My older sons use Singapore and it works great, but they started it after first grade so I have no experiance with the lower levels. How have all of you liked EB books? I have thought of using Singapore for my youngest next year and supplementing with Right Start since I have heard such great thing, and it looks fun. Could this work? Has anyone done it? Or should I just assemble a math bag and use Singapore? I don't mind spending the money when it comes to math. I always struggled in Math and my boys seem to excel at it, so I'd like to encourage it as much as possible. Ideas please?

Masterpiece Art, has any one else used this and liked it. I have the same problem. I can't even draw a decent stick figure, but my little artist loves drawing, clay and even origami (is that spelled right). I would like to get him art classes, but we are in Mexico, and private tutors are not easily found.

My son (9) was doing the same thing in singapore. I realized he was rushing a bit, plus it is a whole new concept. Math usally comes easy to him, but he was annoyed have having to remember the step. I gooled math worksheets and printed some up. Also I used a chalk board to practice even when he was working on something else, like distances. This kept hime from frogetting it, and now he seems to get it. I guess sometimes Singapore goes through things so quickly that it helps to slow down and do extra practice. Do you have the practice books?

He just told me about three hours ago, so I am sill looking. I hadn't thought about making one, that's a great idea. I found a site that teaches how to use it though. I'll see if we can make one together, or maybe my husband and he can do it for fun, they're the math guys. Thanks.:)

Someone on the board suggested I use WWE with my 9yr old who couldn't write a sentence even though he was an avid reaader. I took their advise and the dictation has been great. He can now write a full sentence, caps, commas, and all. It has only been a few months, and I have seen a great improvement. His writing and spelling have improved as well. Who knew something so simple could work such wonders?

I would welcome any input you have, even for the older children (8,10). I think being exposed to the differnces can be good for them. Imagine my shock the first time I met someone from Spain and couldn't understand why they spoke differently. My mother failed to mention that to me until that day, boy was I confused.:confused:

Has any body used this? http://www.nurtureminds.com/online-store.htm My son saw something about children in Asian countries using an abacus to calculate large numbers and now he really wants me to get him something to learn with. He actually said it was "really cool". Any ideas? I think my husband showed him a youtube news video but I don't have the link.

Ok, I think I have calmed down now:tongue_smilie:. You have a good point, I just want to be sure he is able to learn to read in English when the time comes. That still leaves picking the programs...time for research. Thanks

I am copying a thread I posted in Bilingual ed in hopes that I can get the most advise. I am having a hard time getting my 4yr old to speak English, HELP. I have made it a point to speak English at home since we are in Mexico and he hears Spanish everywhere else. He understands everything I say, but insists on answering in Spanish. Anyone have any ideas on this one? I have taught him some letters in English, numbers 1-20 and the colors, but he won't say a sentence. Thinking of a structured curriculum, but not sure where to start. I didn't have this issue with my older boys, so I am not sure what I should do. Due to his age I stayed away from a preschool curriculum, but as he gets closer to 5 I wonder if a structured approach might help. What did you all do for the preschool years? Danielle

I am having a hard time getting my 4yr old to speak English, HELP. I have made it a point to speak English at home since we are in Mexico and he hears Spanish everywhere else. He understands everything I say, but insists on answering in Spanish. Anyone have any ideas on this one? I have taught him some letters in English, numbers 1-20 and the colors, but he won't say a sentence. Thinking of a structured curriculum, but not sure where to start. I didn't have this issue with my older boys, so I am not sure what I should do. Due to his age I stayed away from a preschool curriculum, but as he gets closer to 5 I wonder if a structured approach might help. What did you all do for the preschool years?

I don't think it is ever 100%. I grew up in the U.S with my mother speaking to us in Spanish and my father in English. Since we went to school in English we preferred it and eventually spoke it better than Spanish. I now live in Mexico and admit my Spanish vocabulary has expanded, yet although I can read I can't write an Essay. Plus it depends on the level, my family has a few lawyers and I can never understand their briefs (Spanish), but often help them when they don't understand the legal papers in English. On a proffessional level I feel better in English, but I often think in Spanish....WEIRD. Also I still have an accent in Spanish, even though it was my first spoken language. Good Luck Danielle

It may be a little late now, but I just ordered books for the next year and got free shipping. I just happen to have the money for books set aside and found that a lot of sites had free shipping for December. Of coarse you have to have a place to store them. The rest of the books I need I will be getting at Amazon and Ebay plus the Library is great, in fact they know my boys by name. Also, I have learned to set aside a little something for school expenses only, $1,$5 a week, it all helps.

My RA9.5, is the same. Although picks things up fast, he can take all day to work though his books. I split up the work as follows Latin MWF Study flash cards each day Singapore Math M-TH review F Hist T/Th Chem (finishing last years) T/Th Gram TTHF Writing TTHF Art (if we get to it) F Spanish T/TH AO Reading daily Also He reads everyday, and I may review trouble areas with him a few minutes on weekends every once and a while. He has responded great to this, and although we don't always get things done, we are not as stressed as before. This year I have even had my children drill each other with flash cards or "study questions", it works for them and they feel like big boys because of it. This kind of study in Latin and Math has also mad speed improve. Good luck:lol: Danielle

I have done this for my children and it has been very helpful. My oldest son gets up very early sometimes, having the chart allows him to look ahead, or even start on the subjects he can do on his own. There have been many times that I come downstairs after dressing my youngest son, and my oldest is already learning his new Latin vocab. Imagine a 9 year old teaching himself Latin. Danielle

Thanks to all of you. I was actually losing sleep over it. It is so hard to watch him struggle when most things come so easily to hime. I was begining to think I had missed a step along the way. I've done the copywork, and plan to invest in Writing Without Fear. WTM has been great, and reading it made me wish my parents had found it when I was a child. I'll let you all know haow it woks out. Thanks again. :D Danielle

Hi, My name is Danielle and I am new to this board. I am the mother of three boys 3,8,9. Background: My boys were in a Christian school using ACE, I felt it was lacking and we are now HSing in Mexico. Now the trouble is my 9 yr old who loves to read and be read to hates to write. He still can't or won't form a complete sentence. He speaks well and uses complete sentences, but when I ask him to write what he has said it ends up being fragments. Shouldn't this be easier for someone who enjoys reading? What has worked for all of you? D

Exactly what I have been doing. Let me know if you find anything worth looking at.

I have a question. I live in Mexico and homeschool in English. Although my children are bilingual I think we need to begin some formal study of Spanish (reading, writing, etc). My boys are 7 and 9, what worked for you when your children were smaller? Danielle

Do you speak/read spanish. I live in Mexico and needed to help my children with their spanish. I found a book that teaches reading for about $12, but you need to know how to pronounce the words to teach it. It's called Juguemos a Leer, and comes with a teacher book, student book and tests. There is also Mi Libro Magico (purple) under $20, but that has a big focus on writing as well. These are both books used in private schools here, and they helped me a lot. Danielle