"It Couldn't Just Happen" Lawrence O. Richards. Be sure to read the positive reviews. Amazon prominently displays the negative ones.

My son has the exact same grip and does not like writing at all. It just seems tedious for him and he does not have a lot of stamina. My question is this- is writing tedious for him because of the incorrect grip? Would correcting it make the physical act of writing easier? That is what I'm struggling with.....figuring out if writing is tedious because of the incorrect grip (and therefore worth the battle to correct it), or would it be tedious for him anyway with a correct grip. I feel bad because I didn't "catch" it until just a month or two ago. He just turned 7.

Which program do you use? I am using Math Mammoth (first grade) but I am finding that whenever a new topic is introduced, it is not explained very well (at least to my satisfaction). As the teacher, I need to be able to explain what we are doing before diving into new math problems. Many times the "instruction" in MM is just a line or two. Sometimes I'm not exactly sure what she is talking about. Is it just me?? I like the content of MM so far but as we move on with math, I need more "instructional" type material if that makes sense; something to supplement and not an entirely new program. Any suggestions?

It does make sense that there would be bias and errors with so many years of history. Even the way our short American history is taught is a bone of contention in the public schools, so I can see that. But then it just makes me want to be all the more careful in choosing a history spine. If they are talking about errors that are objective and could have been caught or corrected in the editing, then that concerns me more. Maybe I'm too picky? I really like the idea of SOTW and I was specifically looking into the audio CDs, but I really just want to trust that what we're learning is factual. And I say we because I will be learning along with them. Part of my concern is I'm not strong enough in history to recognize the errors; and I don't want to learn something incorrectly for my own sake! So I guess I should ask is SOTW on par with other history curricula? Better, worse or all about the same?

I am wondering about SOTW inaccurracies after reading some of the critics on Amazon.com; mainly history buff types who are writing about all the inaccuracies they have found. I was planning on using it next year. I personally would not notice the sort of things they are talking about since I'm no historian. But it does make me think twice. So I'm curious about your experiences... if you have used it, have you noticed anything being inaccurate? I'm not talking about the inclusion of biblical events since I know not everyone will agree about that.

On another forum I read that she has decided to offer the old version of MM on this site only: https://store.kagi.com/cgi-bin/store.cgi?storeID=5KN_live&page=Math_Mammoth_Packages Evidently this was in response to hearing that parents wanted to the option to buy the 'old' version. So now you have a choice.

Thanks! I appreciate all the suggestions! :)

My daughter will be in kindergarten next year and I plan to use Math Mammoth with her by first grade. I'm not sure I want to start with MM 1 in K. Is there a good option out there to lead into Math Mammoth? I kind of winged K with my son and don't want to do that again. I need the structure that a math program provides.

Oh OK, that all makes sense. I was thinking more in terms of the practical application, as in why in the world would I use a shoe when I have a measuring tape?

Am I missing something, or is there some legitimate reason kids are being taught to use "nonstandard" measurements? (Such as using a shoe to measure something). I understand that there are times in life where you may have to use nonstandard measurements, but it seems so common sense that I'm shocked math programs devote instruction time to it. I just don't know what I am missing?

Generally speaking, it just not his thing. Just doesn't like it; is not the least bit excited about it, but accepts it that he has to do it. But there are times we he looks like he is pained to do it. I don't know how else to explain it. He does get headaches from time to time. And I'm looking into getting his vision checked although there are no other signs of vision impairment. He is a bright kid, much stronger in math and science though. The problem is always with pencil and paper type writing never with whiteboards.

My son (6 almost 7) really hates to do anything with writing. I do make him write new words he is learning, plus a sentence or two, and his math problems. That is pretty much it. I don't know if that is considered a lot but it is strenuous for him. Just wondering what other first grade boys are doing.

I came across a website called truthinamericaneducation.com that is very anti-common core. I do not live in a common core state, but I also kept coming across things that were saying "aligned with the common core", so I have been interested in seeing the pros and cons. Anyway, it is one side of the coin and obviously biased against it, but at least according to this site there is starting to be some pushback against it in some states that have adopted it. FWIW.

There is an article today in National Review Online about the Common Core, authored by Michelle Malkin. Evidently it will be the first in a series. She commented about "Everyday Math" and to that end, I have to say it was one of the factors in my decision to homeschool since our district uses it. When I looked at the sample pages of Everyday Math online, I thought to myself "No way".

Wow thanks! I'm looking these up! How is it I've never heard of snap circuits??? Those look awesome.

I am searching for ideas for Christmas gifts that have a lot of longevity and usefulness for both fun and learning. I would love to know what your tried-and-true great finds have been! I homeschool on a tight budget and haven't bought much beyond the very basics, but I figured I could use Christmas gifts to supplement our homeschool. But it can't look like school, it has to be disguised as fun!! My son is 6, not really reading a lot, but loves science and is pretty good at math. Please share if you have found something "really cool"...thanks!

That was awesome, thanks so much, and thanks for all the encouragment!

With the holidays coming up, it was more the artsy, craftsy stuff I was after...and there are some great Thanksgivings ideas as well. I just couldn't help but notice that the writing type assignments seemed so far ahead of what we are doing. It just had me wondering if I am that far behind, or are they just that far ahead, or even just needlessly pushing these kids. And I totally get that some of the postings are "for show"! I guess I had always assumed I was keeping him on track with where the other kids his age are, so I am just feeling like I need to take stock of where we are and what we are doing. And yes, I need to not fall into the comparison trap! But I'm not sure what benchmarks to use...so that it why I got all caught up into checking out those darn blogs:confused:. I'll have to go check out that audiolink when I get time...thanks!

First time posting here. I'm into my second year of homeschooling, and have a first grade boy (plus a preschooler I'm not doing anything with). My problem is not knowing what is normal. My son is bright and has picked up just about everything I've presented to him. I am primarily focusing on math and language arts. I wish I were doing more in other subjects but I'm so worried about overlooking the basics, we are just parked here for the moment. I'm mainly using Math Mammoth, FLL, and Ordinary Parents guide to teaching reading as our spine. I find myself on Pinterest and gravitating to the first grade blogs. When these blogger-teachers post their kids' work, it looks like light-years beyond what we are doing, especially with the writing and range of topics they are covering. I just don't know what to make of this. It makes all these kids look like geniuses compared to my son! So I find myself demoralized and wondering if I'm doing enough. I know I just need to stay off pinterest and stay the course! But I don't want my son behind. Life could change in a moment and I may not always have the luxury to homeschool. But I'm wondering if getting a peek into these classrooms means I need to change things up a bit. I just don't know!