We used Artistic Pursuits once a week or so, and once in awhile we listened to one of the Beethoven's Wig CD's or one of the Classical Kids CD's....usually in the car on the way to a field trip.

I don't use Spelling Power anymore, but when we did the box of cards was the one thing the kids liked about it!

I will be 51. Wow, I never really thought about that!

I don't think you're crazy. My 11 yo does Latin, but I hardly think it's necessary and I don't do grammar- I count the Latin as our grammar. No vocab/spelling either. I wouldn't hesitate to skip history for a year or more either, or just have them pick library books that interest them, if you did want to do something. That's what we basically do for science right now, and I plan to continue that way until at least 9th grade. Figure there is time enough for formality later on!

TWTM recommends OPGTR (which I've used successfully with three kids so far) and BOB books (which two of mine loved and the third couldn't stand). There are other recommendations too, like reading aloud a ton, and different little ways to teach letters and their sounds...it would definitely be worth getting from the library to read for yourself.

We have used Lively Latin for a few years now. My kids are 11 and 9. They both started when they were in 3rd. I like it, they like it. It incorporates a lot of history, which is nice, and it goes into a lot of grammar, both Latin and English. It's pretty time intensive I think, if you wanted to finish a level in one year, but we are going through very slowly- at the rate of 2-3 years per level! But that's okay by me. The lessons can all be printed online, which is great, answers are online, we go to the website to listen to the vocab and the kids like to play the online games that are included in each lesson. All in all I like it, and will continue to use it!

The only one we read was Pedro's Journal, and only my 10 yo really liked it. The 8 and 6 yos thought it a bit dull in most parts.

We're in process of becoming more relaxed. We're using: Phonics-OPGTR, only with the 6 yo and only twice a week for 5-10 minutes. Writing-Following Bravewriter Lifestyle suggestions Math-We use RightStart, 3 different levels b/c there's 3 kids. This takes the most of our time. Grammar, Spelling, etc. We don't use anything for these. Sometimes my 6 yo will do a page or two from SWO. Other than that, I just point out errors. History/Science. We have one book at a time we read aloud from and narrate Charlotte Mason style. And the kids each read a biography, two chapters per week. They also choose a science book to read on their own. I might have forgotten something, but for now that's our bare minimum. We usually try to do a little poetry and nature study too. And I'm always evolving things;)

Ours is in my sig. I didn't see this thread and posted in another one too. It's our first ever weekly report on the blog! I look forward to reading others.

Ours is here. Our first time doing this!

Well my gut reaction is- why on earth is staying home with your child not the "real world"? Is the office really the "real world"? I imagine such a question coming from someone who doesn't feel completely comfortable with being a working mother and so wants to reassure herself at someone else's expense.

Maybe the $10 was a glitch? I looked all over for Duplos for dd and all the sets are very expensive. The cheapest ones I was finding at the time were $20 and they didn't have anywhere near 80 blocks.

Ugh. My cat got into my yarn bin a few months ago and peed all over that. I feel your pain:)

I made a scarf and a hat for ds. I tried stepping up from the beginner knitting patterns but failed miserably :glare:. So I made a super easy set. And I started a scarf for myself. I've been trying to teach myself to use the sewing machine but I still need dh to help me thread the machine so I get stuck if he isn't here!

I have one up here . Just a couple of those little toy setups I find all over the house! They always make me smile:001_smile:

I aim for once a week, but sadly it frequently gets skipped. The older levels, 4-6 are designed to be used twice a week, which is the way we started out, but then it got to be too much. I don't add anything, except history projects that frequently are art as well.

I try to let them choose what to do whenever possible rather than just assigning things. Like, I have a shelf of "suitable" books and they choose from that which one to read for lit, science, and history. When it comes time for a writing assignment I let them choose a topic from something they have read in the past week, school related or not. Things like that. Also, I am considering using Friday as a somewhat structured unschooling type day where everyone can work on projects of interest.

I can't stand weekend games at all. Even Saturday morning games I am not thrilled about, but Sunday are the worst. We've not signed up for some things because of it.

Thanks for this post. My other kids all loved this book but I have yet to read it to my three year old. Gotta dig it out of wherever it's hiding.

Four might be a bit young for these...but my six year olds current faves are Strawberry Girl and Ginger Pye.

I would definitely loosen up on anything formal. Learning doesn't have to be formal, especially at that age. If I felt like I had to be doing something with a five year old, I would play math games (dino math tracks, junior monopoly etc.), practice writing in cornmeal or flour as suggested, get a book of easy science experiments from the library, do little nature walks outside, and read tons of books. All that stuff is educational, and he will probably learn more from it than the "table stuff" at this age.

They are pricey, but the LL Bean sneaker work really well for my boys. I have been able to pass down every pair the older has had to his younger brother. The cheaper brands always have to trashed when outgrown-if they even make it that far!

That sounds just awesome. We have six acres, and I often wish for more. Good luck with the offer.

My seven year old has a bit of the klutz to him too. His brother is 9 and is still somewhat the same way...but he is growing out of it. There is definitely hope!

Sunday- stacked wood for half an hour. It was hard, so I count it ;) Monday- 30 min. on bike