my style better. I'm more of a box checker and I appreciate the structured approach that IEW provides. WWE has workbooks that go along with the program wich makes it very easy to use, too.

I began using IEW with my 3rd grader. If I had to do it all over again, I would have waited unitl my ds was in 4th. Actually, that's what I'm doing for my youngest! He'll begin IEW next year as a 4th grader. I HIGHLY recommend the DVD & Notebook set called "Teaching Writing, Structure and Style" (TWSS). This set is for you the parent to watch. Once. You don't have to watch all of the videos at once, but the best thing to do is watch them all to get a nice overview and to get a feel for where IEW can take you. Then . . . watch the appropriate disc just before you begin teaching that lesson. The notebook has outlines, sample schedules, writing samples, source material, and writing checklists. If you cannot swing the DVD set, there is an overview CD and a Tips and Tricks CD that will provide some good help. In addition, I also HIGHLY recommend the Theme based writing books. Here is an IEW Chart that might help you decide which product is suitable. They come with a teacher guide and student book. These books tell you what to do and when. They provide a full years worth of writing assignments. You just work your way through the book! We've used several of these and I find them invaluable. IEW is very different than WWE. I recommend that you decide what method will work best for your family and use only one. If you want a more structured program, IEW may be a good fit. Hope that helps!

I use Horizons math (we're currently working on level 5). I've opted to use this FREE mental math program. I print out the entire year's worth of exercises and make a little sticker chart for each of my kids. If they get all of the problems correct (usually there are 5 or 6), then they earn a sticker. As I compare level 4 and level 5, there is more explained to the student in level 5 than level 4. If you use the TM to the fullest, students should get plenty of practice. I use some of the worksheets and make them timed "quizzes" to motivate my ds to try to move through them more quickly. When we finished level 4, I remember contemplating a switch to a different program. I went ahead and orded Horizons 5 and was delighted when I saw the book. Level 5 focuses more on abstract concepts and helps kids apply math rules to various problems. The word problems do seem more difficult, although I'm sure there not as involved as those in Singapore. My son likes the puzzles and I appreciate the critical thinking that he has to do to complete them. I agree with the previous posters, you can always supplement with mental math and/or a story problem workbook. Especially if Horizons has worked for you thus far.

Spycar, Your comments are interesting. I need to think about them, but let me explain my thoughts a little more: We should definitely strive for conceptual understanding when it comes to math and our young ones. But, I think there is no way we can be sure that our kids will truly understand the concept being taught when it's first introduced. Abstracts are hard for kids to "get". Knowing that deep understanding of math concepts takes time, I think its wise to provide a means of working math by teaching rules, encouraging memorization of math facts, etc. I'm all for teaching a few different methods to work problems, if it suits the child. But for many students, this can be quite frustrating. They see several ways to approach a problem and get frazzeled! I am pretty good with math and have no problem showing my son a few different ways to approach some of his math problems, but sometimes I can truly see that it's just too much for him. He often needs time to practice what's been set in front of him so that he can be proficient. Once he's comfortable, then he's ready to look at the same thing from a different angle. I agree, using hands-on materials is so helpful in math. It brings things to life and makes them more understandable. It certainly encourages conceptual learning! But again, young kids can only be ready to take in so much because math builds on itself day after day, year after year. I'm certainly not saying that we shouldn't try to "show" to deepen a level of understanding. Nor am I saying that we should only teach skills without explanation. I just think conceptual understaning occurs mostly during the logic stage and in small baby steps during the grammar stage. I do agree with the previous poster -- use what works! Math is not a new thing and there are many time tested programs out there. IMHO, teach your grammar stage student all the basics, help them learn the grammar of math and do things, as they seem appropriate to build understanding.

