I just received an e-mail from Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). There was a recent case settled on Feb. 28th in Southern California. The appeals court effectively made it illegal to home school in California unless you are a certified teacher, certified in the course of study that you are teaching. Please visit their web site at http://www.HSLDA.org. Read the article about "an unfortunate decision in California." I don't know what we can do, besides pray, and look for a moving van. Hot Lava Mama

I didn't have the money to get a magnetic board at the time, so I searched my house for something to store them on. I kind of needed my "one" cookie sheet that I have, so I found an old broiler pan that came with my oven (which I never used). I put the tiles on that and pull it out when it's time for spelling. It isn't "pretty" but it works, and wasn't expensive! Oh, I'm not a big "cooking" kind of gal, so I store the tiles in the drawer under my oven. My kids don't even know it's there, so they don't get messed with!

Thanks for the information about learning Chinese. I'm still trying to figure out what to do. Right now, my ds 8 and dd 6 are learning latin and greek. I wanted them to take a really "hard" language in high school, so I was thinking about having them learn Chinese. Then I started thinking about how much easier it is to learn a language when they are young. Given what you said, I wouldn't have the money or ability to use a tutor until they were a little older, anyways. (I also have a 1yo and 3yo, so money is kind of tight...not to mention my patience and time!) :D Given your experience with Chinese, what would be your advice? If I want them to learn Chinese eventually, should I figure out a way to start now, or is it doable when they are older? Thanks for your help and expertise! Hot Lava Mama

programs that teach Chinese? I have grammar age kids, but I can't find any that have Chinese. Thanks Hot Lava Mama

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when it comes to narrations and story writing (such as the WT1 type of activities)? I have been sitting with my ds 8 helping with the wording, spelling, punctuation, etc. Should I be providing that much help or should I let him give it a first stab and then help correct it? Thanks! Hot Lava Mama

I am currently looking at my options for math for my ds, currently in 3rd grade. We have been using Abeka since the beginning. He likes it and always tests very well in math. Way above grade level. I have read that Abeka starts to go downhill after 5th grade, so I am looking at switching after 5th grade (starting a new program in 6th grade). I have read so many wonderful things about Chalkdust that I took a look at the programs. Their 3rd grade program appears to be equivalent to Abeka's 2nd grade. At least as far as I can tell. The types of problems he is currently working on in 3rd grade Abeka look like the 4th grade Chalkdust program. So, here's my question. Does Chalkdust make a huge leap in the 6th grade program? I would think it would have to be, otherwise, it would seem to be about a year behind Abeka. Anyone know the answer? Thanks for your help! Hot Lava Mama

I have never heard of this. I couldn't find anything on Rainbow Resources. It looks like it's a "method" of writing, so does there exist a handwriting course that uses this method? My dc's handwriting leaves a LOT to be desired! :o Hot Lava Mama

I need a good source so my ds almost 9, can learn the prefixes and suffixes. We have some prefixes in the "Roots and Fruits" book (not sure how complete the list is), but no suffixes. Any good books or even games? Thanks! Hot Lava Mama

I remember now why I bought the Vol 2 instead of 3 now. It isn't available. I have two little ones, so can I claim "lack of sleep stupidity"? :eek:

Sing-n-learn has some great CD's with all kinds of songs about the human body. We have some for my pre-schooler as well as my 3rd grader. I think their web site is either singnlearn.com or singnlearn.org. I can't remember. You could google it if those don't work. Hot Lava Mama

of SOTW-3 with MOH? I know MOH goes into 5 books total, so maybe it strays a bit from SOTW at that point. I have a table for 1 & 2, but didn't see anything else. Oh, by the way, THANKS to those who posted the links for the tables for SOTW and MOH. You saved me tons of time that I thought I was going to have to invest before we hit 5th grade! :D Hot Lava Mama

We did end up using the sculpy clay and the "Hey Andrew" book 1 picture of the greek letters. I just rolled the clay into thin "worms" and used the pictures of each letter in the Hey Andrew book. IT LOOKS GREAT! Thanks everyone for the ideas! Now we can "hold" the greek words we are working on! THIS BOARD IS AMAZING!! :p Hot Lava Mama

I have read a lot of good things on this board about apples and pears. Where can I find it? It's not on Rainbow Resources, and it doesn't come up if I google it. Can anyone help? Thanks! Hot Lava Mama :confused:

Is it possible that there are greek letters out there that I can get for my son to "hold". I am thinking along the lines of letters just like we use when they are first learning to read english. Sometimes they are plastic magnetic ones, there are some wood ones, etc. I need some greek letters like this because we are learning how to spell greek words, and I think my ds would benefit from being able to "hold" the letters as he spells them. I was thinking of free hand drawing them and cutting them out in paper, but my artistic skills are laughable. Plus, I will need many of the same letters since some are used multiple times in some words. Also, my computer is SO old, I am not able to download anything to use. Any ideas? Thanks. If you gals can help me with this, I will be shocked! But lets give it a go! Hot Lava Mama :eek:

God bless your mom for taking the first step for all of us! And God bless you for taking your time to make such great products IN ADDITION to still home schooling your kids. I don't know how you do it. People keep telling me it gets easier as they get older. I suppose that is true. At some point, I won't have to stop math because a diaper needs to be changed! Or stop grammar because it is SOOO time for a nap for the babies! I see others on this board that have many, many more than my four, and my hat goes off to them. They are stronger (and obviously more organized!) than I am! Thanks for your time. Hot Lava Mama (That name comes from my 3 yo. He is currently "Superman" and our kitchen floor keeps turning into "hot lava" and he has to come and rescue me. TOO CUTE!)

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them to completely understand parts of speech. We are using FLL-3 with my 3rd grader, and they learn to diagram a sentence. This has been a HUGE help. My son was completely lost in 1 & 2 grade (we used FLL 1/2). He could recite the definition, but didn't understand what it meant. I think, though, that is kind of the idea about the classical method. They memorize stuff first, then they can get a grip on it later as they mature. We are also using GWG as well (with my dd 1st grade, in conjuction with FLL 1/2 since she likes to write more than my son ever did). Both are very good programs. Bottom line, keep up with what you are doing, and expect it to sink in later when they become a little more mature.

I was wondering how much teacher time these books use. We are currently using SWO with my ds in 3rd grade, and his spelling is terrible. I am using AAS, but we only do this once or twice a week, because it is SO teacher intensive. I need another book to do on the "off" days that he can pick up and do by himself. Your suggestions are appreciated. :)

Hey Susan: Thanks for answering my question about your new writing program (as well as all the questions others had). I just wanted to say that the products you (any your mom) turn out are so fantastic. Not only are they extremely user friendly, they are very complete and very easy to pick up and go. As a mom to 4 little ones, I sincerely appreciate it! Sometimes, it's only because of these qualities that my kids learn anything! Especially on those days that my baby and my toddler are having "hard" days! My poor school aged kids! How they learn is beyond me! :confused: I look forward to your high school level history books, as well as your writing courses. Thanks! Hot Lava Mama

on your new writing book?? What grade level is it geared toward, and when will it be out? Thanks!:D

Did it work? Wow. This will take some getting used to! :confused: