Hmm, I guess I was thinking that I should add some science and that seemed like a structured no thought way to do it. Okay thanks for the clarification I'll need to think through that some more.

Okay thanks so much for the replies! It takes a huge weight off my shoulders to hear that it's "enough" but that I could probably add a few things here or there if I have some extra time. I really appreciate each of you taking the time to respond! I picked up a science workbook yesterday and will order SOTW but will make sure we get the other items in first. Then perhaps when we've completed LLFTVY we'll switch it up and go with FLL.

My son is 6.5 so he's almost in second grade in some subjects. I'd love some help critiquing my plans! I work from home and have little ones so I'm leaning more towards the basics. Horizons Math 1 (halfway through already), AAS 3 (halfway through already as well), Language Lessons For The Very Young, and reading daily. Is this enough? Maybe add FLL 2? Maybe AAR 3 in the winter? Should I try to get some history and/or science or is this acceptable and am I missing anything? Thanks!

I would suggest trying a new curriculum. When I try to switch things up a bit it seems to reinvigorate the schooling. Maybe something more activity based?

I'm thinking about switching too. I was considering buying a year ahead though to continue to make progress. My son is currently reading around a second grade level and I can't fathom going back to learning letters. But I'm looking for that fun, activity based curriculum perhaps with a few extras. Let us know how it goes if you decide to switch!

They aren't gross but maybe a chose your own adventure book? They are fun to read and re-read since the story changes each time.

You have lots of good suggestions here but I didn't have time to read them all. I would recommend a good diet (paleo and organic if possible) without processed foods (no chance of preservatives, gluten issues, casein issues, food dyes, etc. if it's not processed), fish oils, maybe some supplements to calm such as gaba, glycine, etc. You can google all of these for more info. Also personally my son is much calmer if we focus on protein and keep out too many carbs. Apples for breakfast means he'll be crazy, eggs for breakfast makes for a perfect day.

We returned PR. We liked AAS and LLATL. Maybe look at those two? My son didn't do well with McRuffy so it didn't last long here.

I have an iPad with the kindle app on it so that I could have 4G (we don't have wireless). I wanted to access the internet anywhere I went. I too love the feel of real books but being able to read in bed with the lights out, turning pages with absolute silence (tiny babe in my bed), and instant access to most books made it an easy transition.

We didn't make it past the first unit (thank goodness I didn't buy the entire bundle). Perhaps I need to move my son up a grade if it gets more interesting but I didn't feel it was very comprehensive and probably would have only taken us 15 minutes to complete. Again though I didn't really give it a chance. But you can buy the individual units for a small price so perhaps try that?

Thanks for all the suggestions! We did a unit study on volcanoes today just to pass the time while I make some decisions and he loved it. I found one from Amanda Bennet where you download the pdf, it tells you what to do each day, has the links of videos and pictures embedded in it and you make a lapbook in the process (ie no real prep or creativity needed). He actually was sad when school was over today. It doesn't feel realistic to do these all the time since we need spelling and math and grammar but it is fine for this week or perhaps as an occasional supplement.

:lurk5: Just in case anyone recommends a color laser printer. :drool5:

Yes I think you can start FLL. I did it with my 5 year old with no issues.

That's funny I was just reading about KONOS but was overwhelmed by their site. I'll have to take another look. I notice you can buy boxes and bags to reduce prep work.

I'm looking for an activity based curriculum for my son. Ideally it would be boxed or portions boxed so that it was laid out with a tentative schedule (I like to check the box). I really liked the idea of Heart of Dakota where the curriculum is boxed, laid out, and woven with activities but I just received it and already plan to send it back. The stories were boring my son so much he'd barely sit in his seat and usually he loves when I read to him. And because many of the stories and poems are written long ago, I think it made it harder to comprehend for both of us. But I purchased it for the activities that are woven throughout and that's what I'm looking for. I've already purchased LA1 and Animals from WP but I have no idea if they'll be any good or if I'll even receive them LOL. We did okay with LLATL Red but it got a little boring after a while. Other suggestions? Maybe LA1, Animals, buy Artistic Pursuits, and add a math? I know school isn't always fun but I just want him to not hate it! And he LOVES activities. Also I'm not at all creative and don't have lots of time so creating them on my own doesn't seem viable.

I wasn't a fan. It felt really disjointed to me. Like we'd practice a few colors, put some stickers on folder, then switch to something else. I wanted it to be a little more fluid but we only tried it for a few weeks so perhaps I didn't try it long enough. But if you want - you can have mine. :laugh:

Thanks I did a search for "winter promise" and didn't find much other than one or two negatives. And some of the feedback on the homschool reviews website was from several years ago so I wasn't sure that still applied. Maybe I should have searched for "wp" instead although that seemed like it might bring up lots of results LOL.

I am curious if anyone has used both of these programs or thoughts on how they compare? I've read a ton of good reviews on Heart Of Dakota but can't find much on Winter Promise. They both appear to be similar. I really like that they both have quite a few activities as my son has been really bored with school lately. I'm wondering which is better? HOD seems more well rounded but I like the idea of the write in readers and the animal themed study that goes along with it. And the LA seems more comprehensive for WP. I wonder which might have more activities? Any thoughts or guesses would be appreciated!

I'm considering purchasing the HOD Bigger program and wondering what extra items will need to be purchased? I saw mention of a globe and index cards and binders? Is there a list in the curriculum they provide so I can be prepared in advance? Reading between the lines this means I bought it last night and want to go shopping for all the extras today while hubby watches football LOL. Any assistance in fueling my need for instant gratification would be much appreciated!

Have you got on the Cathy Duffy site? I believe she had some good recommendations there if I remember right. Sorry though I don't know the answer to your question, I just remember her mentioning this in something I read.

We're in the same boat (age wise) as you and reading your post made me very overwhelmed. We try to focus on LA and math. About 45 minutes a day on LA and 15 on math is about all he can sit still for. We do come back and revisit to try to get in a bit of extra each day (and we do weekends) but overall it's still less than 2 hours and that feels appropriate for his age and (IMO) he's doing really well with that amount of work. I know we need to add in some history at some point but for now we're comfortable with this pace. I think at this age they need more downtime and your plans appear to me to take quite a bit of time each day?

We've been quite the little curriculum hoppers and I have no idea what to do with ALL THIS STUFF. Of course we wrote in everything possible so it's hard to sell although I hate to just throw it away or give it to Goodwill. For example I have a $300 McRuffy Color 1st grade set but we did the first 10-20 lessons before giving up on it so that's a good amount of writing throughout the books. I thought maybe Ebay but there is none for sale and I'm worried if I list it someone will be $1 LOL. And we have TONS of workbooks, IEW PAL, books, etc. and I just really want it ALL gone right away since I'm trying to declutter. Thoughts? I know I could list here once I have enough posts but still that's quite a bit of time and waiting.

I used it for a bit. Free trial then I got billed and didn't feel it was worth it. There are lots of games online or apps on a tablet that are free and just as good. I didn't notice a change but I think I only used it for a few days.

Have you tried to contact amazon? I would have said nook as well but that price seems a little high.

We are currently loving LLATL here. First choice of curriculum that I really liked. My son likes the lessons (as much as can be expected) since they are short and activity based. Yet he gains quite a bit of knowledge which is a nice change. We are doing the red level for him since he's 6 which I think is one level ahead. The activities appear to be on grade level but the reading is slightly ahead although not so much that he can't get through it.