Dd used ACE biology but didn't use the dvd. I wasn't overly impressed and I don't think she retained much from it but it got the job done. Definitely not overwhelming. We ended up finishing the paces sooner than I was expecting so I bought the biology 101 dvd to watch and take notes. http://www.the101series.com/bio/index.html I have another dd who will be doing biology soon and I am looking at apologia's biology with their dvd. http://www.apologia.com/biology/416-biology-video-instruction-dvd.html

What did you end up using afterwards? TIA!

I'm looking for reviews of BJU world history. We would not be using dvds or distance learning. Also, I have been reading old posts about BJU and someone mentioned they found BJU cultural geography to be a "fact cram". Could BJU world history described the same way?

I've heard so many great things about Mrs Vick over the years but unfortunately we're not in an area where we can get BJU's DLO :sad:

Thanks ... that's very helpful! I plan on buying the TM but I was wondering if I need to schedule in a sort of teaching session each day where I "teach" from the TM and then assign independent work or whether I would just use the TM for grading (I know your situation is different since you use DL).

Is it possible to do this without the dvd or distance learning option? We would have the investigations lab dvd. Would I need to teach from the TM or is most of the information in the student pages? I'm looking at the third edition since the lab dvd hasn't been updated to match the fourth edition.

Thankyou! I will also repost on the middle school board.

Is it possible to do this without the dvd or distance learning option? We would have the investigations lab dvd. Would I need to teach from the TM or is most of the information in the student pages? I'm looking at the third edition since the lab dvd hasn't been updated to match the fourth edition.

Thankyou for all these ideas! I will look up some dice and card games and some of the paper and pencil games. re "Do you need to keep them quiet as well as occupied?" .... I haven't been told to keep them occupied but from experience some of them need to be occupied to be quiet. :lol: Ideally they would bring something to do but floor space is at a premium so even paper and pencils on the floor would get in the way. And good point about the electronics too....

I've volunteered to supervise children (5-11 yo) backstage for their show. I need lots of ideas to keep the children quiet (ish) and to prevent them from running around wildly before or after their turn on stage. To keep it easier I am thinking things that don't require materials (eg. paper, pencils) but more things like riddles, thumb wrestling etc. Any ideas??

I found this surprising too.

Yes ... just adopting a casual or chatty tone doesn't actually make the content anymore memorable.

:iagree: plus I developed an aversion to unexpectedly coming across the word "twaddle" more than once a day (which obviously rules any visits to the AO forum)

Yep ... I tried to see a sample of TOG a few years ago and I think I had to download something first to open it ... you know a curriculum isn't for you when you can't even work out how to view the sample :001_huh:

I'm attracted to Abeka because of its glossy pages and lovely photos. I find Sonya Schaffer reassuring and I like the moms on the Simply Charlotte Mason forum so I lurk there even though we've tried SCM twice and we're not really CM homeschoolers ... I get a lot of satisfaction throwing away CLE light units when they are done. (edited to add: I like the light units but it's nice to be finished something and to be able to throw it out as frequently as you can with CLE). I end up disliking anything I've bought as an ebook even though I try and convince myself at the point of purchase that I should get the digital version because it's cheaper and we can start to use it straight away.

:grouphug: :grouphug:

I'm just wondering about the individual subject textbook kits ... not the DL (dvds or online) or the whole grade kits. Thanks :001_smile:

Thankyou!

Refined my searching and found out that it was Momee but I can't find the original thread .... shame, because it was very long and informative ... http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/507160-if-tog-doesnt-work-for-you-anymore-what-do-you-use/

and then posted about having the time to bake bread (or similar)? It seems a while ago now. I remember that thread title piqued my interest in sonlight and now I'm curious whether she continued to use it or not .....

Thanks ... great review!

I need to start researching 9th grade history, literature and bible (edited to add: I've found something for bible). I'm interested in world history/geography. I don't mind if these three subject are combined or not. I want a clear schedule (preferably daily plans) and lots of help for the teacher (ie. answers). We are finishing up CLE grade 8's bible and reading. Reading will be completed during the summer. For history I've been assigning books and written narrations. I haven't been very good at choosing books, keeping on schedule or pre reading the books. I'm on a budget but I'm prepared to spend if it's worthwhile. Any recommendations?

bumping .... :001_smile:

Any reviews of Sharon Watson's Power in your Hands? What did you like or dislike about it ... I'm even interested from hearing from people who researched it but rejected it. Is it divided into daily lessons with clear instructions? I'm looking for something that guides both of us through each step of the writing process. TIA!

DD15 has a semi formal occasion coming up in summer and needs a dress. She is an average size on top but has unfortunately inherited my very fatty and large upper arms and would like to keep them covered. I can sympathise ... I have never worn a sleeveless dress : ( Most formal dresses that are I have seen that are youthful in style are also sleeveless. I'm leaning towards getting one of those dresses and pairing it with a little short sleeve jacket. Whatever jacket she wears would have to be very light weight as it will be hot. A crocheted shawl would be enough coverage but maybe a pain to wear for the whole evening. What style would suit her? I would really appreciate some advice .... links to photos would be great. TIA!