I've skimmed this thread, but I'll be reading more in detail for ideas later. My dd9 will be a 4th grader next year, and like a lot of other posters, I can't believe it! Here's where I am in planning. Grammar: R&S English 4 Writing: WWE 4 Spelling: Probably R&S 4&5 History: Not certain. Considering going back to SOTW 1 because we attempted once in 1st grade and never really utilized the activity guide or finished. (This year we're doing American history, so I kind of like the idea of going back and doing a world focus). I keep getting distracted by other ideas, especially when I go to Memoria Press' website... Literature: This will end up corresponding to whatever history I choose... Math: RightStart D and continuing LOF Elementary Science: Probably RS4K Biology and a Biology Lapbook. (I already have both). Also doing Nature Study. Geography: BF Geography; this looks like a lot of fun! Latin: Latina Christiana 1 Handwriting: I've just started on cursive, so we'll continue on using HWOT. Enrichment: Ballet and violin lessons. AHG I'll probably let her audition and participate in the local theatre again (depending on our ability to fit it in, but she really loves it). We belong to a co-op, so there will be outside classes for fun.

Have you looked at Spelling Workout? Susan Wise Bauer recommends them in TWTM. http://cathyduffyreviews.com/spelling-vocabulary/spelling-workout.htm

:lurk5:

Here's what I have so far... Grammar - Rod & Staff 8 Writing - Combination of Analytical Grammar's "Essay" and WWS Vocabulary - Vocabulary from Classical Roots, Book A Math - Algebra 2, using LOF and AOPS at home. Math Counts team at Co-op. Science - Classical Astronomy (I'm also adding in nature studies for all of my kids this year) at home. Lego Robotics at Co-op. History/Literature - We follow TWTM and this year is "Early Modern" in our study. My plan is to take us through the Civil War. Logic - Art of Argument at home and Public Forum (Debate) at Co-op Latin - Not certain what we're using. He completed Memoria Press' First Form, but it's been a couple of years. May review and then move to Second Form? Art - Painting class at Co-op Music - Cello/Orchestra lessons He'll also have 3 hours of ballet and tap each week, Boy Scouts, and youth activities (Acolyte duties, etc) at church.

I watched a video on the store website ( true sign of a homeschool mom...binder videos, LOL ). Do all of the Better Binders come with the removable file ring? That's the part that looks neat to me. It'd be so easy to unclip the year's school work, file it, and add another file ring.

I picked up the guide from one of our used homeschool book stores, and I'm planning to use it in the fall with my ds13 (rising 8th grader). I've never used any of their guides before, and I haven't looked through it completely, but I'm hopeful!

Chelli, I didn't realize it was only a semester long. Did you just end up spending two weeks on a topic, instead of one? I really think dd would enjoy it, because she enjoys the story aspect of LOF. As far as science experiments/crafts...I guess I'm one of those moms that could take them or leave them! I guess if we needed to, we could add in some experiments. Since you say it's a semester's worth, I guess I could do zoology and anatomy next year. But I would like some ideas about stretching it out just in case we go that route. (BTW, totally off-topic, but what geography are you using?)

The typos would bother me, too. Hopefully they got that taken care of! I would be bothered about the central story line, also. I'm wondering if it just keeps going with the next book in the series... Thanks for sharing your experience. If I got it, I'd definitely add on the log book, but still...I'd like to hear from someone that used it that way, and find out if that helped it out at all.

I'm considering using "Sassafras Zoology" (from the makers of Elemental Science) in the fall with a third grader. Has anyone used this or considered using it? I'm just wanting some feedback on whether or not you and your child enjoyed the program, whether or not you felt as if they learned from it, etc. I'm intrigued by the story format, especially since dd really enjoys "Life of Fred." Here is a link: http://www.sassafrasscience.com/volume1.html

I'm from the south, but I don't have the stereotypical southern twang. Still, log, hog, cog, fog, and jog rhyme when I speak. I pronounce them all with an "ah" sound, much like the initial "o" in octopus. However, when I pronounce dog, the vowel sound is more "aw". So, for me, dog does not really rhyme with the rest of the list. I know some people from the south actually pronounce the other words, particularly hog, with that some "aw" vowel sound, but I don't.

Such sad news. My heart goes out to her son and husband. She will certainly be missed around here.

Okay, I just put Liberty's Kids and Carmen Sandiego in my cart...thanks!

3rd grade (if my memory is correct!)

I had heard of this at some point...and then forgot! Thanks for reminding me! I think this would be fun for dd8.

Thank you.

I just pinned that recipe, so thanks for sharing. However, I agree...I'd probably just rather go there!

We have three in our town (2 free-standing and 1 in the mall). The one I frequent is excellent, and I'm sure the others are great, too. The ladies are always helpful and the service is always fast. Even when they are packed, they use the same system the OP mentioned for the drive-through. They will station employees outside so they can take multiple orders at a time, collect money faster, etc. It's such a time-saver! They also have a partnership with a local university, where on a certain night each week college students make themselves available to offer tutoring for free. It's an ongoing partnership, and I think many of the students are education majors. It's such a neat thing! You can sit and eat while your child gets free assistance with their school work...brilliant!

Wow! I can't imagine how long it took to shoot and edit that! He's definitely talented!

This is such shocking news, and so incredibly sad. I would always notice her avatar and thought of her as one of the "main" hivers. I would definitely always notice her postings; I think the only reason I hadn't noticed the drop off in her posts is how much less time I've been "on" this year. However, I always enjoyed reading what she wrote; she definitely has a style, or a "voice" that I can "hear" when I read. If there is a contact list generated to send cards, please add me to it.

I didn't defrost anything, so I have no idea...and it's already 5 o'clock. Dh won't be home until about 8, so we usually wait and eat with him. However, dd17 just made me a pimento cheese sandwich, and I'm wondering if I should just say it was my dinner and let everyone fend for themselves...or better yet, just have dh pick up something on the way home...

Thanks for sharing this. I've been needing something to flesh out a Spanish class that dd17 has been taking at our local homeschool store. This sounds intriguing...and I like "free." :)

Glad you're back. So sorry about the turtle...I was really hoping it was hibernation!

My earliest memories are from around the ages of 2-3. I remember hiding behind the couch when I was probably 2ish and sneakily eating chocolate. I remember my mom was vacuuming and that she stopped for a moment to ask me what I was doing back there. I said "playing" and she resumed vacuuming. I always thought I got one over on her, although in retrospect she must have known, and either ( a ) thought it was cute and or funny, or ( b ) was simply relieved that I was out of her hair for a moment. Hmm, either way, there began my love affair with chocolate, LOL.

Really cool! Sounds like an interesting blog, too!

I agree. I remember watching Oprah years ago, and she was talking about her rise to fame. I will always remember how she said she doesn't believe in luck. She said she believed that luck was instead a combination of "preparation meets opportunity". I guess there could be that random thing that just strikes out of the blue, but for the most part, I believe we create our "luck."