Just wished to say that I have enjoyed reading this discussion; I have been trying to decide between BJU and Apologia for next fall. Very helpful to hear comments about both programs. Thanks! Lisa

My Legomaniac, ds, 11, seems to bend toward the creative side of things. If I had to guess right now, I'd say he'll go into theater, art or culinary. We just hope he has a back up plan, too. : ) Lisa

It's worked well for us for 5 years through a public virtual. There is busy work but we are able to skip it when it's within the curriculum. The busywork we're required to do is the testing, work samples and online meeting requirements due to being part of a ps. Our school has also responded to 'No Child Left Behind' by adding intervention requirements when a child is not at grade in a core subject. The time it takes us each day is really dependent of the child. I have one who only needs 2 - 3 hours, even at the high school level but another of my children needs up to 6 hours. Not because the work is too hard, he's just a daudler. HTH. Lisa

Thank you for your comments and the link to the study!

Hi, There is a MCT Yahoo group which is a great resource. You can find it here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MCTLA/ Also, another resource which I have found helpful is on Royal Fireworks website--http://www.rfwp.com/mct.php Scroll down to where it says 'Read Michael Thompson's recommendations for how and when to introduce the parts of the curriculum. '

You might read up about dyslexia and see if it fits. If so, there are numerous phonics programs available for home use such as Barton or Wilson, to name a few. A good book to read is "Overcoming Dyslexia" by Sally Shaywitz. Hang in there and keep looking. My dd12 is dyslexic; I can sympathize with the frustration that slow or no reading may cause.

:iagree: I love tortilla soup! Thanks for posting!

I've been eyeing Apples and Pears Spelling. http://www.prometheantrust.org/soundfoundationsbooks.htm I'm still in the research stage so I'd love to hear any comments if someone else has used it before.

Michael Clay Thompson books for grammar, vocabulary, writing. He has also written a poetry series and a book called "Classics in the Classroom" much of which is applicable to homeschool, too. I love that the grammar, vocabulary, writing and classics books all tie together.

We started using Michael Clay Thompson's books last year. My dyslexic dd 12 is understanding and remembering grammar which speaks loads to me. The books are both concise and engaging. There is a logical flow to the teaching, the concepts are interrelated, as opposed to being presented as separate disconnected topics and the instruction is flowing into their, my children's, writing. I also use the vocabulary series and writing books. It's neat how the vocabulary turns up in the grammar and writing books. I've look through one of the poetry books but haven't put it to use yet. I read "Classics in the Classroom" which was exciting and gave me many ideas. I fourth the recommendation of Michael Clay Thompson.

I'm using Thinkwell prealgebra along with Ed Zacarro books, Singapore workbooks, online worksheets, and Murderous Maths (humorous novel like books) with dd 12.5 and ds 11. It's a bit of work to coordinate them but the kids are thriving so far. Lisa

Supplement here for ds10 who is a very language wise guy; math is not intuitive for him. I felt that LOF fractions didn't explain concepts well enough for a child who is not as strong in math. He found it very fun, though.

My dd12, mild/moderate dyslexia is finding the grammar books by Michael Clay Thompson (Royal Fireworks Press) to make a lot of sense. He uses a four part analysis; parts of speech, parts of the sentences, phrases and clauses. They are very well writing. He uses clever humor, too, which has draws my kids in.

I have given sand art brownies or cookies in a canning jar for a number of years. My neighbors like that they can be made late. I get compliments on the taste, too.

Definitely check with your local extension office. Our's offers may workshops and other resources which the kids have enjoyed. Projects my kids have done include model rocketry, visual arts, creative arts, cake decorating, electricity, air rifle, wildlife, sewing, entomology...the list goes on. Some counties have other contests such as creative cooks and fashion revue, too.

Hi, We're in Fort Collins. Moved here from Montana 23 years ago. Ouch! Makes me feel old. We have dd14, dd12, ds10, and ds8. This will be our 5th year home for schooling. Lisa