I need some book recommendations that do not contain swear words, at all. I am teaching a literature class at a local Christian private school and not even the word a** is allowed. I am very frustrated and apparently limited in what I can give to these high school kids to read. I have 15 students - only two of them love to read. I want books that will excite these kids about reading, but I am at a loss. Help! Is there a website that has reviews or information about content appropriate for Christian schools/students? I personally allowed my kids to read just about anything that interested them. I didn't stress about language, violence or "witchcraft." Most of the students are boys and I would like books that would appeal to them.

This. I just finished reading them after avoiding them these past couple of years. I had heard such mixed reviews that I finally decided to find out for myself. Not great literature - total fantasy and escapism. I am not embarrassed to say I loved the books and will read them again......and possibly again. ;)

It is fill in the blank. They are workbooks that give step by step instructions for outlining, the parts of an outline etc. This is the first one: http://www.amazon.com/Outlining-Step-bystep-Instruction-Practice-Skills/dp/B000UU6NN8/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1395972432&sr=1-5&keywords=outlining+remedia+publications This is the second one: http://www.amazon.com/Outlining-Grades-5-8/dp/B000QCBC2M/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1395972527&sr=1-1&keywords=outlining+remedia+publications CBD or RR probably have samples for you to view inside. The students do not have to do their own writing. Content is provided and they fill in the blanks.,

We liked: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Where the Red Fern Grows Little House in the Big Woods Caddie Woodlawn Shiloh Sign of the Beaver Little Madison Carry on Mr. Bowditch

DK Readers probably has several WW2 selections.

I use the Remedia Publications workbooks suggested by SWB in TWTM. They are great.

DS didn't like Eagle of the Ninth. I haven't seen their book list lately, but I think they should add, Breaking Stalin's Nose if they haven't already.

We use the book called Geography From A to Z and these notebooking pages: http://mamajenn.com/blog/2011/09/illustrate-geography-dictionary.html

I am trying to decide what to use next when my ds finishes Prima Latina. I am pretty sure I am going to go with Latina Christiana with the instructional DVD, but I would like to hear experiences/opinions from those who are familiar with both curriculums. I understand the approaches may be different, but I don't know how they are different.

My youngest is moving in to the Logic stage and for some reason I have been thinking he will need to start using a student planner. What are the benefits of this over a student checklist? Currently, I print a list of daily assignments from HST and he checks them off as completed. What would be the purpose of a planner just for him? I am not thrilled about the idea of him copying down his assignments only to check them off, when I already print a list. If the checklist works just fine, is there any reason I should consider a planner? Could he use it just to keep track of long term assignments like papers, projects, memory work? I can see a benefit to having a calendar, but he already has a wall calendar that he uses.

Our 5th grade tentative plan: Art - Artistic Pursuits and TOG Fine Arts Bible- CAP OT 1 Math- Teaching Textbooks 6 and Saxon 6/5 for Mental Math, Drills and board work Spelling- Rod and Staff 5 English/Grammar- FLL 4 and Rod & Staff 4 Literature- TOG and various lit units Writing- TOG Writing Aids Vocabulary- Vocabulary From Classical Roots B History- TOG Year 1 Anciens w/ SOTW and MOH for extra reading and Diana Waring CD series Geography- TOG and Expedition Earth Science- Jay Wile's Science OR Apologia Elementary series on rotation Latin: Latina Christiana I Music- Various composer units Mind Benders and Perplexors 2nd Year Webelos pin work Co-op: PE, Sign Language and Legos Currclick Online Classes - Continue with Lego Club

Thanks!

We have been using R & S Spelling - grades 2, 3 and 4. For 5th I am thinking about switching to Spelling Workout. SWB in TWTM suggests Spelling Workout F (6th) for 5th grade. If I switch ds to Spelling Workout from R & S Grade 4 - should I start with SW5 or SW6?

I have always thought it meant, "speaking of" - but spin off makes sense too. :laugh: Our winners: TOG R & S English and Spelling ETC - youngest ds loved it Teaching Textbooks Sonlight Core 5 Eastern Hemisphere- one of our favorite school years

The threads on favorite curriculum and biggest mistakes got me thinking...... What popular curriculum is out there that many homeschoolers seem to love, that you look at like it has three heads and have zero desire in ever buying and trying out?? For me it is: Life of Fred - I don't understand the appeal at all. Math-U-See (except for Primer and Stewardship)- the idea of spending an entire school year (or close to) on one concept baffles me. Handwriting Without Tears -looks like it would make me cry. Robinson Curriculum - no, just no. What about you?

Winter Promise BJU Latin and BJU Science Easy Grammar

Yes, Hatchet was the first one we read and then the "sequels" to it.

I find the afternoon hour of quiet time suggested by SWB works wonders. I know you have a couple really little people you can't do that with, but the other kids could, which might relieve you somewhat with less people demanding your time.

Paulsen's survivor story books are excellent. The only one we didn't like was The Rifle - it was actually good - until the stupid ending. If you were going to skip any Paulsen books, skip that one, but the rest are really good.

I wrote a blog post about this - maybe something in there will be helpful. http://www.winecupchristianacademy.com/2013/04/using-tapestry-of-grace-with-younger.html

We are in the middle of our fourth grade year - we are using: Saxon Math 5/4 for mental math and drills Abeka Math 4 for daily lessons/practice problems Grammar-Rod and Staff and First Language Lessons Literature - TOG Lit and various lit units Writing- TOG Writing Aids Spelling- Rod and Staff Latin- Prima Latina with DVD Instruction Science- Apologia Zoology 1 and Apologia Physics/Chemistry (rotating chapters) History- TOG Geography- TOG and Notebooking pages for landforms Art- Harmony Art Mom Year 4 and Artistic Pursuits Music- Ha, right. If we ever did it we would use SQUILT and Maestro Classics. However, he takes piano lessons once a week. Handwriting - A Reason For P.E. - Currently in basketball league - baseball starts in March - also when the weather is good we play tennis with our homeschool group one night a week. We review various items for the TOS Crew so those are always in the mix. We also incorporate a lot of Netflix, History Channel, Science Channel and library books too.

I use them for different purposes - Netflix is where I get most of our educational viewing in. I use Amazon Prime streaming because in most cases I can get a current episode of a program, the next day.

We just finished The Wind in the Willows. Next up, How To Eat Fried Worms.

Health. DS is halfway through 4th grade and we are still slogging through 3rd grade health. Also, music. We never get to it. I have several awesome resources to use, but it never happens. Ooops.

I am about to have my second graduate. The first time through I was really freaked out and that kid didn't even want to go to college. This time around I have been much more relaxed. However, knowing this son actually had goals helped us to stay focused and I did better record keeping this time. I agree with whomever said it goes by too fast. :(