I just happened to get a used copy of Sonlight's Core F/5 and I am a complete newbie to using Sonlight. I am terrible at following schedules. Tried to follow Winter Promise's schedule years ago and failed. We just ended up reading the books in the order that we wanted. Anyway, just wondering has anyone used Sonlight in a less scheduled manner. Just read through the books, do some of the discussion questions, etc without worrying what is on the schedule for the week. I guess in Core F/5 it would make more sense to go in some kind of order at least by country, but other than that, I was seriously thinking of ignoring the actual schedule and just reading through the books by country. Thought we might add in some other world geography, we have a couple of other resources like Trail Guide and a text that we could add in as we are going through each country. It feels like a waste to not use the schedule, but just wondering if others feel like their kids learned a lot even if they did not follow everything to a T.

Just another update. I tried out Scholaric to see what I was doing wrong and finally figured out I was entering the information backwards for the course information. I have that all figured out, however, I wish there was a way to plan assignments without having to flip through the calendar function. I like the way in Skedtrack you can just type things in a list and then it automatically schedules and puts everything on the calendar. I briefly logged onto Well Planned Day again, but to me it seems nonintuitive. It is just too confusing and I cannot even imagine using it with more than one child. I think it is trying to be everything, but missing the mark on some basic things and they should really simplify things. I hate when it takes me forever to figure out how to do a simple thing like add a course, plan a lesson, etc. I think for one week I am going to use Simply Charlotte Mason, Skedtrac, and Scholaric and see how they function in my day to day operations.

Thanks for all the info. So far I have tried Skedtrack and it seems pretty simple, just wish it had a few more options. Scholaric I briefly tried last night but it may be a little bare bones for me, also could not figure out how to add more than one workbook. I was trying to add separate workbooks for prealgebra, but whenever I tried to put in more than one item for prealgebra it would not show up. I am probably just doing something wrong. I need to work with it a little more to see how it works. I have been trying the Simply Charlotte Mason organizer and I love it for the fact that it has books that you can look up and assign and it seems pretty simple to use, but I really want something that has a calendar function where you can see a month at a time. I don't think it has that option, not sure if it ever will and it is pricey at $99 a year! I just wish it did that one function, then I would be fine with it. I reloaded HST+ on my computer last night (have a new computer so had to reinstall it) and started playing around with it. It has been a good 6 months since I have used it last. It is so difficult to use. I can somewhat get used to its nuances, but it starts to drive me crazy after a while. It is like buying a spaceship to drive to work instead of a car. Yeah it has a lot of features, but in the mean time I won't know what half or more of its functions are. Really, in a software planner, I just need a really nice car. On to Well Planned Day planner, well I decided last night just to try it out. They have a discount right now that brings it down to $40, but really after logging in I cannot help but think it should be free! Already when I was setting up our school year, I got some kind of error and was basically kicked out. Looked like some kind of programming problem. Also, it looked like there was no option for setting up a 2013 schoolyear, but I need to look at it again to verify. Are they all taken naps over there or did they take all of our money and take a nice vacation on an island somewhere? I think they spent more time making the website look pretty for the marketing of the planner than they did the actual product. That is really bad customer service. We have all seen marketing pictures that make things better than they seem, but this one takes the cake. So, at this point I don't even know what the functions are of the well planned day planner or maybe it should be called the worst unplanned day in the history of planners. I will probably be asking for a refund. So, now I have to decide between Simply Charlotte Mason, Skedtrac, and Scholaric, unless of course I suddenly become a genius and figure out how to properly use HST+!!!!!

I am trying to decide what planning software I want to use for this next year. I have HST+ already, it can be cumbersome, but doable. Just wondering if I am missing anything with the new Well Planned Day software. Have all the problems been worked out or is it even useful at this point? I have also been trying out Skedtrack and it seems pretty simple, although I wish it had a few more functions. I cannot figure out what the resources tab is for, can someone explain that. If you put a book in that tab does it link to anything else or can you schedule it? I only have one student's lessons to enter, so I don't need a lot of functions in a planner. I mainly want to be able to see a monthly calendar with assignments that are easy to automatically schedule, move around assignments if needed, print reports so I have an assignment sheet for my child, and possibly put in literature we are reading and assign chapters on certain days.

