My DD is also in Mrs. Serbicki's AP Lang Class this year through AIM Academy and I 100& agree with fourisenough! Excellent description of her class. She also took "Intro to AP Lang" with her last summer as a mini-course and that is what sold us on her as a teacher. One of the few online teachers that we have adored.

We went from RS B to MM3. He moved through MM3 easily but I don't think we could have started in MM4 :). Now he IS my more math-minded child :)

Thank you so much!! I am new to MCT and contemplating getting it (the LA program) and didn't want to miss out on a potential discount.

On the MCT/RFW website there is a forum entry that says "Memorial Day Sale" on the left sidebar of the page. But you have to be a forum member to see it :(. I requested membership like 4 days ago and have not heard back - it still says my account is waiting moderation :( Anyone a member there and know what the sale is about?

I was a public school teacher for 10 years prior to homeschooling - and I taught that age group. I can tell you from my experience, the teacher sets the tone and expectations of the entire classroom behavior and the kids act accordingly (with a very rare exception here and there of course as there is sometimes a child with a true behavioral disability). I can't tell you the number of times I had a child transferred to my classroom because he/she was having so many "problems" behaviorally in another teacher's room. And guess what? They were just fine in mine! But my expectations were clear from day one - I was organized and structured and simply did not put up with misbehavior or silliness when it was not appropriate. At that age, it was important to teach them that there was a time for silliness (of course! They ARE kids!) but there are times when it is not acceptable. I knew how to discipline when necessary! (and I was NOT mean or harsh, nor did I ever yell). And 98% of any discipline issues were handled within the four walls of my room. Rarely did I have to go to a parent for help because I felt like it was my job to learn what makes their child "tick" and work through the issues within the classroom setting. It's amazing what pulling a child aside and talking TO them in clear, respectful terms that what they are doing is not really working, why they probably should not be doing it and ideas to help fix it. I did feel like I spent A LOT of my time on "social skills" and behavior, but at that age, that was just what was necessary - and I wanted to set them up for success in future grades. I think volunteers (i.e. SS classes) in many cases don't feel like they have the authority or the right or maybe even the experience to KNOW how to handle the situation. I know even when *I* volunteered as a Sunday School teacher, even I felt "weird" doing what I would have done in my regular school classroom discipline wise. The vibe and atmosphere was different in the volunteer type setting - especially in a Church. Also, to give the volunteer who is trying their hardest the benefit of the doubt, seeing the kidsd once a week for an hour or so versus everyday all day makes it tougher to explain, implement and follow through with discipline lessons - just not enough time. So in my opinion - they will follow the flock! And if the shepherd is not doing their job correctly, then kids (especially that age) will take advantage of that "freedom". (doesn't make the BAD in anyway - just natural human behavior for them!) I like what the OP said about communicating your expectations and your availibility to support the teacher when needed in order to reign them in some (when the "silly" behavior is not appropriate or distracting). I agree as a teacher that that kind of parent concern and assistance is ALWAYS welcome!

I don't mind the "teacher intensity" part of the program - no matter what math program we follow, I intend work alongside my children during a lesson. The thing I struggle with is that it is TIME intensive - we can EASILY spend an hour and a half on math. It's not like that with EVERY lesson - but many (most?) of them are. Or maybe it's just us? Another thing I've noticed is that it really stretches your brain - which is great - but even one lesson (though not all of them!) can wear us out. Which leaves little energy for other lengthy programs in other subjects. So between the time and energy issue, I'm finding that I am looking for quicker and simpler ways to implement Language Arts, Science and History. I am feeling right now that it's a sacrifice worth making (streamlining other subjects) because I would not feel right at this point ditching RS. Don't get me wrong - I've thought about it many many times! But I love it. I love what it teaches (for the most part) and how it teaches. I love that my child can do 58+34 in his head without carrying! My only large concern is that if for some unforeseen emergency reason they had to be put in school, they would be in trouble in math because RS does not teach things in the "traditional" order. Of course that's what I love about it!!! So I just pray that no emergencies arise!

