I'm trying to get a state history study ready for my girls next year. I'll have a 9th grader and a 6th grader. They don't have to read the same books, I'm just trying to get a list together so I can start looking at them and creating the course. My 9th grader will be doing this for credit so I definitely need some credit worthy books for her. Any and all suggestions would be great! I only have one and that's Tom Sawyer LOL! Thanks! Dorinda

I'm trying to get a state history study ready for my girls next year. I'll have a 9th grader and a 6th grader. They don't have to read the same books, I'm just trying to get a list together so I can start looking at them and creating the course. Any and all suggestions would be great! I only have one and that's Tom Sawyer LOL! Thanks! Dorinda PS I'm going to cross post this on the high school board too.

UGH! Your poor friend. I can't tell you how many people I know that try to emulate Ma Ingalls, and are convinced the Ingalls had it all right. That that generation was the golden generation. the country has gone to hell in a handbasket, and we should live like the the Ingalls family did. That life was great, with great Christian and Family values, kids ran free all day, families took care of each other, and isn't it a shame we weren't born back then? Really? Because, you know, malaria, diphtheria, scarlet fever, locusts, and starving when your crops failed or a long winter happened all brought the family together, and made for a better life. :rolleyes: I wonder if these people have actually read the books or studied history. I'm so glad you brought your friend peace. ^_^

That is so totally AWESOME!!!! I want a picture like that. I have to call my dad this weekend...... :laugh:

I remember being disappointed when I found out the Ingalls' travels were different than what Laura depicted in her books. It's hard to remember that she based the stories on her life, but changed ages etc. for story line purposes. I think that's why there's so much confusion as to what is fact and what is fiction. When you throw in the fact that most of us grew up watching the Little House series on TV, talk about turning Laura's life into myth and folklore! The same thing has happened in my family. My great-grandfather was an inventor. Two years ago I was talking with my great-uncle, his last surviving son about his inventions. My great-uncle laughed and laughed telling us all the things he's heard over the years that my great-grandfather invented that he never did! He told me the fortune was not actually made with an invention, but the money he made selling the patent to buy a company. The company is where the money was made. Yet, my whole life I was told about this brilliant man who was an inventor that made the family fortune with his inventions. As a complete side note, my family is in the process of helping my grandfather clean out his attic and they are finding boxes full of photographs that no one knows who they are. My dad and I have decided we should make up stories about them and pass down the stories to confuse future generations. :lol:

I know a lot of people pooh pooh state history for high school students, but since it is a required credit for most high schools, and we're new to our state, I think I might teach it. The original plan was to do it this year (were we still in New Mexico). After living there for 14 years, I knew what books I wanted her to read, I knew what topics I wanted to discuss and i knew which landmarks we would visit. Now, I feel utterly and hopelessly lost. :glare: In NM, I had talked with some other moms about coming up with a syllabus and doing state history together ala Charlotte Mason. Now, I'm thinking about doing it as an independent study next year. My youngest will be doing a 6 week study using MFW and I thought I could fold my 9th grader in. I don't know if I want to do a half credit study, or just a quarter credit. What are some fun ways you studied state history? Did you use it as a full credit, partial credit, or just fold it into your American History study? Any out of the box ideas? Any curriculum suggestions besides SOS? Thanks! Dorinda

OK, now I'm totally into this. I love the Ingalls (can you tell?)! Here's a cool piece: http://healthland.time.com/2013/02/07/what-really-made-mary-on-little-house-on-the-prairie-go-blind/

Nope I was originally wrong. Not New York but Concord WI! Crazy huh?! The book that was mentioned is wonderful by the way. We own it and love it. (I picked it up just now to check my facts) :blush: . http://www.amazon.com/Lauras-Album-Remembrance-Scrapbook-Ingalls/dp/0060278420/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391144286&sr=8-1&keywords=album+of+laura

Didn't Carrie and her husband work at Mount Rushmore? I don't remember where I read that, but here's what Wikipedia says: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrie_Ingalls What I find really fascinating about the Ingalls family is their contribution to science. I watched a documentary years ago that talked about what scientists were/are learning from families who lived through serious famine and pioneer times. They talked about studying the Ingalls family and how it is no coincidence that 3 of the siblings had diabetes, especially since they were in no way obese or at risk in the way we are in modern times. They also didn't think it was a coincidence that there was only one surviving grandchild between all 4 girls, and that that grandchild had never been able to have children. They talked about gene mutation as a result of malnutrition in childhood and severe trauma to the body physically. They also talked about Celiac disease and the connection to the Irish potato famine, but I'm sorry to say I don't remember a whole lot about that :) . I wish I could find that documentary. It was fascinating for many reasons. I also wish that more people cared about keeping their family records. We're losing connections and heritage. Letter writing was so important to our history and we didn't even know it. It gives us insight into things we would otherwise know nothing about. What does twitter and FB say about us? LOL! Here's a question for you, what would Laura tweet? Blessings! Dorinda