My dd has had severe allergies to food dyes since she was 5. She once had completely swollen eyes and her mouth started to swell. Anyway, because of the severity of her reactions to dyes, I never feel bad about telling someone she cannot have something. Actually, she is old enough to speak up for herself now. It really has never been a problem for us. Even in situations where there could be items offered like at a birthday party, she just says no thanks and that is it. I don't even worry about bringing alternatives for her to eat, because she is not much of a sweets eater anyway. I cannot think of a single situation where someone was offended by her not eating something. My child's health and life is at stake, so that is the most important thing. In the case of someone putting icing on something that can be removed, I would probably just remove it and let the kid eat it if they wanted it. It depends on how much is on there, but then I would have to be sure the cake/brownie, etc did not have any dye as well. It is amazing how many products have dyes, even things that you would not think like vanilla pudding, biscuits, marshmallows, cake mixes. I have certain brands and items that I buy as staples that are dye free, but sometimes the ingredients change so I always check.

Prices are definitely out of control, curriculum is just the tip of the iceberg, look at the cost of college tuition! There will always be someone that has the money to spend so as long as there are consumers that will pay a certain price, things will be put up for sale for that price. The prices on curriculum sometimes bothers me. I don't mind the higher cost of an all in one curriculum, you are paying for everything already done. I don't like when one particular component/subject is $100+, when you still have to buy other items to complete all the subjects. A good example is writing curriculum. You can find writing curriculum at all different prices, but quite a few are at the higher end. Especially, if that item is only used for one year, that is just too much for me. I have been avoiding anything with higher price tags lately. I only have one that I am homeschooling right now so I don't get the benefit of reusing things, I am not working since I am homeschooling so don't have a never ending supply of money, and it is incredibly difficult to sell things now so I cannot justify the cost by saying I will just resell it. So I have had to become a serious bargain shopper. That being said, I do appreciate that there is a lot of really great curriculum that often gets overlooked that is either free or pretty darn cheap. I am always amazed at the cheap and interesting curriculum I can find on Rainbow Resource. Ebooks are another thing that bothers me lately. I would really like to start using more ebooks just to make things easier and if I print something at home I can do it pretty cheaply on a nice duplex laser printer. A lot of curriculum is not offered in the ebook format at all. Others are offered as ebook, but tend to be pricey. I noticed the other day one ebook I was looking at was only $2 cheaper than the regular print format. That did not really make much sense to me. I am probably just getting pickier and more frugal in my old age, but I definitely think twice or more times before I buy the shiny new next thing you just got to have it curriculum at my local homeschool convention. I used to really get excited about that stuff, but now I don't mind walking away.

Yes, that is the series. That looks like the teacher's text. You can also see some samples on Rainbow Resource: Discovering Geometry at RR Here is also some info on the main website: http://www.michaelse...line-resources/ I know that Key Curriculum Press used to publish it, but not sure if they quit publishing it. I am not sure what edition I have, have to go and check later. I found a copy of both the geometry and algebra text at half price books so if you cannot find on Amazon try local used book stores. I also found other resources that go with the set which you can see on Amazon, just extra teacher resources, not sure how useful they will be, but I found them for super cheap from a homeschooling store going out of business. Also, found this free parent/tutor guide to accompany Discovering Geometry: http://archive.org/details/DiscoveringGeometryTextBookWithParentsGuideTests I looked through the materials I have and I have the student text 3rd edition. The extra resources I have include: -Solutions Manual - gives answers with explanations -Practice Your Skills Student Workbook - extra lessons in a black and white workbook format that correspond to the chapters and sections in the chapters -Discovering Geometry with the Geometer's Sketchpad - this has a CD with it for the sketchpad software and it has lessons that correspond with each chapter -Demonstrations with the Geometer's Sketchpad - also has a CD of the software, but only 28 pages of lessons, looks like it is just a demo version -Texas Implementation Guide - just a scope and sequence that goes along with assessment exams required in public schools in Texas -Condensed Lessons for Makeup work - just a summary of the info presented in the text, not as many visuals, mostly definitions, a few examples, no problems

