Hi everyone, I haven't posted here in awhile, but now I really need some help. I have a rising gifted 5th grader. She seems to instinctively get math, but does not enjoy it. We have tried several different math programs and combos. Started out with Horizons, she liked the color, but there were way to many problems and review. We moved to Singapore US edition, but again she said their were too many problems (using text and workbook). Tried Math Lessons for a Living Education, which she liked because it was so short and easy, and she liked the story aspect, but she learned nothing about completing almost 2 full levels. Used Khan Academy for awhile while I tried to figure out what to do ... went back to Singapore. We have been using just the textbook, supplementing with Zaccarro Challenge Math books because she loves word problems. This kind of works, but she really dislikes Singapore (she says the setup of the book/examples and the artwork). She liked Khan Academy because of the badges and missions. Would doing Khan Academy and Zaccarro work for a full year of math? If so, how would you arrange them together? I have also thought about trying Beast Academy? Life of Fred? (She has several Life of Fred books, likes the story but doesn't really do the math ...) Any ideas for me?

Have you tried Goodreads.com? You can search by book title or look for lists of recommended books ie. Clean teen books, popular adult clean reads, etc. Each book has a short summary. For what it is worth, I struggle with the same type of thing with my 9 year old who reads 400 - 600 pages on a typical day. Reading is her favorite past time.

Flash cards by Trend are very nice. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Trend+flash+cards

My 1st grader loves her Horizons math. She asks that we start with it on most days.

... Listening in

So true.

I have tried keeping them separate until we are ready to study it, but it is not working. She reads so much and does not mind reading them again and again so now I don't worry about. Many times she is even more excited about studying a topic after reading about it on her own. She likes to share what she already knows.

Love love love them!

Following. Same situation with my newly 5 year old daughter.

Janet Oke has a children's series called "Animal Friends". Also the "Natalie" series by Dandi Daley Mackall. My 5 year old likes both of these series.

the shoe books by noel streatfeild

HOD is very Charlotte Mason in style, where MFW is more of a mix of Unit Study, Classical, with some Charlotte Mason (if you use there recommendations). Both offer activities though quite different from each other in types of activities. MFW will have worksheets much more than HOD.

My 4 year old loves making them. She does all the cutting, gluing etc. She likes to show off the "book she made". She goes and reads through ones she has already made every other week or so ... I figure its a good review.

You only need to purchase your own math and language arts for the Adventures program and the 5 year cycle that they have. For K and 1st Math and Language Arts is included in their kits.

I have the same one by Purple Cows. It has worked for everything so far. I got mine at Costco for $15 when it was on sale, don't know what the current price is.

Now keep in mind I haven't used them ... From what you describe it sounds like Creation to Christ or possibly Resurrection to Reformation would be the best fit with extensions for the student that likes reading. You may need to slowly gear up on dictation and written narrations based on your description. Economy Package with science add-on or do your own Basic Package if you want, or get books from the library Consider the Extensions Package as your kids are older especially for the one who likes to read I really have no idea about DITHOR as I have never seen it. You will probably need R&S 4 or 5. Check the description on the HOD website and see what seems the best fit. (R&S 4 & 5 also teach non-creative writing.) Math you can do your own or have your students take the Singapore placement test to see what year they need if you want to follow HOD recommendations. Hopefully someone on the HOD site will have more insight for you than I can offer.

These are some great ideas. I have trying to come up with a list for my reader too. Thanks everyone.

We started using MFW-K back in September. By December, it was dragging, even though we were doing a unit every 3 - 5 days. We were no longer fun even after taking a good long break. We dropped it, and have started our own thing. We are enjoying school again.

Would one of Elizabeth George's books work? A Young Woman After God's Own Heart or A Girl After God's Own Heart Another one I have heard of but have not seen (recommended by Elisabeth Elliot) is Girl of Beauty by Carol Fiddler.

Current Plan for Kindergarten 2013 - 2014 Math - MEP 1, Introduce Math Facts Science - Home Grown Space and Human Anatomy Geography and Map Skills - Home Grown Art - ArtPac 1 HW/Copywork - undecided (we'll see where we are as we get closer) Reading - Treadwell, Baldwin, and McGuffy Readers (2, 2, 2, possibly 3 depending how fast we go) Habit Training, Bible And Hymn Memory Work, Life Skills Some Lapbooking/ Notebooking Lots of Reading Aloud and Exploring Outside Dance and possibly Soccer or Tball

Donnayoumg.org has a wide variety of lined paper printables. Most come in doc. or PDF.

Not sure I can be of any help, ... For the MH Treasures, are you using everything, the stories, spelling, grammar, practice book If so, you should be amply covered for meeting US National Standards. For writing, do you not like what you are using, or do you not feel it is getting the job done? Do you need an online program? Do you have access to archive.org or google play? They have some very good vintage writing curriculum.

This was refreshing and great encouragement! All great reminders.

We started out this year using MFW-K. DD does great with it, but after a couple of months became very bored as it is very repetitive. Has some fun projects though. Since then we have started using some of the free curriculum like the ones listed above. You could also subscribe to something like Enchanted Learning, if you want more worksheet type materials. Live and learn, I would definitely recommend not purchasing a full curriculum for PreK and waiting for K or even 1st.

She has read all the Magic School Bus books on space. The Let's Read and Find Out Books and good, I'll have to see what I can get from inter library loan, or buy that we haven't read yet. I'll have to pull out my RR catalogue and refresh my memory of what they have. Thanks for the reminder.