Here's another opinion to muddy the water. :D We were given RSO Chemistry by a friend and while I think it is a good program, it just didn't work for us. Maybe it was the format/layout. We switched over to ES Chemistry and I've been very pleased so far. I like the layout of ES much better. Also, I like that each child is creating their own workbook throughout the year. I would recommend to look at both in depth first though. I'm using ES with an almost 3rd grader & a 4th grader. It might be a stretch for 2nd grade.

We just made the switch from FLL to MCT. My oldest was almost finished with WWE 4 but was grumbling and complaining constantly. He hates diagramming. My middle son was using GWG 2 but didn't seem to be retaining much. I was going to start FLL 3 with him in the fall but decided to it was time to try something different from the traditional workbook approach with both boys. I can honestly say the change has been amazing! They are engaged in our discussions and totally get into when we analyze the sentences from Sentence Island (we do these orally.) They've actually asked to do additional sentences. They're even tolerating the poetry book, which I was hesitant to begin. I'm discovering that they both really enjoy the interaction that we all having during our reading and discussions when we use MCT. I still love FLL and will probably work out a combo MCT/FLL for next year but we're definitely loving MCT.

:iagree: This has worked very well for us as well. I tried OPTGR with my K'er and he just didn't like it. I switched back over to PP and he's taken off. Kids are funny that way...OPTGR is a great program but it just didn't click with him. I always like to look at Cathy Duffy's reviews. I use them as a jumping off point for my curriculum research.

We're using Elemental Science Chemistry. It follows the science model written in the WTM and uses the Usborne Internet-linked Encyclopedia as well as Adventures with Atoms & Molecules. It's the first science curriculum that I haven't dreaded pulling together and using every week!

I would take a looks at The Elements and Elementary Science Chemistry (which we are currently using.) It's listed as a Grammar stage science but it seems pretty meaty. You could beef it up with some additional reading selections. I've been very pleased with it so far.

Does anyone know of a program or website that will allow me to make Greek flashcards? I would prefer to type them out and print them instead of writing them by hand.

:iagree: The divisiveness in the body is extremely disheartening. Praying for grace and healing.

Elemental Science was written as a response to people looking for Classical science curriculum. We've just begun ES Chemistry and we're really enjoying it. The author has a full elementary series for the grammar stage and has just completed Biology for the Logic stage. I've even seen her pop in on these boards from time to time.

:iagree: Carol, You wrote exactly what I've been feeling over past few days during this kerfluffle.

I found a few schedules on the support group page that have been very helpful.

I love LOF but I think it works well with students who already have a good grasp of the subject or kids who are very intuitive with math. I think it would frustrate a kid who's already struggling with the subject. I'm not familiar with MM but a friend is using the Keys to series with her son who struggles with math. She said it's been a great success for him.

I've heard the Key to...books are really good and they do have one of fractions.

My winner is Radiobrain from these very WTM boards! She very graciously offered to purchase a boatload of conference cds for me so I can have my very own mini conference out here on the "left coast." Because God forbid they actually schedule a conference west of the Mississippi! :D She's awesome!! :hurray:

Love REALLY hot coffee...hate iced coffee!

I'm in Northern San Diego county. We have some fairly large homeschool groups in the area. We could pull people from L.A., Orange County, San Diego and even Arizona and Nevada to come. Plus, I'm really close to the beach so SWB could dip her toes into the Pacific while she's here. My husband will even offer free stand-up paddleboard lessons. :D

Rod & Staff is a popular choice for grammar. Why are you not planning to continue with the MCT...if you don't mind me asking?

One of my all-time favorites is The Hawk and the Dove by Penelope Wilcock.

We are really enjoying Elementary Greek.

Faith, This is from the snake's Twitter account. This should make you feel better... "Want to clear up a misconception. I'm not poisonous as has been reported. I'm venomous. Super venomous, but not poisonous so don't worry." :D

There are always loopholes...especially when it comes to "bling." And did you learn nothing from Harrison Ford?? Snakes hate fire so a flame thrower would be more more effective!

Just make sure they save the inventory at Tiffany's before they drop the first bomb. Loot if you have to! :D

We have used MUS from the beginning. My 4th grader is almost finished with Episilon and my 2nd grader is almost done with Gamma. I decided to purchase TT to use as a supplement because it would take little additional input on my part. My 4th grader tested in TT 6 and the 2nd grader tested in TT 4. My 2nd grader likes it more than his brother but it has been all review so far for both. TT is ok but I find that MUS is much more challenging. CWP has been a better supplemental fit for us.

:iagree: MCT teaches that you when you have 2 clauses, you place a comma before the conjunction.

I'm not sure about Music of the Hemispheres so I haven't been brave enough to start it yet. I'm shooting for next week and hopefully they will enjoy it as much.

My oldest son was getting tired of "workbook grammar" and wanted to try something different. With some trepidation, I decided to purchase the MCT Island package. It took some getting used to including me yelling to pay attention, stop playing with the dog, stop touching your brother, etc. Well we've just completed Grammar Island so we were working on some 4-level analysis on the white board. I was shocked but they actually were having fun and even asked to do more sentences (which never happens!) :eek: My oldest hated diagramming, so go figure. They still have issues at times identifying pronouns and adjectives but it does seem to be sinking in. "Who are these kids and what did you do with my children?" :D