For Sonlight, do you use the IG for anything more than a schedule? Thank you so much for all your help!

Thank you for your suggestions. How long do you spend with your child in direct instruction for each of the following: Sonlight Core D, IEW, and Latin? I would like to do all of these things, but I feel so overwhelmed between taking care of all four children. I can not spend 4 hours with just one. I feel like I may have to choose between some things. Any insight would be much appreciated.

I wish I could do both, but I do not think I have the time to devote to two programs. I have three other children who also need me (5 ,4, and 8 months), so I need something simple and all laid out for me. I know these are two very different approaches. I really keep thinking about what mum2 said in one post--that one child thrived on MP format best and the other child did more Sonlight work. I know my son would enjoy Sonlight most, and I love the idea of Sonlight. However, I keep worrying about two aspects of using Sonlight over MP. First, the delay in Latin study. Second, all the questioning from Sonlight is done orally. Do any of you see any problems from these two things? I really want to try to use something next year "as is."

If you have used both of these, can you please tell me which one you liked the best and why? What about your child? I am considering MP 4th grade complete or Sonlight Core D.

Rod and Staff arithmetic 3rd grade book is a great resource for learning facts. I have had the same struggle with my son who just turned nine. We used Singapore Math 2A -3B. He did very well with this math, but he did not learn his facts. We are backtracking a little this year and making learning the facts top priority for math. R and S has not been exciting, but it is helping us accomplish this goal.

I have used both the VP and the MP literature study guides. MP is by far my favorite. I love them. MP suggests asking the student the question, then allow him or her to respond orally. Write the response on the board and allow him or her to copy it. I think the MP guides are very thorough. However, if you want project ideas VP has those included. I think the VP guides have a set of comprehension questions and a project to go along with each chapter.

Thanks to everyone for your replies! I am still trying to decide. Is there anyone who has used both of these that can tell me if you were going to choose only one which one you would choose and why?

I would love to hear what other have to say as well! I would like to do the same thing with writing! For TWSS, you are referring to Teaching Writing Structure and Style by IEW, correct. I heard Pudewa give a talk at a convention and bought these materials. However, I have not implemented them so far.

I love Rod and Staff grammar. My son has gone through the second and third grade books. It is straight forward and concise, but very thorogh. It does have a fair amount of writing, but my writing reluctant son has not complained too much. There is always the option of doing some of it orally.

I would appreciate any advice or insights any of you have about these two curriculums. I am considering which to use for an upcoming fourth grade son. I am drawn to Memoria Press. I like their philosophy of studying less material, but digging deeper. I eventually plan for us to study Latin (possibly have a Latin centered curriculum). I love their study guides. I think they help organize the material and teach a student to articulate his or her thoughts in writing. I love their lesson plans. I love how they are concise yet thorough. However, I love how Sonlight chooses great books and instills a love for reading. I love the idea of cuddling on the sofa with my son and discussing good books. ( However, I also have a 5 year old, 4 year old, and 8 month old; therefore, I don't know how much cuddling will be done in reality). My son loves to read, but does not like to write. I know that he would enjoy Sonlight much more. So, I had almost decided to go with Sonlight for either one or two years doing their American History cores D and E or D plus E condensed. However, I know that Memoria teaches many writing skills through their study guides. I began to fear that if my ds did the Sonlight program which I believe answers questions orally he may not be prepared to jump back into MP in the sixth grade. I know I could have him write out some of his answers for Sonlight, but there is so much reading, I did not know if there would be time for that. If any of you have used either of these programs and could give me some insight, I would greatly appreciate it! Also, a few specific questions: Do you feel the writing practice in Sonlight is good preparation for being able to articulate thoughts in writing in middle school? If you used MP, did your children enjoy the study guides or burn out from them? Have any of you started your Latin study in First Form Latin before any previous experience, and if so, how did that go? Thank you!!