These are just books, not a full curriculum, but my DS and I enjoyed using them last year. The first two are especially good for elementary, the last one is more advanced. The Usborne Complete Book of the Microscope: Internet-Linked The World of the Microscope Illustrated Guide to Home Biology Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture (DIY Science)

I've used Elemental Science in the past but not with multiple ages. The classic series TMs (and maybe the other products too, I didn't use them) contain some ideas for adjusting to include siblings, but you have quite a wide range of ages, so I'm not sure how feasible that will be. That portion of the TM might even be viewable in the online samples, so look at the samples if you haven't yet and see what you think. My DS was ready for the books used in the logic stage classic series (i.e., Kingfisher) by 4th/5th grade. He wasn't advanced, just already knew the material used in the elementary levels (i.e., Usborne). So look carefully at the books used in each level, look them over on Amazon, etc., and think about what level of input is appropriate for your kids. You can easily adjust the output requirements but getting the appropriate input is key, or else they'll be either bored or overwhelmed. I'd be wary about possibly shortchanging the 6th grader by using something beneath his/her level. In your shoes, I'd probably purchase with the two older kids in mind, and let the younger two tag along using "younger" books or relevant library picture books (depending on their reading level) and "helping" with the weekly labs. In my experience, it is easier to reduce requirements in a program as written, to fit your kids, rather than trying to beef up something that isn't already there. ES is so open and go, and inexpensive, that if you're doing a lot of modifying you might be better off just buying both logic stage AND elementary for the same field (biology, chemistry, etc). You might want to email the Elemental Science author, Paige Hudson, and ask what she recommends. She's usually very helpful and responsive. Here's a link for contacting her. http://www.elementalscience.com/contact/contactform.php I'd recommend subscribing to her blog too. Good tips and ideas there.

The Hake student textbook contains the grammar lessons. The student workbook contains writing lessons, plus some extra practice pages for around 20 or 30 specific grammar lessons (out of around 120 total grammar lessons, depending on the level). The TM is an answer key and also contains the grammar tests and test answers. The TM does not contain any grammar instruction but having the answer key will make your life easier. The grammar instruction is all in the student textbook, written to the student. I own the student workbook for two levels, but I only got it because buying the complete kit added only a few dollars to the cost of buying just the textbook and TM. I wanted to see what I would be missing by not using the writing lessons in the workbook. (Turns out, I don't care for the writing lessons and we use something else instead.) Also, there is so much review built in to the grammar textbook that I haven't found the extra grammar practice pages in the workbook to be necessary. YMMV. Coming out of FLL4, either Hake 5 or 6 could work well. Both start out with gentle review of easy concepts and then build from there. What grammar program are you switching your DD away from, i.e., what did she do after FLL4, and why isn't it working? Knowing that answer could help with Hake placement. I've compared the TOC for each level of Hake 5 - 8 and have decided to modify the program for our use. Levels 5 and 6 are extremely similar to each other in terms of topics covered. Likewise, levels 7 and 8 are extremely similar to each other. They're so similar that I can't see making my DS spend a year on one level, only to have him repeat the same material in the next consecutive level (5/6 and 7/8). So, we're going to do only two of the four levels (5 & 7), taking more than a year to do each, and then call it good. My DS did level 5 over about a year and a half, and now I've skipped him to level 7. He'll work through it slowly (one lesson per week, split over two days per week) and spread it out over the remainder of 6th grade and all of 7th grade, and finish up at the beginning of 8th if necessary. BTW, I also have him skip every other review question, because there is so much review, and he doesn't need it all. He really likes Hake's clear presentation and format, so we adjust the review sections to suit him. Anyway, I believe levels 7 and/or 8 cover just about everything grammar-related that he'll need to know and we'll probably stop formal grammar instruction when he finishes level 7. (If I had done my comparison prior to buying level 5, I would have done levels 6 and 8 instead, but doing it this way with 5 and 7 doesn't turn out much different after all.) Hopefully I haven't thoroughly confused you. :coolgleamA: Let me know if you have further questions. HTH. (Edited for clarity.)

