Thank you, Jean. I can see how kids would find it fun. My kids have never had annual testing done so I would think I might do the test at home the first year, so they get the idea of it, then the next year the group setting would work.

I'm glad I asked here on the forums, because the impression I was getting from reading around on Professor Google was that it was pretty difficult to homeschool in WA. But really, other than the yearly testing and annual NOI letters, I see that it's much more laid back than I thought. Not Texas laid back, but manageable for sure.

Yes, reading through one of the state law websites (I forget which one) and it made it seem that by law the testing had to be done in a group setting. This is VERY helpful to me and makes our decisions that much easier!

Thank you! This was very helpful.

We are looking at WA state as a potential place to call home. We would be moving from Texas, so the laws there are significantly different in regards to homeschooling than they are here. I see that annual testing in a group setting, or an annual assessment, is required. How is this typically done? For my homeschooling kids, who have never had annual testing in any form, I am wondering how they would do. Am I correct in reading that no one sees these test results except for the parents?

My husband and I just finished all Halo games - excluding the new MC edition - on our XBOX 360 in about a month. We are restarting Reach. It's pretty darned hard to find 2 player games. COD we would love to get in to, but they seem to be only 1 player for the campaigns and so that is a no-go. Disappointing, really. BTW, this brings up the fact, any other 2+ player games for the XBOX 360 that are similar to HALO?

Great idea; I'm not sure why I didn't think of that to begin with!

I had tried this and for some reason came up with nothing. Now I search for it and voila! there it is. :-)

Where would one look to find international pen-pals (preferably another homeschooler, depending on the country) for both kids AND mom? I am really looking for personal recommendations. Google offers many answers but I like "tried and true." Thanks!

Thanks! I will have to look into those.

Has anyone used Novel Units Literature Guides for as literature guides? It would be for a sixth grader. This is the one I am looking at specifically: http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/Because+of+Winn-Dixie+Teacher/017787/1478955c3b54cdfd6e3ac21a?subject=6&category=1187 along with its accompanying student pack. Thoughts?

Never Mind. I found one.

So we had planned to ditch homeschooling this year and put the kids into public school. That did not last long until we pulled them out. So, we have been homeschooling again for a bit and I am trying to last minute plan for what they need this year. The 6th grader is planned for. I am struggling with some ideas for my 4th grader and was looking on the forums for a 4th grade planning thread for this school year; maybe around August or so? I cannot for the life of me find one. Can someone point me to a thread? Thanks! Kelly

I have the 2002 version. Apparently, the "rules" are what they call tips. I am disappointed and underwhelmed because those "tips" are NOT rules. The only other spelling program I have used before was AAS and those did use actual spelling rules. I quit that program because it took too long and I want something that doesn't involve tiles. Ugh. I guess I will need to start looking for another spelling program AGAIN.

bump. Surely someone knows. . .

This is my first year using Spelling Workout. We are using level B. In the teacher's edition, each lesson says toe "introduce the spelling rule." Question is, WHERE are the spelling rules listed? I don't see them anywhere in the teacher's edition or in the student's workbook. Please help! I am sure that it is there somewhere but my overwhelmed brain just is not finding it.

Dear pregnant body o' mine, You are only 2 weeks and 4 days from your due date. I know you are tired and worn out and in constant pain, but suck it up. This is your sixth time and you know it will eventually end. Dear emotions o' mine, Remember, you are almost finished! You will not be pregnant forever. Hang in there.

My hubby had them when he lived in CA. I've had them in TX.

Beach!

Wow. They charged my account Tuesday so I know my order has shipped. However, I never got an email with shipping info from them . . . Edited for spelling

67 left, 33 right

Yep! We usually take a little trip somewhere. This year it was a resort that we generally go to. We have the best time just being a couple and, since we also happen to be the bestest of friends, it is just plain fun!

Gotcha! Really, I rarely "get" art so I was wondering if there was some broader purpose to tree cozies. Thankfully my kids have not inherited the art-deficient gene from their mother. ;-)