My dd sounds just like your son. My dd is highly visual spatial. She used to tell me that each number had a different color that she could see in her head. Anyway, she hated the idea of a video or computer based math program, so I had to really research everything to find something that would work. When she was learning decimals, fractions, and percents we did a combination of Life of Fred and Key to math books. For prealgebra, we are mainly using the Key to Algebra books. They are more geared towards prealgebra because they are a little lighter than other algebra programs, but also introduce some beginning algebra topics as well. I own the Chalkdust basic math and prealgebra books and it is not a bad route for a visual spatial, the text is not super exciting, but at the same time it gets to the point quickly as opposed to something like Jacobs that takes a more nontraditional route to reach an explanation. The only issue I had with Chalkdust math is that my dd would have to write out a lot of problems on a separate piece of paper. She might be better at copying problems in a year or so, but as of right now, I am holding off on her doing so much writing for math. A couple of other programs I own that are a little different in presentation: Algebra A Fresh Approach, very simple explanations, can actually write in the book (although not a lot of space for working out problem). They also have a geometry text and an algebra II text. Discovering Geometry and Discovering Algebra by the same company that makes the Key to books are . I am not sure how complete the algebra program is, have not looked at it much, but I like the visual nature of the geometry text, it is interesting without being overwhelming like Jacobs or Art of Problem Solving.

I probably spent a little more than necessary, around $250 per child. Really, I spent the most on the younger one because she needed a tricycle and helmet. My oldest was happy with everything she got and I mostly spent money on movies for her and some music downloads. There were years where I definitely spent more on her, depends on if buying a bike, game system, etc. This year, to save a bit we cut down on stocking stuffers and my dh and I decided not to exchange gifts. I also did not buy any additional holiday decor, gift bags, etc or anything too expensive for baking. We just made cookies and decorated them with all the sprinkles and decor we already had. I have to say keeping it simple this year made it a lot easier on me, less stress.

I would consider giving daily assignments. I know that for my dd, with a weekly assignment or just the general idea to read certain books each semester it never works. She basically waits until the last possible minute to do all of her work. Starting in January I am changing things up, I am going to make up assignment sheets for each week and even broken down to the day on which chapters to read, etc. I like the idea of EIL, but it seems like it could be hard for some students to keep with the schedule in the guide that is not very concrete. Also, if you break down the chapters to one or two per day, then maybe even if she is more of a slower reader it will seem more doable. Also, maybe cut back on some of the assignments if necessary or choose one day a week to do the majority of the writing so that does not interfere with the reading process.

I have not had a chance to read this entire thread yet, but I would give Minecraft a big thumbs down. My dd loves all kinds of video games and became hugely addicted to it so I had to put an end to it. Another thing I discovered is that there are very strange and definitely not appropriate for kids videos on Youtube related to Minecraft. Believe me you don't want to watch them nor your kids either. Anyway, once I discovered about the addictive nature of the game and the weird videos I had to put an end to it. Strangely enough my dd's cousin is allowed to play it and he is seriously addicted. One time he came over to our house so the kids could hang out and he never wanted to do anything but talk about Minecraft or play Minecraft, etc. It was really sad to see because the kid is really smart and nice.

Maybe you could do Discovering Algebra by the same company that makes the Key to books. I don't know how far it goes in topics though. They also have the Discovering Geometry series as well. Another option if you really want a paper and pencil method. Algebra A Fresh Approach (this is a full series that goes from Algebra 1, to Algebra 2, and geometry). Lots of explanations in the books, no computer needed. Here is the link: http://www.aplusses.com/zencart/textbooks-c-1.html You can also buy it at Rainbow Resource.