This might help you get started: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/onenote-help/demo-what-is-onenote-HA010168634.aspx There are also how-to video tutorials on YouTube that are helpful. I use OneNote heavily in our homeschool for future planning (notes by subject, screen clips) and for DS's weekly checklists, assignments, etc.. We share certain notebooks between us and I can also password-protect certain things so he can't get to them. When he updates the OneNote checklist on his laptop, I can see it on mine almost instantly, and vice versa. OneNote was pre-loaded on my computer and I didn't even know it until I heard about it here. (So you might try searching these boards for more info too.) There's an app for it too, in case you have a smart phone or tablet, so you can use it on the go. I hate paper clutter - and I tried Evernote as well - but OneNote works really well for us. ETA - Another of my favorite features of OneNote is being able to "print" a webpage directly into OneNote. Sometimes that's better than bookmarking or saving a link, because webpages can change anytime.

Analytical Grammar has video instruction that goes with it. Its targeted to middle school.

OP, I agree, CAP's - which stands for Classical Academic Press - new writing materials might be a good fit for your DS. I've looked at what they have out so far in the series and I really would have liked to use it with my son if it had been out when he was younger. http://classicalacademicpress.com/writing-rhetoric-1/ The two books that are out so far are targeted to 3rd/4th grade, and more levels are planned to be released.

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Welcome! My DS sounds similar to yours. We started homeschooling in 4th grade also, and he would have resisted a literature-heavy curriculum at that time too. (Thankfully, that has changed since then, so there is hope!) I've found that it works best for him to piece together our LA curricula rather than using an all-in-one, because his ability level in reading comprehension and vocabulary was/is different than his level in grammar and writing/composition. So, in 4th grade, we used (all open-and-go): - Easy Grammar - And later switched to Hake Grammar, but only because we wanted the spiral review and diagramming in Hake that EG doesn't have, although you could add review to EG via the related supplement Daily Grams, plus a separate diagramming resource if that's important to you. Looking back, I definitely wouldn't stress about grammar instruction, beyond the basics of capitalization and punctuation, until 5th grade. - Writing With Ease level 4 - This level is "optional" if you've completed the previous levels, but since we were new to the series, we needed it. If you use this, be aware that the dictation sections are difficult and many of us that use it do not require the dictation of entire passages as written, as some of them are very long. As a matter of fact, remember that you do not have to follow any curriculum exactly as written! Do some stuff orally instead of making him write it. Teach him to type if he's pencil-phobic like many kids (esp. boys) this age. Skip things that seem like fluff. Whatever you use, make it work for you, not the other way around. - Spelling Workout - simple but effective (for us) - no formal lit program, just good library books and talking informally about some of them but not all Most of all, I'd encourage and remind you that you don't have to jump into doing all subjects at once. Perhaps just do some math and reading every day while you get your bearings. Take your time in choosing materials and just enjoy being with your son.

DS loves Mosdos Press lit. It is a values-based, secular program with selections from so many of the great authors. It also teaches a lot of vocab in context. We don't use the workbooks or the TM, but you can use them to go as deeply as you want. Pricey, but resale value is good. This year we're also using a couple of study guides for complete works by Garlic Press. I think they're better than most other lit guides I've seen for middle school. In addition to Lightning Lit, there's also a program by Memoria Press that gets mentioned here frequently.

I don't know anything about this program, but Homeschool Buyers Co-op sells an online subscription for a grammar and vocab curriculum called Word Voyage. (Sorry, I can't link for you, but you could google it.) Perhaps that would work? Or perhaps the student is at an age where he is responsible enough to check his own daily work and just submit periodic homework and/or tests to you for grading? IDK, with some kids that might work, at least as a short-term option. Hake Grammar (which we use) isn't online, but the lessons are written directly to the student, and level 8 covers pretty much all the grammar concepts (and review) most people would ever want/need.

