they did not like it - lots of mistakes in answer keys - found they had to just go back and check it for themselves - other negatives as well - can't remember them right off -seems lessons were not challenging, and kids found it boring. However, talked with a friend yesterday who used it this past year - conceded that there were a number of quirks, but that they had worked out some previous bugs. Overall she was pleased with the curriculum - her children are self-taught - she is returning to work this past week (one reason she chose SOS fyi). Hope this helps!

I've ever seen - it is the most practical, common-sense approach! I esp. love the way it begins with learning about "decimal street" & who lives there - the "ones" in the green house, the "tens" in the blue house, and big red house is where the "hundreds" live! Only 9 can live in the house - 9 chairs, 9 beds, 9 etc. They begin by learning that the number on the page represents "something" & they place a unit (one) block on the page under the number to reinforce the concept. "Place" and "value" are taught from the beginning also, and from there - he builds and builds so that your child always know "why" this is that is done a certain way. Oh! If only I had been taught this way! I don't recall ever using manipulatives in school - just do it like this to get this answer - and so I did, never completely knowing "why" so when I got stuck or confused, I rarely figured my way out, esp. word problems. Also, as your child learns new skills, they are always practiced so that you don't have to review or relearn - it stays fresh. We have used MUS from the beginning and we will not change! It is wonderful!:D I would love to tell you more of why I love this curriculum - anyone email if you're really interested - (no, I do not sell MUS)

We have been using the WW 3000 copyright 2000 This is the most excellent vocabulary teacher I've seen on the market - I've looked at the ones that are older & prefered the 3000 series - it seemed to hit more levels of learning style & more thorough to me. The website has a list of specific differences if you haven't seen that yet. What I found most appealing about the newest series (3000 2nd edition) was the Greek and Latin word root exercises. Also there is a K and 1st book. I haven't seen one in person yet, but I'm most interested to see it, the website overview has got my attention! One change I thought was interesting was the dropping of the Annie Oakley story for The Forty-Niners story???:001_huh: Both are good, perhaps the 49ers story is better history. The Word Study section that is replacing the Completing the Thought is the Greek & Latin root study. I liked the Com. the Thought section for the kids to learn how to use the word or form of the word in a sentence. You can go to the website and download the curriculum overview. I found it most helpful. The new K-1 books looked excellent!:D I'm going to order my first grader one to get her started! I'm sure that as each one looks over the website most questions will be answered. I'm certainly open and eager to looking at the 2nd edition! Bridget