I am an INFP. Previous jobs I have had like working in computers or clerical work were not a good fit, too boring. I think typically INFPs are counselors, psychiatrists, alternative medicine practitioners, writers, etc. I have chosen a completely different career path, right now training to work in a hospital laboratory as a clinical laboratory scientist. I have always wanted to do something in science, medicine, or possibly teach as a professor. Most likely most people that go into lab work are not an INFP, but I am going to try to make it work. I will probably try to specialize in an area of the lab that fits my personality better, either microbiology or immunology. I know I have seen Myers Briggs matching for medical physicians where they usually are shown to choose things like psychiatry, allergy/immunology, or cardiology. My dh is: ESTJ (exact opposite of me) and he works in network security. I think he picked the perfect job and if he would not have gone into the computer field he would have chosen, firefighter, police officer, FBI agent, Navy Seal, etc. It will be interesting to see what my older dd picks for a career, I am not exactly sure what she is, but maybe an ENTP.

I seriously need suggestions for what to focus on with my dd this year for 8th grade. I am pretty much panicking at this point. I had picked out everything for this year, but then I realized that with my crazy school schedule (and it is beyond insane, luckily only a 1 yr program though) there is no way everything will get done. I am not sure if I even picked out the right stuff for the situation I am now in. My dh can help a little, but not much more than me because he works a lot and is pretty tired in the evenings. I am hoping to cut back to what is absolutely necessary to get my dd ready for high school and choose things that she can either do completely on her own or with short sessions with me or dad. For math, we are using a combination of MUS and Key to Algebra (reviewing prealgebra topics before next year) and those feel like they will work. So I don't need to change that. Language arts, I have no clue what would be the easiest thing to do. I originally was going to use something form IEW, but now not sure if I have the time to figure it all out. Grammar, not sure either, I bought a couple of different things to try out (one being Killgallon's), but I think those might require too much input from me, not sure what to use that would get to the point quickly and that dd could learn on her own maybe. For literature, I thought I would just have dd read a stack of books that we pick out. Originally was going to do LLFLOTR, but can wait on that until 9th grade. I am not sure if I should even worry about vocabulary or word roots this year. Science I am not sure either. I have some of the Holt science textbooks for middle school so I could just have dd read those, but that feels like it might get really boring. I am not sure what would be more independent for science either though. For history I was originally going to use Trisms, but I think we are just going to read some historical fiction from the booklists in Trisms and that might have to be it. I have thought about signing up for something like K12 or some other program that is geared more directly to the student, but at the same time not sure if it is worth it to spend more money when I already have things sitting on my shelf. I also have Latin curriculum and geography curriculum, but obviously that is going to the bottom of the list. So, if someone was in the same situation, what would you drop, what curriculum would you use, how would you structure things so everything is more independent?

Hints have never worked around here, however, one time my dh was listening to me complain about wanting something and he surprised me with it for Xmas, kind of shocked me that he even paid attention much less took action to get it. Lately, I have just been buying my own gifts, never have to return anything! A few days before my Bday I just tell dh, I already bought something for my gift, I am sure he is completely relieved. Of course he still gets me cards, flowers, etc, but at least he does not have to shop for some random thing.

DD will be 15 in 9th grade. We decided to do a gap year this year so she could develop better study skills and catch up in math a little.

I have an 8th grader so not exactly sure what direction she will head (I am sure it will change many times over the next few years), but she has a talent for art so it will probably be something related to that...graphic design, game design, jewelry design, maybe writing or web design. She also has a love for animals so I could see her doing something in that direction. In fact I mentioned to her one day that maybe we should start a pet sitting service and she was really excited about it. One thing is for certain, my dd would prefer to avoid going to college (or least the typical 4 year college) if at all possible. I can see her training at a technical school, community college, or maybe online. She also has an entrepreneurial attitude so I could see her going into something where she has her own business.

Just updating - I already gave out the coupon code I had.