Have you looked at Derek Owens physical science? How much math has the student had up to this point? (Might determine what field & level of science program is needed.) DO's website says his physical science is typically taken by 8th or 9th graders, and it does include labs. Students can take it online (and pay per month) or purchase the course on DVD as a one-time purchase. The DVD purchase option would allow re-use by younger siblings. For grammar, Analytical Grammar might be a good option. It has teaching DVDs available to go along with the books. Sorry I can't offer more suggestions. My DS is younger, but I'll be looking for secular independent science at this level too, so will be following along. Mostly consider this just a bump. :coolgleamA:

Connect the Thoughts ( http://www.connectthethoughts.net/ ) has several music history and theory options. The price is reasonable and they are ebooks, perfect for combining our tablet with music curriculum. My DS is using CTT Bach to Rock currently. He reads the lesson on his own and we listen to the relevant music selection together (usually via Pandora or YouTube) and then go through the questions orally. No writing, keeps it light and fun. DS is also using MP's Christian Studies I for bible literacy/appreciation this year. (We're secular HSers.) He started at the beginning level even though its targeted to younger kids. We do the Q&A from the workbook orally, no written work there. We go over the memory work once, but I don't stress the actual memorization of that material. We enjoy the maps it includes and I feel it is giving him a good overview. It is kinda dry, but it suits DS's no-nonsense, no-fluff preferences in curriculum. Since you already own MP, have you tried doing it orally? Or is the progran just a bad fit in other ways? Knowing that might help with other suggestions.

IEW teaches much more than summarizing. We've done SWI-B and are now looking forward to using their high school materials. FWIW, IEW is what SWB recommended in TWTM before she published her own writing curriculum. The nine IEW units, referenced by a PP, are: note-taking and outlines, summarizing from notes, summarizing from narrative stories, summarizing references and library reports (2 units), writing from pictures, creative writing, essay writing, and critiques. As PP wrote, not all units are covered in all levels - its a progression. You can see the scope and sequence for SWI-A if you go to the product page and then click on the samples tab. The S&S is on page 8 of the "sample" pdf. (I haven't been able to provide a link on this forum for several days, or else I would link it for you.)

Glad to hear you found something that will work! I forgot all about Noeo . . . but yes, that's another good option that doesn't use textbooks. I actually have Noeo Chemistry 3 on my shelf. But I didn't buy the kit they sell to go with it (bought a bigger one on sale through Amazon) and since we keep finding bunny trails to follow with our current program, I have no actual user experience yet with Noeo, so I didn't think to mention that one. Best of luck!

Elemental Science is open and go, and I believe most, if not all, of the options in the "classic" series have supply kits available for purchase. My DS really enjoyed the two ES logic stage programs we did in late 4th grade and 5th grade (biology & earth science/astronomy). My DS sounds similar to yours. Elementary science programs often didn't meet his input needs ("I already know this") . . . so he started doing logic stage programs for the input level he wanted and I adjusted the required output to fit his abilities. Elemental Science is based on science encyclopedias, though, so if your child doesn't like encyclopedias, Elemental Science likely won't go over well. But there is a hands-on lab scheduled every week, and it is easy to adjust or leave out the written output to fit your needs. Elemental Science is inexpensive too, so it might be a good partial-year option for you. Sorry, I can't link right now: elementalscience.com/classic.html

Spelling Workout. The upper levels cover word roots, prefixes, and suffixes from Latin and Greek. DS used the series until he got to the end. Its also what SWB recommends in TWTM Logic Stage.

Based on the ages of your kids, I'd suggest a children's science encyclopedia. Usborne makes some "first" (i.e., younger kid) encyclopedia versions. Usbornes usually have colorful two-page spreads on each topic covered, plus some have internet links relevant to each topic if you want more. If you buy one quality Usborne you'll get several years of use out of it before needing to switch to something else for older kids (like Kingfisher).

Can you elaborate on what the investigations problems are that you're referring to? Or give some examples? I'm not familiar enough with Saxon to know what you're talking about but if you can explain perhaps you'll get some alternatives.

