I am actually terrified of something similar happening;) Every time weather is bad, she asks if there is going to be a tornado. We also live in FL, so tracking hurricanes is a huge means of excitement for her!

We are using CLE for math, not science. She is only slightly above average in math, as she is having difficulty with mental math and problem solving. We are on the hunt for a math program that can help with those, so any suggestions are welcome. As to the courses you mentioned, they sound awesome, but what curriculum do you use? I need to do some series self-educating;)

Pegs, absolutely. If it involves a book, she will beg for more. Any good suggestions?

Hi! My dd has expressed extreme interest in science, particularly in the field of astronomy and studying hurricanes and tornadoes. I enjoy science, but it is probably the subject I struggle with the most. We are getting ready to start earth and space science for the grammar stage, but she has requested even more science. Any good ideas about what else I can incorporate? As many of you will understand, she isn't a typical 7 year old. Her reading level is insanely high, and she will read all day long if she could. She also has chosen to forgo her dance company (absences for any reason lead to being cut from routines...even if just a regular class is missed) this year and has opted to participate in various science activities. We are lucky to live relatively close to Kennedy Space Center, so that is nice. Ideas like that are welcome, too.

Good to know! I didn't realize they used the addition flash cards all through 4th grade. That makes the cost even better than it already was, so I may just buy them anyway. She is still counting out all of her answers, and it want her to memorize them.

Hi, all! We recently started using CLE math, and my dd is LOVING it. Math has become her 2nd favorite subject in school (and that means a lot since before CLE, math meant tears and struggle). Anyway, I did not buy the TM, as I am very confident teaching her math. We have been using xtra math for facts practice, but I'm wondering if the flashcards may be better. Can anyone tell me if the the flashcard sets match up with the current fact drill? Or can you tell me how to set up the flashcard system? I realize they are inexpensive, but funds have been super tight this year and I am cutting costs any way I can. Thanks!!

Another vote for CLE math (and language arts). Time will vary between lessons in any math program, but CLE is super easy to use and a very solid math program. I also do like the LA for my daughter (and she likes it, too. Even if there are 4 sheets to do, it takes between 10-20 minutes to do. I do not make her do the spelling tests, as she is far above their level in that area. I also usually have her skip the penmanship practice, as she gets enough in her other subjects (until they get to cursive). Highly recommend placement tests (free on their site), as I thought mine was solid 3rd grade in math, but she tested into 2nd grade. Might not be the case for you, but never hurts to be sure:)

Slightly off-topic, but we did VP self-paced, and we got it on sale around August:) It should go back on sale!! And that will definitely free you up a bit. I hardly did a thing when my DD did their classes.

Thanks for posting this! Of course, I had researched this math and wanted it right before it was discontinued:( I JUST ordered a different math program (it just came today), but I may consider using the pdf as a supplement:)

I'm going through a major "let's get rid of everything" phase, but it has not infiltrated our books yet ;) Can't part with a single one...

Haha...good points! kva, my daughter has already read most of the history selections I had in our history bin before we even got to them! She is always raiding the shelves. Every time I remind her we will be reading a book for school, she just says, "It's ok...I'll just read it again with you."

So, I have several books that I have purchased for homeschooling that we have not yet used, but I can't seem to part with them! A Child's History of the World and Journey Through the Bible are just a few...does anyone else have a problem with this?! And how to you deal with it? I keep thinking we may use them eventually...

So, I am in the process of deciding which Saxon math to go with. I have read the comparisons sheets, but has anyone used both and can give me their opinion about which is the better route? Or direct me to a thread about this? Thanks!

alisoncooks, try signing up for the newsletter...that might be how I get the notifications via email for sales...

We also did the sale in September for both History and Bible SP. I agree with OneStepataTime...my dd is 6 and is thriving using VP OT&AE. It is absolutely amazing how much she knows, and continues to learn. History is the first thing she wants to do every day. A note on age...my dd is young for the program. They don't recommend they start until 2nd grade, but they don't tell you that you can't use it until then. We let her start early because she is a completely independent reader and completes her lessons with no direction/help from me. I still read aloud to her every night using select resources on the back of the cards (not required). I would not start a child on this program if they are not independent readers, unless you want to sit with them through the lessons.