I've been reading this discussion and this is the first I've ever heard about this new diet. I have to ask, is it really safe to fast if you're on any medication? Doesn't medication need food to digest properly? Even vitamins or supplements? I worry about that as well as the thought that you might be triggering your body to think it's starving, therefore reversing any weight loss eventually. Isn't that what happened with the Atkins diet? They've been saying for decades that that's the problem with dieting. you may have initial weight loss, but if your body decides it's starving, it will start storing whatever you eat as fat. What does the book say about all this? No judgement. Just curiosity. :)

I like: The Red Clogs The Big Wave Little Pear And I think there's another but I can't remember it right now. Have you checked Sonlight's reading list for Core F? Blessings! Dorinda

Dory, Does your daughter copy OK? So, like when you do copywork, are there minimal errors? I'm curious because my dd writes like your daughter and makes at least one spelling error per copywork assignment. I knew she wasn't a great speller, but I thought we were doing OK. However, she's 11, 5th grade and it's starting to hold her back with writing. This has been a very helpful thread for me (Hi Ellie! :seeya: ). I didn't think to have my dd evaluated, but now I'm wondering when that decision should be made. If you feel led, I'd love to know what they say in the evaluation. Blessings! Dorinda

This made me laugh too. I think my dad's words were it's classier. :lol:

:smilielol5:

AH! That must be why I confuse people. Our only experience with Cable is at other people's houses and hotels. So when they say "Pay" channels, they're talking about HBO and Showtime, but I'm thinking they're talking about Pay per view. Now that makes sense. OK, so maybe Cable isn't all bad. It's just expensive. :-/

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pornography Any show that has two people naked having sex, on my TV is pornographic and, therefore porn in my UO ;) . Game of Thrones anyone? :leaving: Rescue Me? We rented Rescue Me when it first came out on DVD and HOLY COW!!!! I mean, they showed everything... Not suggested, everything. I remember when the Sopranos was on HBO, we were visiting my parents and were shocked as we flipped by it. Showtime has PLENTY of pornographic television. We were living in a hotel for three weeks last spring and every Showtime channel had someone having graphic sex on it when we checked in, during prime time. We blocked the channels and lived off cartoons and reality TV for three weeks. We decided we weren't missing anything by not paying for cable. :) And I know it's an UO. My parents and I had this conversation over the holidays and they feel the nudity on TV is part of the storyline and therefore, not porn. I just disagree. I don't think we have to show the sex to further most story lines, and the story lines that I know are going to include sex, I just don't watch (ie a movie about someone who is raped etc). ETA-my computer crashed but it saved what I had written so far so I'll finish now. Anyway, I also know different people have different opinions on what is pornographic and what isn't. Judge Potter Stewart said, "I know it when I see it," and it is a tough distinction. I normally keep that opinion to myself but I thought it would be freeing to post it here LOL! I just didn't know how unpopular it was! Blessings! Dorinda

For future reference, you'll be able to attach your now baby to the now toddler for things like science and history, but obviously not the 3rs and math. :) My girls are 3 years apart and I found there were years they fit together nicely and years they didn't. For the most part, my youngest tagged along until last year in science no problem. History was eh....On again, off again. It depended on the curriculum and what my goals were for my oldest that year. I found school to be a juggling act from the beginning, even with only 2 kids both girls. ;) As for weaving in your 4 year old now, how independent are your middle schoolers? My oldest is in 8th grade and since 6th grade I've been expecting more independence from her so I can actually spend time with my younger dd. I might start there. What are you teaching that they could actually do on their own and either turn in the work to be graded, or meet with you at a later time. That way, you can actually do something with your 4 year old. The other thing I did was set a timer. So, for example, I would need to teach math to the older student, I would set a timer, give it to the 4 year old and say, "When this timer goes off, I will take a break and play a game with you," or whatever. I know you have multiple students and I didn't so that makes a difference, but it might work for you guys. Another thing people recommend is rotating the older kids through the little kid. So, you're teaching your two 11 year olds math, the 10 year old could read the 4 year old a book. Then, when it's time for you to teach the 10 year old math, one of the 11 year olds could play a game with the 4 year old. Along the same vein, play to your older student's strengths. My oldest LOVES art and is wonderful at it. I've already decided she's teaching art to my youngest next year as part of her credit for high school. Is there something one of your older kids love to do that they could do with your youngest? One more thing we're trying this semester (I'll let you know if it works), I actually sat down with my girls and made them help me with the schedule. THEY decided that they wanted me to split my day with them. Instead of bouncing back and forth like a ping pong ball, I'm going to teach my youngest in the morning while my oldest works independently. Then, after lunch, I will meet with and teach my oldest. It might work for you. Does your 4 year old still take an afternoon nap? Is there a particular TV show he likes that would give you a half hour of solid teaching time? Hopefully something in there will help you out. I still have to adjust every year and re-evaluate what's working and what's not. Every year it's different. Good luck! Dorinda

Veritas Press- online History Survey and Transitions class (year of world history before going to Omnibus) was well worth it! If you have jumped around, feel like there are gaps, or like your child just needs a one year overview before moving on, this class fits the bill. No work for the parent except to make sure your child is getting the homework done and to administer tests. Papers, memory work and class participation are all part of the grade along with the exams. When my daughter took the class we were told the class was specifically created to prepare students for Omnibus. Grades 6-8 MUS Co-op classes Pre-Algebra and up/$350-$400 + cost of materials (must buy teacher materials too) We did all the prep work and then decided not to sign up. This class meets once a week to discuss the material and answer questions. You're still expected to teach the lesson and do the work with your student through the week. It also requires your student keep up with the class. I was told if you get more than 2 weeks behind, you might be advised to drop the class.

