I've used LLATL with my children and they really didn't like it. It lacked explanation and the book studies seemed pointless. They preferred Easy Grammar and Rod and Staff. But for a gentle approach I'm using First Language Lessons level 3 and Writing With Ease level 2 for my 4th grader. He really likes these. FLL is very gentle and scripted if you need that.

For those of you using Math Mammoth grade 2, how much do you try to get done in a sitting? The pages are really not set up like a daily lesson. I'm always wondering if I'm aiming too high or too low. My son really struggles with math.

We're using the American history guides from TQ. The book lists can be overwhelming but keep in mind she is giving you lots of choices to fit individual tastes, availability and how much time you have to devote to history study. At first the guides just look like a long list of books but she has a heading for each stage in history with sub-headings for specific people or events. She does a great job of keeping the focus on America since this is written for 1-6th grade. The book lists are not only set up chronologically but by reading level as well. So, you can use the guides for many grade levels. I love the commentaries which can be very short to quite long. Each topic starts with the spine and what the parent should read if they aren't confident in their history knowledge so you're learning along with your child. If she lists a spine she tells what chapter and/or pages to read for that particular topic. She includes movies and coloring/activity books as well. Some books haven't been in our library system but I've been able to find some great alternatives and she asks us to let her know if we've found a really great resource. The yahoo group is great and there are schedules posted by many members. My one issue, and it's my own flaw, is I can get bogged down in the topics because there are so many options and my son has to remind me to move along. I try to choose 2-3 books and an activity book if one is listed per major topic. The lapbooks and notebooking pages from A Journey Through Learning are really helping me stay focused on a time schedule. I highly recommend them. I have truly gotten a clear perspective on American history.

I keep a sample page/lesson of each subject each month so there's a progression of work. I try to take pictures of field trips and other activities. I take pictures of larger projects then throw the project away after they start collecting dust (by then they've been forgotten). I also take a picture on the first day of school and few through out the year. The one thing I'm trying to remember is to keep a list of books read. I put all this in a 3-ring binder and let my son decorate the cover.

After sleeping on it and reading these replies, I realize it's gonna be fine. I mean, he was doing FLL2 and WWE1 so I'll just move him up in both. Thanks for the input, Sandy

I have been using the FLL level 1&2. We're on lesson 119(which is second grade. It's my fault we're still doing this book not his inability. I kept forgetting I had it so we got a late start. My son is going into 4th grade. He's not a strong reader yet but grammar isn't a problem for him to understand. He's extremely auditory(almost to the degree that it's a disability) so FLL levels 1&2 have been great. I think he could do the level 3. I also have Writing With Ease level 2&3. My question is, do I need to keep him at the same level for the WWE and FLL? Is that necessary? I want to have him doing FLL level 3 and WWE level 2. What do ya'll think?