I am not sure how they were intended to be used, but I have the Life and Earth texts and it appears to me that the Life Science text is maybe for a little younger. It seems more simpler in its presentation. I would probably suggest Life Science in 6th grade, Earth Science in 7th grade, and Physical Science in 8th grade. Really you can do them in any order though. My reasoning for choosing the order of life, earth, and physical science is that my dd will probably start high school with biology, followed by chemistry, and then one additional science. I would not put life science in 8th grade right before doing it again in high school. So, it depends on what your overall goals/plans are.

Math: We are currently reviewing fraction and decimal topics with Math U See, so not sure if we will then move into MUS Prealgebra or use something else. Might consider using Jacobs Elementary Algebra at a slower pace. History: TRISMS History Masterminds Geography: Trail Guide to World Geography Writing: IEW and Igniting Your Writing Grammar: Giggly Guide to Grammar. I also have Killgallon's Grammar for Middle School, might include that later in the year. Literature: Reading the Hobbit using a TLP guide and then for others we will just read more informally. DD already got a head start and read the Call of the Wild and White Fang this summer. Spelling/Vocabulary: Finishing up Soaring with Spelling and Vocabulary. May also include some word roots studies, not sure yet. Science: I am trying to do an overview of Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science before 9th grade, so we will just skim over topics, not as many experiments. I have a couple of Holt textbooks and we might include some other activity guides. We also will be going through the Story of Science series. Other Things I am still researching, but thinking of including: Philosophy For Kids, Harmony Fine Arts, Latin Alive, Moving Beyond the Page, and unit studies in health/nutrition/fitness.

Language Arts/Literature, especially for the high school level which we are coming up to soon. I have not done near enough research yet to figure out what we should be doing for that. We are trying IEW this year, so if we end up liking that at least writing will be decided. Science has not been too much trouble until high school. Now I have to figure out what text is the best for my dd and what kind of experiments we are going to do. Need to buy a microscope and other things, too many things to think about! I am somewhat picky in choosing math and history, but I seem to always find something that will work for those areas. I am hoping electives won't be too hard to choose since my dd is interested in a career in art. Candid, I agree with you on the whole write, but not editing thing. We have the same problem. My dd tends to want to write something correctly the first time rather than do rough drafts and on top of that my schedule is so tight right now that the small amount of time I have to go over assignments with her we end up focusing on other things.

Just want to add that you may want to give Math U See a try. I thought I would never use it because I always loved Rightstart more, but then after completing the Key to books and my dd not remembering much from those books I decided we need to take a different approach for her 8th grade year. So, we just started MUS Epsilon for review and will probably move quickly through it. Then we will go into Zeta and move at a fairly fast pace as well since fractions and decimals are all topics that we have covered before. We will spend the rest of the 8th grade year covering MUS Prealgebra. So far we are liking the way MUS is presented and the amount of problems provided. I chose MUS because I wanted to present a different more hands on visual way of looking at math before we get to Algebra. Once we get to the Algebra level we may go with something else, not sure yet.

I am currently enrolled in a class at my local community college this semester (I am a complete old geezer in there) and in the class (it is a govt class) there is a high school student doing dual enrollment. It is a short summer class so she is probably just getting it out of the way before 12th grade.

I have started bookmarking high school related websites recently and am all ears for anymore recommendations. There is also Debra Bell which has lots of info on high school years and classes. I also like this one for the list of online schools: http://www.home-school-curriculum-advisor.com/online-home-school-curriculum.html and this one as well http://www.onlineschools.com/ I also really like High School at Home by Diana Johnson.

How about any of these: Wordsmith Inspire Motivating Lessons for Teen Writers Igniting Your Writing (there are 2 volumes) Also, IEW has two new programs based on either Narnia or Rockets, Radar, and Robotics. Applied Grammar (contains both grammar and writing) One Year Adventure Novel or there is this http://www.nanowrimo.org/ This one also looks interesting: http://www.createbetterwriters.com/The_Complete_Writing_Pro.html http://www.writeguide.com/ http://www.thewritefoundation.org/ http://www.rdlco.com/ (have grammar and writing programs) http://www.writeathome.com/ http://www.writeshop.com/ Amsco's Writer's Studio http://amscopub.com/free_downloads/samples.html