You know, I've been wondering the same thing--especially as I've noticed more and more people discuss conceptual math on this board. I recently found an intriguing article by a mathematician at Stanford Univ. He describes what conceptual math is and discusses the importance of a conceptual understanding of math vs. a procedural understanding. After reading the article, I am a little more convinced that developing a proficiency in math basics is more important in the early years. I don't know how much a young child can truly understand conceptually. Their mind is not wired that way. Kids in the grammar stage are not interested or focused on the "whys". They're too busy taking in new information in all areas of their lives! As children mature and enter the logic stage, they begin questioning concepts and thirst for a deeper understanding of things. I'm not at all saying that young children are incapable of understanding "why" with certain math concepts. I just tend to think that they need to understand the basics -- teach them the mechanics and the steps of "how" to do something before you give them more meat. I believe that there is great benefit in teaching kids basic math facts, math rules, how to measure, etc. When they're ready to delve deeper, they'll have an easier time because they know how to maneuver operationally. So . . . my answer to your concern: I don't think your kids are missing out on anything! Let them get good at what they're learning in the CLE math program you're using. Each time they encounter something, it will get easier and easier. Hopefully then, they'll be well primed for the deeper understanding of math concepts.

I bought one last year. It was in near perfect condition.

She could be too busy "decoding" words to truly "think" much about what she's reading. I don't think you have much to worry about since dd is only 4. Give it a little time.

Think of the things that you do on a routine basis and make a list. Could these things be done by your olders independently? For example, you could . . . Start your morning with with your older children. Introduce the new material in math, spelling, and grammar. Then, give them a list with these things on it: Math Spelling Grammar Reading (30 minutes) This should "buy" you about 1.5 hours. In the meantime, work with your younger. Maybe you could alternate with your kids like this through out the day to get through all that you need to cover.

Wow. Just wow! Sentence Family and Lively Language Lessons look fantastic. (They actually look quite similar.) After looking at these I can imagine my art lovin boy enjoying grammar. I think drawing pictures of the grammar could help him live it . . . experience it -- and hopefully REMEMBER it!! Okay . . . color, white board, pictures, hands-on sentence tiles, grammar notebook, drawing, and coloring. -- all for grammar! I'm off to go look at some of these resources more closely!:seeya:

I have both. For 5th - 8th grade, I'd probably choose the Kinfisher History Encyclopedia. It has very nice pictures, many photographs. It also has more detail than the Usborne Encyclopedia. Usborne is beautiful, but no potographs.

Thanks for the ideas, everyone! I love the looks of the grammar card set. I KNOW my ds would enjoy those. You guys got me thinking . . . I think I'll try color coding things and using the whiteboard more. I've been doing FLL3 as written, but I think I could add the cards and the color coding and whiteboard to give him a boost. I'm going to try a grammar notebook, too. A place where he can write down the terms/definitions that he memorizes. He could draw pictures of nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc. I know copying or writing the definitions will take a little more time, but maybe that will help.

This is why I have boys!! :thumbup: I do feel for you. I was one of those teens once. (My poor mother!!) Seriously . . . I have read that kids this age truly believe that they KNOW how to do the task before them. They've listened to the explanation and they think, "Okay, got it." Then mom comes to check things out and discovers the exact opposite. Teens hormones take over, they take things emotionally/personally and then drama ensues. Sigh!!! This happens to adults, too! Well, not the drama part, but the part about thinking that we know how to do something but then when we try, we realize that we need more instruction or practice! I don't have a solution for you. I wish I did!!! But, don't feel too out of sorts. The emotional drama is natural. Keep modeling a right response. And keep counting to 10! :001_smile:

I'm not doing it right now, but in the past I've done once-a-month cooking. This gave me the ability to pull things out of my freezer every night. I loved this, especially when I was too tired to make dinner. I made a list of things we could do without and tried to stick to it. We all have things we can give up! Mine included many things that have already been mentioned. I also made a list of free or nearly free things we could do. Oftentimes, we invited friends to join us to make our outing even more fun. I became a light mizer: lights off whenever leaving a room! My dad does the magic-jak phone. This was a god-send for him.