Barnes & Noble has 50% off one toy item today - got this online: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/toys-games-tk2-scope/15398677?ean=857853001704 for $68.28 - after tax and a $3.99 shipping charge We are right at the age where this is now going to be appropriate and useful - and DS even put it on his Christmas list! It's $97 on Amazon so at that price, it was a bit more than I had left in the Christmas budget. But at $68, I thought it was a pretty good deal and didn't think I should pass it up! :) I haven't done a ton of research on microscopes as far as price goes, but I have heard that Thames & Kosmos was a good brand. HTH someone

I was 100% in the OP's camp when I opened this thread. The "all-in-one" always appealed to me initially because I wanted the ease of a comprehensive program - but I've tried most of the "biggies" and given up because I tweaked them to oblivion and then figured "what good are they now?" But after reading through this thread, I think I've gained a new perspective. I think I fell victim to expecting an all-in-one to be the end-all-be-all, especially after investing the $ in it. But now I am wondering if I can look at them again with the idea in mind that it is my safety net, my guiding base, my framework - to which I can tweak as I like but use it as the well-researched, sequential, skill-building framework it was intended to basically be. Hmmmm, I see more curriculum research in my future! LOL

Yes ditto to alll she said above - exactly. I cut sugar (and caffeine) out pretty much completely last January and my body revolted - cranky, TIRED, headaches. But I adjusted. For now I try to keep my sugar under 35 grams per day for "maintenance" and 20-25 for weight loss. But I still count the calories overall and try to balance my fat/carb/protein intake appropriately (I use www.fatsecret.com to track). When I eat less sugar (straight sugar and/or white carbs) food DOES taste better, I am not as bloated, and I am actually "full" longer (since I'm replacing the carbs/sugar with lean proteins and "healthy" fat)

Good ol' YouTube turbo jam: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ0T-eZ_xhY CLX: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knXfq87QnOo Power 90: Power 90X There are lots of videos for each program on youtube - those are just the first ones that came up when I searched.

I also got the Kindle for $89. I was SHOCKED b/c I have an older computer and we don't even have high speed internet! (but it's not as slow as dial up). I had three windows open and as soon as it went "live" I clicked "add to cart" on each one (one at a time of course) and the second one went through (but I didn't even get a waitlist offer for third or first click). Weird. But I'll take it! I also got an IPOD touch (8GB newest generation) for $199 with a $25 amazon gift card - which I had planned to get anyway (the gift card) for my stepmom so technically I got the ITouch for $174.99. That's all I've done today, although I'm eyeing the lego kit on Amazon for $15. I did some pre-black-friday online shopping and got some good Wii and DS deals, but that's about it.

I have P90 (along with about 6 other Beachbody programs!) and my favorites overall are Turbo Jam and CLX - both with Chalene Johnson. I use them together for maximum results and most importantly, because I don't get bored with them. Slim in 6 (Debbie Siebers) bores me to tears by day 8, so does anything Jillian. P90 is good, but for ME it is lacking the "pep" factor, which I love with Chalene. Some people don't like her because of the "pep" but I do. Plus the workouts (esp ANYTHING Turbo Jam) are just FUN. :) But we all have different tastes and workout styles, so for me anything adrenaline pumping (fast paced but not "dancey") is fun. Not sure how your knee would handle all the bouncing and kicking in Turbo Jam, but they have modified moves and if you already run for exercise, then you are probably fine. According to my Bodybugg, I burn the most calories with the cardio kickboxing style workout (i.e. Turbo Jam) and then I rotate CLX in and I have my strength/resistance workouts. No, I do NOT work for Chalene Johnson! LOL HTH - good luck to you - I saw visible results (took before/during/after pics) from a workout blitz from Jan - Apr of this year so those programs do work if you stick with them!

This is GREAT! I wasn't even going to open this thread ("nope, not gonna do it - you already have enough!" I told myself) But I am so glad I did. My DD would love "sketch Tuesdays". Thank you! (you have a great blog too!!)

bumping because those are great questions and I'd like to know too! :) Cindie, got your PM - thank you!!!! Yes, twins :) We also live relatively close to each other I think!!! (I'm NW of San Antonio) I will write you in the morning - we *just* got home from Disney on Ice (it's 11:30) - what a zoo!!!!!!

