I'm not sure that I have science curriculum figured out, but like you, life science is not my favorite branch of science. So this year, our first of homeschooling, we started out with a different branch of science. If your son is very mathematical, he might enjoy physics or chemistry first, subjects that you might be able to use living books to put together for yourself.

I didn't even know there was a Scrambled States game! We came across the book at the library, and my kids fell in love with it. They have learned so much just pouring over the book during their free reading time. They'll walk down the street and tell me that cracks in the sidewalk resemble Idaho or Oregon.

I'll take a look at Memoria Press. I'm not familiar with them. I'm curious, KrissiK, I see Prima Latina in your signature. Were you using Prima Latina before Memoria Press? How would you compare them?

Does Song School have a DVD? If not, is it self-directed?

I'm just wrapping up my first year of homeschooling, and I'm getting my thoughts together for next year. Next year I'll have DD, gr 4; DS, gr 3; DS, gr 1; DS, K. I think I would like to add Latin next year. I took 2 years of Latin in high school when it was still a spoken language. I don't expect more than a familiarity of the language based on that past experience, but it might help a little. I work two days a week, so I am really looking for something with a video component so they can work on it a little independently on those days. Any suggestions? Thanks.

I also use Singapore Math and love it. My kids enjoy fact practice online at http://www.arcademics.com/.

We usually do all of the reviews and practice assignments, but occasionally I'll assign one as it comes up and assign another in between the next regular lessons. Sometimes they are a bit overwhelming. It's not unusual for there to be three very long review/practice assignments all at once. As far as how to write them out, my DD, gr 3, likes to write them out on a separate sheet; my DS, gr 2, does not. I use sheet protectors and slice open the long side, slide it over the page, and hand over a dry-erase marker. Sometimes there are too many problems for even that to work though.

My kindergarten son is the same way (except that he also loves to write). I'm using Singapore with his older siblings and the lowest level I have is 1B. I started him with that no problem. He gets a little tired out of the writing, though, so I don't push it. Oral answers are just fine.

We also use our B&W Brother Laser multi-function machine. We go to Staples when we need something in color, which is not often.