What is your goal for your natural science studies? Would you still be doing other science as well? I think you can use Handbook of Nature Studies through all those years as a source for a focal point for nature studies/walks and for appropriate information. We used the Among the... books as readers this year. (for my second grader) I highly recommend the thin volumes of Thornton Burgess: Chatterer the Red Squirrel, etc. as a prelude to the Burgess Bird Book and Animal Book. We also used these as readers this year (2nd grade) but I am hoping to read them aloud to my younger children. I am not familiar with the upper level books. This probably doesn't help- but it is a little feedback. Another option is to use the Christian Liberty Press Nature Readers as a springboard for other learning... taking each chapter and enriching it with an appropriate read aloud for more information. Rebecca

Does anyone know where I can find all the Scriptures relating to this event. I found the Isaiah passage referring to the fall of the son of the morning, ect. Are there others? Is there one specifically referring to a battle in heaven between the angels? First generation Christian here- knowledge is sketchy. Thank you, Rebecca

Are you talking about books for direction and inspiration rather than "knowledge" like a field guide would be knowledge? Something to turn to when you need to remember why not to neglect Nature Study and how to do it? If so, then I would say: Handbook of Nature Study Keeping a Nature Journal by Clare Walker (not christian content but practical ideas) and then choose between Wild Places by Karen Radcliffe (purchased off of Penny Gardner's site) or Pocket Full of Pinecones. Wild Places is more full of practical ideas and inspiration- she also has a large family and so adds that perspective (which is nice for me with almost six!) Pocket Full of Pinecones is inspiring "fiction" with some practical tips. Hope this helps, Rebecca

A dissenting opinion: I don't like the Jesus Storybook Bible. I have found it to be inaccurate scripturally in parts. I would not recommend it. Although the children love it- I would rather choose a book that is less "yummy" to them- but more truth. I am using 101 Favorite Bible Stories with my five year old. So far we are enjoying it. We also use New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes- all my young children have enjoyed it... and The Child's Story Bible- but I prefer that for six and up-although my five year old does enjoy listening to it. JMO, Rebecca

Just saw that this was for people who have used it. I have not. I think you would have more luck posting at the heart of dakota website.

Is WWE writing with ease? Why do you think it is overkill and what are you going to do for phonics? I am planning on using Writing with Ease with my third grader... but not with my first and second... Rebecca

I read the thread on Aesop's Fables and the comments regarding their importance for cultural literacy. I was wondering if anyone could list any other resources that are considered necessary for cultural literacy. I think I read somewhere that Mother Goose Rhymes were also considered important - that being ONE of the reasons. Thoughts? Thanks, Rebecca

I HIGHLY recommend Living Books Curriculum for a complete, modern charlotte mason curriculum. I cannot say enough wonderful things about it! We have loved our year using their curriculum. It is chronological in history. We have to switch to something else next year due to new realizations about our convictions on pagan teaching for youngers... but if you wanted chronological like WTM and CM I wholeheartedly recommend their curriculum. Rebecca can't post link right now- sorry

Have been struggling with that same issue here... I will have third grade and second grade... You might want to look at Heart of Dakota: Bigger Hearts program. This is an American History program- it is not classical and does not include world history- however, it does basically teach from two or three storybooks for the core of history: A First American History, Stories of Great Americans, The Story of the Wright Brothers and their Sister, and Journeys in Time. You will not approach gods/myths/etc. It includes timeline and notebook ideas, etc. It is just another option for you to consider. Regarding Knights, etc. You might want to look at Yesterday's Classics and just pick out a history book of that time period that would cover those things in story form to add into your history time? Just a thought... or you could look at Ambleside online and see what read alouds they suggest that correspond to that time period... As an added thing to research- if you want: Living Books Curriculum sells a Middle Ages study guide that you could purchase and use as a stand alone for that time period- but that would not meet your goal of using basically one spine. Just some thoughts! Rebecca

I voted for Levinson. I recently bought both her books and have found them really helpful. I also voted "other" and that was for anything by Sheila Carroll because I have really found her writings to apply Charlotte Mason in a wonderful, living way. As an added note: I also own Pocketful of Pinecones. I love it. It is refreshing, inspiring, and nurturing. I love CM companion too- but I think to truly "educate" yourself CM I would go with those other books/authors. Also, I, personally, did NOT like Penny Gardner's book and returned immediately- but that was just me and it was also a few years ago before I really knew that CM was for me. HTH, Rebecca

Someone linked to Living Books Curriculum. It is a wonderful CM curriculum that is very, very true to Charlotte Mason's philosophy. The website has links to other sites, resources, and Parent's Journal archives. I have loved using this program this year. I have found all the articles to be very practical and helpful. Rebecca