Amen!!! Great post Jesse and thank you!! You know, maybe I just *think* I need a scripted/planned out program because then I don't have to worry that we missed something (I stress out worrying that I picked all the best resources, etc), but ultimately, I think my biggest issue is that I do not like being a slave either! It bugs me when we fall "behind" in one subject in a scripted curriculum because then I have TWO pages (or three or four) to reference during a lesson and then there goes the flip flop juggling. But I don't want to have multiple "curriculums" either to try to read, master and follow. Hmmm, all of you your comments have been SO incredibly helpful and are making me feel so much better :) Why do I have to put myself through the ringer to figure out the *simplest* things??? :) Oh, and as far as the Science, maybe I will just use E=MC2/Classic Science by Mr. Q. It's free and seems so user friendly. I can also do K12's science or History *only*, just for the fun interactive content (since she loves computer learning) and some fun offline project ideas. I had thought of SL again just because when I did have the P4/5 core one time I liked the Discover and Do DVD. Maybe just that and the accompanying USBORNE book??? Thanks again!!!!!!!!!

Thank you!! I also like their guarantee - 12 months!!!!!!

I am kind of feeling that way about History (although it's MY favorite subject) I'd like to just cover History with our Read Alouds and that will kill two birds with one stone. So yes, I do agree to simplify, esp for DS. But DD is CONSTANTLY asking for Science topics and experiments so I feel the need to give that to her - but in the easiest way (for me!) possible :) :) That subject *can* get a little labor intensive! She also LOVES art. Science and Art, Science and Art, Science and Art - if she had her way that is ALL we'd do.

Thanks for the advice - I did exactly what you are describing last year and this year. We've really been very relaxed almost by default LOL (b/c the more scripted/rigorous stuff didn't work or feel right and we figured that out fast - in fact, I need to change my siggy line!!) We've used RS for Math, AAS and ETC for phonics, HWOT for handwriting, and then the rest is kind of up in the air. We play around with FLL (just a day or two per week) and WWE and we have covered several read-alouds for History especially (and then checked out additional books on the topic/people, etc) We throw in an art project now and then, as well as a Science book. So my search is really for next year. I feel like because DD will be in 2nd grade, I need to give her *more*. She is asking for *more* NOW. The scripted is more for ME :) With DS I still plan to be more "relaxed" for first grade (hence why the strong interest in OM)

What are your kids ages? What do you use now? Can you elaborate on what you mean by right atmosphere but wrong curriculums? It sounds like we are the same. Maybe we can both find something we love!

Susan, thanks for the feedback. I am assuming I'd need to buy two different levels with OM (1 and 2 most likely) because if I tried to combine, I'd probably be defeating the whole purpose of "developmentally appropriate" that OM seems to be very specially designed to adhere to, right? So I wonder, could I handle two seperate programs though if I am overwhelmed easily? Phonics/LA and Math are sort of seperate right now (and will probably get more so as DD seems to be *leaping* ahead) but I worry about having two History, two Science, two Art, etc etc. As far as Sonlight, I am seriously considering their Science if I decide to use SOTW next year (b/c I already own SOTW!) SL was my first crush when I decided to HS and I did eventually order P4/5, but sent it back b/c of the book juggling thing (it also seemed to low for my DD at the time). But I also can't get it out of my mind - so it's a crush I haven't gotten over! Computer: we've tried Headsprout and Click N Kids on the computer but DD didn't like either (sort of cheesy in her opinion) and never would have considered computer again until we found K12 - she seems to really like the sample lessons and they look fun to me too. I'm with you on the "making it fun" - I am a Perfect Paula and want to get down to business and be done. DS could probably survive his schooling years with that motto, but NOT DD. So I need to find something to satisfy that need for *more* for her.

I'm so sorry you felt that way, but boy did I need to hear that! I have had a few days lately where I've felt like I'm on the verge of a NBD. That's when I realized I just need to get real, because me in the looney bin or them in public school is not what I want for either of us! I also love CM - and people can make it *sound* so simple (went to a SCM seminar). But when I get home and have to actually DO it, I can't! It's so frustrating!! Of course I think "what is wrong with ME?" But I realize now that I'm just trying to fit a square peg in a round hole - and it won't work, despite how great that square peg looks!! So I am hoping that through LBC or Oak Meadow, I can still maintain lots of the elements of what I loved about CM style, but without the overwhelming crazy feeling of planning and book juggling for me. LBC actually sounds the most reasonable just because it looks like I could combine them easier, so it's less expensive. I am worried about having to actually *do* two full curriculums with OM or K12. What would my day be like? Would that be manageable for someone who usually only has about 3 hours per day to spend on school (I work part time for our family business). Although with K12 I would likely start out on their monthly subscription with ONE level and see how it goes for a month or two before committing. It's still expensive though, even with that route, but at least it's easy. Thanks again :)