Lexi, from a review on Amazon, I saw that it covers 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 times tables.

Trigger Memory Systems is having a 50% off sale on their new animated Times Tales DVD/download. Coupon code: blk50 Does anyone know if this covers any of the lower times tables, or just the upper ones?

Has anyone heard of a WriteShop sale? I want to buy Primary C!!

VP sets it up so you are studying Bible and History in conjunction with one another. We will be doing VP Bible and History with our first grader, but we are taking it at a slower pace. My plan is to have 1st grade history to take a year and a half to complete, and then do the same thing with 2nd grade history. That way, we aren't moving too fast. I think it can be modified, especially if you slow it down. I give her more time to learn the songs and complete the projects. I also help as needed with any writing portions, allowing her to narrate when needed. I also read aloud many of the resources and allow her to play with Thinking Putty (play do) or color. She likes to be busy, but also loves listening to stories.

HeeHee. I just wrote ours. It is kind of vague, but it works for us. Also, try googling "Homeschool Mission Statement"...I had several items come up that appeared helpful. Homeschool Mission Statement We strive to provide a learning-rich environment. Screen time of any kind will be limited to reasonable amounts. A wide variety of books will be within reach at all times, as well as other learning tools (games, toys, puzzles, etc.). One-on-one instruction will be provided each day for each child. We hope to instill a love of learning in each of our children. We want them to push themselves above and beyond their abilities and strive for excellence in everything they do. Our studies will be intense (within reason) and classically focused. Mastery of foreign languages (primarily Spanish) and a musical instrument is required. Developing independence in their studies will be encouraged and rewarded. We will focus on developing strong familial ties. We will create a non-judgmental home where are children are free to speak to us about anything without being condemned or belittled. We will provide correction when applicable and put off any consequences until we are all calm about the issue at hand. We will provide many social outlets for our children. Aside from church involvement, they will also participate in sports events (limited to 2 per child). Field trips and other events will be scheduled on a regular basis. Participation in Scouts is also strongly encouraged. We will aim to provide our children with the morals and wisdom needed to deal with situations with peers as they arise. We will teach our children how to greet others, respect everyone we encounter, and carry on a conversation.

I agree. I just priced several books at both Amazon and Rainbow Resources, and all of them were at least $1 cheaper at RR. I hate that I don't get my 2-day shipping, but I just try to plan in advance.

Anyone???

Did I miss an email, or is PHP not doing a sale for Black Friday/Cyber Monday? I need something, but was hoping I could get it for sale... Thanks!!!

You are not alone. My husband works overtime as often as he can, plus he has weird hours. Even on his normal day, he is not home until after the kids go to bed. He has no input in ANYTHING homeschool related, and not by my choice. I always ask him about things and he says he doesn't use it, so it is up to me. He loves that we homeschool, just does not have the time and energy to help. I would simplify for sure. Anyone under 5 is lucky to be involved in a sport/activity. Anyone over 5 is limited to 2 activities (one sport, one music). Music is nice, because I will have the teacher come to my house. You can do it....and I agree with another post that sometimes the TV comes in handy. I am not a TV fan, but sometimes I just need a break.

My oldest (6-year-old girl) has a hard time paying attention to her own school work. She is too interested in what the three younger children are doing. Even if the second child is doing school work at the table, she would rather watch her than do her own work. We have a relatively small space, so separating them is not really feasible. And, it is hard to keep a 2-year-old and a 7-month-old out of the room you are in (unless they are sleeping). I thought about teaching during nap time, but she still naps and I do not want to take that away just yet. Any suggestions??? Second question...I found these really cute AG sewing kits at our craft store, and was going to incorporate them into our next session. Has anybody taught a four-year-old to sew before? It looks easy (holes already made, etc.), but we have never tried anything like it before. Thanks for the help!