How old are your kids? I've used/owned both too and I think what you're trying to accomplish combined with the age of your kids is what determines which one you use when. I used FIAR with my oldest until 2nd grade and used Konos here and there from 2nd on (we're going to do a unit this year as a matter of fact). This might have been mentioned, but one of the things I really like about Konos is the ability to pick it up and do a unit study on the fly. I've never felt like It has to be the only curriculum I use. As a matter of fact, it's always been more of a supplement for me. We want to do a unit study on the Olympics, Konos has it. I wanted to teach my daughter about the library and the Dewey Decimal System, Konos had a study for it. Even if you don't use it this year, it's worth picking up the guides and having them on hand through the years. Blessings! Dorinda

I guess I was talking more about the baby/ toddler stage. Does that make sense? You miss so much and most moms that HAVE to work at that stage can't afford nannies. I've never known anyone who employed a nanny for school aged kids. Maybe I just think of nannies as full time? Forgive my typng, on my Kindle and I hate typing on it!

My to do list for the day: shower get dressed Drink coffee watch cupcake wars on hulu take youngest to get her ears pierced Oh, and make blackeyed peas. We love them! ;)

I'll buy a whole chicken and boil it with veggies to make broth, then take the meat and divide it into several meals for the week. Sometimes my dd's tummy could only handle chicken broth with rice and veggies, and I knew she was getting some good nutrients out of it.. It has become a comfort food for her. Do you like sweet potatoes? We're eating them all the time now. Aren't they supposed to be better for you and easier to digest than white potatoes? I might be wrong on the digestion thing, but we love them and they're so easy to cook. Nuke them for 6 min and they're perfect. Also, what about Quinoa? Can you handle that? It's a grain that's high in protein so that might help. Have you seen this blog? http://www.againstallgrain.com/about-me/ She was a lifesaver for us last year. She makes cauliflower rice and, while her recipes look expensive at first, she has some gems that are inexpensive and we love them. I like this one too: http://paleomg.com/category/eggs/ Now that we've been semi paleo for over a year, I can look at conventional recipes and convert them. We're not dairy free though which makes things easier for us. Sometimes you have to sift through the blogs to find the one recipe that is cheap or easy to make cheap, but it's worth it. We're trying to feed ourselves for $150 a week this year. For the last 2 years, I spent an average of $1000-$1300 a month on groceries and household. It was killing me then, but it's REALLY killing me now. I am determined to fix it this year! Sorry you're struggling! hope some of this helps!

I hate surprises. All surprises. If a friend threw me a surprise party or came to visit me unexpectedly, they would no longer be my friend. Ok, I'm not that mean, but I would go hide and try not to hyperventilate because I hate surprises. I think pornography is wrong, and not just because I'm a Christian. When I wasn't following Christ in College, I was in some sociology classes that required me to go to various social lectures of my choice and there were several put on by women's rights groups about pornography and the damage it was doing to both men and women. 20 years later, everything they warned against has come true and I worry about the next generation. And no, I'm not a prude. ;) We won't get cable because most of the popular shows are just pornography to me and every time we've tried to watch one, we're shocked at the amount of sex. Well, and then there are the CRAZY reality shows! We had to live in a hotel for 3 weeks and had no idea all that was on cable was reality shows and porn! I think it's weird to hire a nanny. Aren't you just hiring someone to do your job? I say this more in a confused sort of way than a judgmental sort of way even though that's not how it's going to come across on the internet. I have friends who have done this because of travel with their jobs, but I guess my deal is, your job can wait. I know we feel like it can't, but it can. Or maybe I don't get it because I never had a career that called for that sort of thing. But, the only reason you'd hire a nanny over arranging daycare is so that your kiddos would have a mommy figure while you're not there. Just my UO on nannies. :leaving:

Hi! It's nice to be back and see you too! No, you haven't seen me. I've lurked on and off, but this is the first week I've REALLY been on the boards. I guess that's a good sign. After 12 months I'm starting to get back into a normal routine! It was a heck of a year DH lost his job and we moved across country in April. I *THINK* we're finally settled after 8 months. I'm not sure though. Check back with me in a month or two. :willy_nilly: Thanks for making my day. :blush:

I'm using Winter Promises' worksheets (make your own history book). We were originally going to use WP, which uses MOH as a spine. I didn't like the flow and how they had everything set up so I scrapped the Teacher guides and am using a lesson plan someone posted on the Yahoo group, MOH II along with my WP worksheets. http://www.winterpromise.net/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=make+your+own&x=-374&y=-517 Since you can download them and print them off from your computer, you have minimal contact with WP and no shipping issues ;) Just FYI, WP jumps around in MOH so you'll have to re-order the worksheets to follow MOH II's order. HTH! Dorinda