Thank you for these replies. They really help. In some areas, we lean more toward reformed- but not all. You are right- I do need to "nail that down" before I can know which textbook and that might be what is lending to my confusion. Thanks for pointing that out, Rebecca

Dear Kelli, Thank you for trying to help me. I am not trying to be vague on purpose! (after I read through this post: we don't want in depth exposure to pagan cultures during the grammar stage- more of a "birds eye" view- does that help? That is why Veritas won't work.... plus I don't consider them a textbook "provider")I don't really know what I want... my husband has been mentioning Christian textbooks for history so I am trying to research that as well as some other subjects. What I wrote in my original post is really all I know... As far as the Guerber books... I like those very much but in case readers of this post are not aware- I have very young children- oldest will only be 8 in April- and I thought those books were better for olders? I have read bits of Ancient World to my son and he has understood it fine but I was wondering if there was something else out there for his age. I am finding this all so confusing. I actually have Ancient World and I have Mystery of History... but was thinking of waiting with those? You say there are so many: what are they? Thanks again, Rebecca

Nothing specific... just trying to get a feel for what is out there... I know that many curriculum providers are Christian... I was specifically looking for textbooks that teach certain subjects from a Christian worldview... specifically in history but also in science and other areas. I am familiar with Apologia. Thanks again, Rebecca

I don't have anywhere to ask this but here... and I am totally lost in this area. I need to do some research regarding Christian textbooks for some subjects. I know of A beka, Bob Jones, Rod and Staff, Christian Liberty Press, and I think? Covenant Home? Is there something I am missing? Is there anything someone could recommend? Thank you so much! Rebecca

Dear Alana, My sons are younger than yours (oldest almost 8) but before when you first started this thread, I wanted to encourage you. You sound really hard on yourself for "relaxing" and allowing your son time to gain reading fluency. Even if that fluency was not with "classics." I think the relaxed time accomplished what it needed to... he is reading and reading well. I wouldn't feel this urgent push to suddenly be "where you should be..." as if he never or shouldn't have needed that earlier time. He needed the time earlier to gain fluency... I would be gradual in changing gears... I think verbal narrations would be an excellent way to start him acting on his reading. Don't be intimidated by the classics or any literature for that matter. If you are planning your school now, because of not schooling earlier, I would focus on excellence in the academic subjects you will be covering like Aesop A- getting in the groove with those.... I hope this helps, just trying to encourage... it is amazing how much ground home school students can cover in a short time... Rebecca

Are YOU reading aloud to your son daily- books that are interesting and capture his imagination? I would start there. Choosing exciting read alouds for you to read together... even one chapter a day. The Pyle books are challenging... would he enjoy them if you read them? You could also read together, you read a paragraph, he reads a paragraph. Just some thoughts: Rebecca

JJ's blessings: I am considering HOD... thanks for the "testimony"... I am not sure if it is for me... but I am considering it... Still really thinking about trying to use the Living Books method just with different books.... Thanks for your input, We definitely want something with Christian nurture. Rebecca

Lisa, I appreciate those details too and LOVE the book list! :) I want to teach history as the study of God's Hand... just feel unsure sometimes how to do it! I am not sure how I would use Streams with 3rd graders and under? Thanks for your post! Rebecca

Thank you! That clarifies! That is what I thought...from the samples. This program seems to really work for us. I like the idea of the workbook... we have been using manuscript paper with FLL 2. I think we will use FLL 3 and the new writing program next year. I looked at those samples as well. Thanks so much, Rebecca

Living Books does schedule art, music appreciation, and poetry for every level. They also work this in as frugally as possible. The art, music and poetry correlate with your other studies. HTH, Rebecca

Thank you! I did look at the samples. But I didn't print them off... How would you define the difference? Just that there is more writing? It seemed to me to follow the same pattern as the prior years- just the next level up? I appreciate your input! Thanks, Rebecca

We are finishing up FLL 2 this year. FLL has been a great fit for our family. My first grader is using level 1. I am wondering if I should just continue on to FLL3 or if I should switch to something else... like Rod and Staff and would I go into level 3 after FLL 2? What have you done? Thanks, Rebecca

Thank you for these replies. I am considering different options. One being continuiing with the method I love but changing the book selections... Also, maybe taking a year off or skipping a year... I have MOH, I have the Story of the Ancient World. I don't think they are quite what we are wanting for our young children... still pondering, Thank you, You ladies have really helped me. Rebecca

Thanks again, for these new responses. I have a lot to think about! We are expecting a new baby in May- and so will have a little one for the new school year along with our five ages 8 down to 2... that is one reason why my time is so limited. It is encouraging to read of other moms who are working through this. I have been drawn to Truthquest history... I like the Christian "commentary" included in the guides. Pondering, Rebecca