Could some please help! I need an writing program that does not require much from me, the teacher. I am not opposed to anything, including workbook style. Just something that is fairly easy and won't cause tears, and yet he still will learn some writing skills.

I too purchased the book, have read all the blogs, and looked at all the photos, but in the end it is not for us either. I can not imagine having to fill those boxes each night, it sounds very labor intensive for the parent. I am definately a free spirited just wake up and lets go with it. I do make a weekly plan and we do strive to finish it all, but the order is all optional depending on the mood of the participants, me included. I would like to include more fun things to do, but actually for us the fun ususally begins when we finish our school for the day. Thanks for all the helpful comments ladies.

I am interested in researching my ancestry. Could someone recommend a book (simple, like for dummies) on how to begin such a task. I have looked at ancestry.com but not sure if that is worth the money or not. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks, Michelle

Okay, I know this sounds crazy but when I buy a soda at a fast food place, it will last for hours with ice and soda and still taste good. At home a soda with ice, after 5 minutes taste watery. Am I just crazy???

I have used numerous Math programs over the 8 years that we have homeschooled to include: Rod and Staff, Bob Jones, Horizons, and Excel. CLE is by far the best of all. It has all the review you need built right in. I can't say enough good about it.

I was wondering if anyone has a list of literature books or just supplemental material (books, lectures, videos) that they had prepared that goes along with Spielvogel's Human Odyssey. I plan to use Spielvogel as the spine for 9th grade World History but want to add in some "good stuff" too. Thanks,

Someone had a student go out of state for college and the out of state tution was waived becasue the student made a 30 on the ACT. Has anyone else heard of this ?

I recently purchased The Human Odyssey by Spielvogel to use along with some other things for World History 9th Grade. After looking through the text I think I am going to make it my spine and find some other things to go with it. Any ideas of things you all have used and liked as supplements. Also how much of this text is reasonable to cover in one year of World History? Has anyone used the video lectures from the Teaching Company? I am considering the World History with Professor Linwood Thompson but it seems to get some mixed reviews. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks, Michelle

It looks great to me. I am considering it for 5th grade, instead of CLE Reading. It is quite pricey so I really have to love it to justify the expense. Can anyone shed any light on this ? thanks, michelle

Would you all please share your favorites for World History 9th grade. I am looking for a stand alone program that does not include literature, and writing, as I already have something picked out for those subjects. Thanks, michelle

i will search for the other comments as well. michelle

Can someone please share their thoughts on this program. Pros, cons, etc. I am looking for a 9th Grade Lit program and someone said they were using this. After looking at it online I am interested. Thanks, michelle

Can anyone give some suggestions for a stand alone Literature program for 9th grade. I am considering Abeka. Any ideas, pros or cons would be appreciated. thanks, michelle

I did most of the things you mentioned this year. I learned a great deal of science myself. It was pretty time consuming for me, not that I mind but I have other children also. I was so glad to hear you say that this was neccessary for some as I was feeling like something was wrong with my son that he needed me to do all of this, with a program that was supposed to be student driven. Good points. We may plug along with Physical Science then. I do like the program. THanks again, Michelle

We used Apologia Gen Science for 7th Grade. My son and I both liked it, but I don't feel like he has retained what he learned very well and it is only one month in to summer break. He didn't feel like he did well on the Science part of the Stanford Achievement Test this year either, but he don't have the scores back yet. What are some other options for 8th Grade Science besides Abeka or Bob Jones. He is interested in going into the medical field so I want a strong science program. thanks, michelle

I went right to the site and read her reviews. Thanks so much that was very helpful. Michelle

We have used Sonlight Pre-k, K, 1 and 2. I loved them all. Then we got to Sonlight 3. Although my kids like history it was definately too much. It just doesn't seem right to me, to read "A Witch of Blackbird Pond" to a 3rd grader. It is a great book, but much better in middle school. Even if they can get most of the book, why not just read books better suited for 3rd and 4th grade and save the heavier books for the later years. We abandoned Sonlight in Core 3. In fact it is in my garage and for sale right now if you decide to go that way. I have the 5 day program with the regular and the advanced readers. Blessings, Michelle

Can anyone compare these two, Rod and Staff, and CLE Light Units for Math for the upper grades. I saw some used CLE Light Units for Math (8th Grade) and they really looked good. Please share if you have any experience with them. Pros or cons. Thanks, Michelle

no question, SOTW. TOG is overkill for K and perhaps up to high school, just my opinion

WOW ! Thanks for the great insight. I think you all are right, it is not about finding the perfect writing program.....but me sitting down and spending the time helping him. I was hoping for a quick fix that I could order from Rainbow Resource Center. THanks again, Michelle

I am looking for a very simple straight forward writing program for a 7th Grader that doesn't require a lot of teaching or help from me. Also one that would not be hated by a reluctant writer. Could anyone suggest something ? More info below: I have not been very good about following through with a writing program. I have a 7th grade son. We have done Rod and Staff Grammar for Grades 3 - 6so he did the writing that was taught with that series (not much writing in my opinion). This year we have done Saxon Grammar and Writing Grade 7. We have just finished the grammar part and next week we will be starting the writing portion. It doesn't look very fun, however. I own Jump-In and Wordsmith Apprentice, but haven't used either of them. Thanks so much, Michelle

Has anyone used either of these programs, Learn to Write the Novel Way or the one about your family history? I would love to hear what you think of them? Thanks, Michelle

Hi Ladies. My name is Michelle and I live in Tennesee. We have homeschooled for 5 years now. My oldest son is in the 7th grade and my younger son is in the 3rd grade. I started out using Sonlight. After the first year I started putting together my own stuff using the Well Trained Mind Guide. I have been reading on these boards for several years now and have gained a lot of helpful information. I looked forward to chatting with you all.

My book club picked The Count of Monte Cristo for this month, and I am struggling with it. For my fun book I am reading, Cause of Death by Patricia Cornwell. It is super easy compared to the "Count".