Oh . . . you're going to be fine! I think you and your family will find that Indianapolis has plenty to offer. :D I lived in Indianapolis for about 10 years, and that city still has part of my heart.:001_wub: Indianapolis is the nation's 11th largest city and is surprisingly clean and friendly. They boast a low crime rate and have lots of terrific, affordable neighborhoods. Indy may not have broadway musicals, or be a major tourist destination, but there is MUCH to to do and love. Pro sports: Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Ice & Indianapolis Indians (minor league), & Indy Car Racing Terrific shopping - Keystone at the Crossing (upscale mall), Circle Center Mall (downtown), Castleton Mall (Large, popular mall), and "village" shopping in Broadripple The Indianapolis Children's Museum is the largest Children's museum in the world. It is 4 levels and kids from 2 - 102 love it there! We now live a day away and find time to visit once a year! I never tire of this museum! The Indianapolis Zoo is fantastic. Clean, large, great kids programs. The Indianapolis Museum of Art Conner Prairie - fun, historical place to take the kids. They also host a fabulous 4th of July fireworks display, complete with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra playing patriotic music in the background. Wonderful parks: water-play parks, parks with pools, parks for your dogs-- anything! Benjamin Harrison State Park is very nice, with lots of trails, picnic areas, etc. Eagle Creek Park is set on a large reservoir, one of two places you can go boating in the city. Indiana is one of the most friendly homeschool states in the U.S. and Indianapolis has MANY homeschool groups. Indianapolis great day trips from Indy: Chicago (3 hours), Lake Michigan (3 hours), Cedar Point Amusement Park (5 hours), Kings Island Amusement Park (2 hours), Smokey Mountains (6 hours), Nashville, TN (5 hours). Unfortunately, the the closest beach is about 8 hours away. You definitely don't have to decorate you're house country. If you do, you might be the only one! :tongue_smilie: The people in Indy love their big city with a small town feel. They're friendly, but not down home. KWIM? If you're looking for great places to live, I higly recommend these areas: Northside Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Geist Reservoir area. Areas that are a little further, but still "suburbs" include Noblesville and Westfield. There are very nice places in the Broadripple area, but there are also lots of college kids and young 20's there -- not all parts of Broadripple are "family centered". Best wishes to you!

MFW has worked very well for us. You may also want to consider TOG since you'll have kids in a couple of different stages.

The third edition was updated in 2009 and is the most current edition. For the most part, the content is the same, but it is MUCH more readable. CC reformatted the entire book to make it more pleasing to the eye. There were many errors in the 2nd edition and those were corrected. The 3rd edition is also organized better.

I think Eagles Wings recommends using it for 2nd grade and up. I certainly didn't use the book in its entirety. Especially the first 2 years, I used it more as a guide and resource. My kids are both crafty, so there were several cut and paste type projects we did. They needed help with it, but I had the time, so it worked well. I think the book would would work best with 3rd - 5th graders, especially if you wanted to use it to the fullest. But . . . it still makes a great resource for younger kids. With each science topic we used, I went to the library and loaded up on picture books. Some of my favorite: "Let's Read and Find Out" (science series). We also enjoyed Rookie Readers. Magic School bus was a fun resource for us, too. Sometimes I'd even pair the online content/experiments with a video.

Judomom, This is what I plan to do with my boys in a couple of years! What did you use before Sonlight? Do you pair classical methods with your SL plans or do you use SL as written? Do you wish you would have started SL sooner?

We used it over several years: 6 and 4 (1st and Pre-K): Focused on Days of Creation, studied some animals, plants and I introduced the planets. 7 and 5 (2nd and K): We Studied the human body, weather and earth science 8 and 6 (3rd and 1st): We did a study of the planets.

:bigear: Any ideas?

I've used Considering God's Creation. It coveres a wide range of topics and ages -- perfect for many TOG families. You keep a science notebook as you move through the units. Its an excellent resource to introduce several science topics in one year: plants, animals, human body, weather, earth science, astronomy are included. There may be others, but I can't remember them all! The TM comes with a song CD to help intorduce & learn about topics. My boys enjoyed this when they were young. It was a great way to begin our science study for the day. The TM has good teacher notes, some you'll be able to read aloud, some you may need to paraphrase, especially if you have younger students. There are many hands on projects, paper craft type projects for a science notebook and plenty of experiments, too. The paper projects & worksheets are fun and very different than other science programs. My kids learned a lot using Considering God's Creation. Supplement topics with library books, and you'll have a great science experience. The other resources look to be more Charlotte Mason-esque. Resources that might be helpful/interesting for nature walks & study.

I agree with the pp regarding American History. If you don't want to introduce SOTW 3 & 4 so early, take a year to focus on the US. Your kids are all very young. My advice is to enjoy SOTW 1 and 2 this year and next, then reaccess. Keeping things simple and doable is so important in homeschooling! SOTW is such an enjoyable way to do history! You may want to read through this thread regarding TOG with young children: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=251641

Lots of flashcards and drilling of basic facts sounds like a must. You could try Saxon.