Check out the math series by Tobey & Slater. If this prealgebra link doesn't work (typing on my phone) just search on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0321567935?ie=UTF8&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links It has great explanations and teaching right in the text. I bought it after seeing several recommendations here by NittanyJen, and I have not been disappointed. There are currently several copies of the 4th edition available (latest is 5th edition) for around a dollar. Also, I haven't pursued it, but apparently MyMathLab.com has videos & other resources available for this textbook series. From the description on Tobey & Slater prealgebra on Amazon: "The Tobey/Slater series builds essential skills one at a time by breaking the mathematics down into manageable pieces. This practical “building block†organization makes it easy for readers to understand each topic and gain confidence as they move through each section. The authors provide a “How am I Doing?†guide to give readers constant reinforcement and to ensure that they understand each concept before moving on to the next. With Tobey/Slater, readers have a tutor and study companion with them every step of the way." I have Dolciani prealgebra and algebra as well. I like them too, but I think Tobey & Slater has really good explanations for self-teaching and/or for presenting a topic in different ways. I like having at least a couple of different texts around in case DS gets "stuck" with a particular topic, and Tobey & Slater is definitely a keeper for us.

You can sometimes find TC guidebooks as used book listings on Amazon, etc. Some sellers list their used DVDs and used guidebooks separately.

OP, can your daughter recognize her own mistakes if she looks back over her work, after a period of time has passed from when she wrote it? Sometimes kids get so involved in the writing process - thinking of what to write next - that correct grammar takes a backseat. Same thing with spelling, especially with younger kids. If she can correct her own work, once she's had some "distance" from it, I wouldn't worry too much. Time will probably fix it. It sounds like mechanics & usage editing practice might be needed, rather than a grammar instruction problem. But if she really needs more grammar instruction for things to click, I can vouch for Hake grammar, as someone else already mentioned, as thorough, rigorous, and complete, with spiral review in every lesson if you want to use it . . . and as a secular alternative to R&S, which is strong too. Analytical Grammar is another good middle school option. My DS currently enjoys Daily Paragraph Editing for fun, which is good practice for developing an eye for catching these errors too.

I haven't personally used it, but Ellen McHenry has a unit on botany that gets good reviews here. We've loved her chemistry units. You can buy either a printed version or a PDF. http://store.ellenjmchenry.com/?product=botany-in-8-lessons-digital-download

The Math Mammoth Blue Series contains two units dedicated to decimals. These are worktexts, so they contain both the explanations and the problems. They're perfect for remediation and review. I've used both MM and Key To, and I think MM's approach goes into the conceptual / "why do we do this" much better than Key To. Key To is good for rote practice after the concepts are taught elsewhere, though. http://www.mathmammoth.com/decimals_1.php http://www.mathmammoth.com/decimals_2.php

Mark Kistler has online videos to teach drawing. They are fun, cartoony types of drawings and my DS really enjoys them. Several of them are free for you to try out on his website. We subscribed through Homeschool Buyers Co-op at a significant discount off the regular price. ETA - even though they are cartoony, the lessons are step by step, and teach about shading, perspective, etc., which can be applied to other types of drawing too.

SWB recommends Rod & Staff for grammar. I haven't used it but some people here report it can be done somewhat independently, at least by older kids. (IMO, I wouldn't stress about grammar instruction until around 4th grade anyway.) If you prefer something secular, Hake grammar (but not writing, which is a minor portion of the program, in a separate book) is often mentioned as an alternative. Hake is independent, written to the student, and thorough, with review built in to every lesson. If there's too much review for your taste, you can just skip parts of it without missing anything. We tried MCT grammar as a break from Hake, and DS asked to go back to Hake instead of continuing MCT. I really wanted to love it, but I agree with you. MCT grammar is just too free-flowing for our taste, I guess. (But we love MCT vocab.) There's also Easy Grammar, with the optional companion Daily Grams for review. It doesn't include diagramming but diagramming could be added via other resources if you like the program otherwise. So there's a few more options for you to look at. HTH. BTW, your post appears on the K-8 writing workshop board, but you'll probably get more feedback if you X-post on the K-8 curriculum board. : )