For those of you that are veterans, this will be familiar, I'm sure. But for any newbies, here is what I've discovered these last two years of HS: 1. I read and fall in love with methods or styles or curriculums without fully contemplating if they will really work for our time, life ages and learning styles. My kids are Wiggly Willy and Sociable Sue POSTER CHILDREN, and I am Perfect Paula - so inevitably I keep choosing curriculum that is either wrong for them, or wrong for me! And I do sulk and pout and have a hard time letting go when the "perfect" curriculum doesn't work for us. Yes, sometimes you do have to really TRY it to KNOW - but trust me, I go overboard. 2. My kids really *like* learning on the computer, as much as I've tried to avoid that medium, thinking it is "bad". But they respond VERY well to it. And I'm learning to be ok with that. 3. I need to stop BUYING stuff because "everyone else is using it" :blushing: and then subsequently beating myself up because I couldn't manage to make it work for me when it worked for so many others. 4. I need to WAIT to buy something new until I FULLY know what I already have is NOT working (otherwise my curriculums "to try" pile up and I get overwhelmed) 5. I need to remember my son is only 5 developmentally, even though he is capable of a higher age/ability academically. Pushing him or requiring to do what his sister is doing (she's 15 mos older) is NOT helping him AT ALL. It's OK if he does school for an hour and is done. (of course sister has to learn to be ok with that too and she sometimes gets jealous) So now that I know all that :), I am looking at curriculum that meets the following criteria: 1. easy for me to implement - I do not want to fumble through 4 or 5 different books, reading snippets here and there for one subject. I also do not want to have 7 different TM's or curriculum guides or even books to flag, grab, find pages, etc while doing lessons. I remember with WP and SL I felt like I was book juggling through the whole lesson. 2. uses multiple types of learning mediums - hands on, memorization (one of the areas of classical I refuse to let go of!), computer, writing, moving around and even a workbook here and there (even my Sociable Sue likes workbooks - that's the little bit of Perfect Paula in her!). I do not want to read aloud for hours each day (my DS would die - he is NOT an auditory learner in the slightest bit!!) 3. Is not *heavily* Christian. I don't want every subject to be centered around religion. I don't talk that way all day long in our "regular life", so it seems artificial to me to do it in all our school subjects. Yes, we are Christians, and maybe it *should* be different, but that goes back to not trying to do what I think we "should" and do what is comfortable for us (me). I will try to improve and integrate more as we go, but for now, just having it as an underlying theme is plenty. We will continue to do RS Math. It is a bit teacher intensive, but I think it is one subject that probably should be at this age at least. For the rest, I am actually considering one of these: * K12 Independent (art, history, science, lit) Has the computer learning factor but also has easily implemented interesting activities offline too (at least from what I could tell from the sample lessons online) * Living Books Curriculum. - I love CM, but need more hand-holding and I do not want to cover 16 subjects in one day, no matter how "short" each lesson can be - this seems to be more realistic based on the sample lessons online *Oak Meadow, because I think it will meets all the criteria and issues above except the computer part, but especially the "not pushing DS too much" part. Opinions? FWIW, I've tried HOD, WP, Sonlight (but may consider just their Science again), Queens LArts, MBTP, R.E.A.L. Science, FIAR and my own pieced together CM curriculum (following SCM, which is GREAT, but just too much for me). So there's not much left! LOL!!

I have the same question as the OP - mine are going to be in 1st and 2nd and would love to know if I can combine successfully. Also, since Cindie replied ;) I'd love to know what you think of OM vs. LBC. I am considering both (along with K12 or ~gasp!~ using something we already have LOL)

I actually find the larger font, funny pictures and changing format are a big deal for ME too. Maybe it's a learning style issue? I get lost on the page when there is not a visual buffet or variety ;) Good to know about the experiments. I think DD will be happy to do Science AT ALL. We bought Winterpromise AW at the beginning of the school year and have done very very little from it. I can't stand reading "snippets" from 3 or 4 books in one "lesson". And while she LOVES animals and they ARE Science, she would be happy just to read stories about animals. I also think what she really wants/needs are experiments or varied topics. OR maybe that's what *I* need :001_smile:

ha ha, well of course as soon as I posted that, I found this thread: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134798 but I'd still love to hear any updates or new opinions :) :)