We love Ray Leven. He teaches the AP Spanish with PA Homeschoolers and Spanish 1-5 privately. This will be DS's 3rd year with him. I've raved about Mr. Leven. If you can't find the posts let me know. It isn't the cheapest option, but my son has learned more than his friends in the brick-and-mortar schools locally.

Bravewriter. Consider Kidswrite Intermediate. You can than move on to other classes. This semester was a photography and write 4 week course that a friends son took and has really loved. Especially if you dislike teaching writing, outsourcing it is a fabulous thing!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you have time this summer, check out one of the summer offerings. Taking just a BW course without other work might give y'all a good idea of the structure and if it is right for y'all.

Son is doing BW Expository Essay right now. I "third" the recommendation.

I can only tell you what we plan. If you look back on prior discussions, you will see that I LOVE Mr. Ray Leven for Spanish. It has been fabulous for DS. We started in 8th grade (age 12, turned 13 end of Sept) and he has currently completed Honors Spanish 2 for 9th, moving on to Honors Spanish 3 for 10th. I say that because I think I have a decent idea of the work load of Mr. Leven's Spanish class.....a lot. :) Our DD (finishing 6th) is dyslexic, dysgraphic, dyscalculia, you name it. I've been in contact with Mr. Leven a little bit, and also discussed with DS. My plan is to have her take with Mr. Leven starting in 9th grade. However, I fully intend on having to supplement with a weekly tutoring session, and his rates are $80/hour! He uses flash cards, walks the students through pronunciation, etc. That isn't a viable financial option for everyone, but it is soooooo much cheaper than the local OG school, that we are willing to do it. Its also possible that you could JUST pay the weekly tutoring, discuss what you need for your child, and Mr. Leven would tailor the individual class to that need. I will also acknowledge that I have no expectations of DD making it though 3 or 4 years of Spanish. If she manages 2 credits in 3 years we will be thrilled, especially if she manages to understand.

For America: A Narrative History did you use the Norton teacher access?

Well, at one point I thought Mr. Leven should give me a commission (JK - kinda). It is a lot of work, although in a previous discussion it has been noted that Mr. Leven isn't about grades. There aren't tests. He says on Day 1 of Spanish 1 that coming to class prepared, on time, and actually trying are a large portion of your grade. The Vista site isn't even part of the grade per se. He looks at the students scores and to make sure they are doing it, but he really considers it review/homework. Only if the students aren't doing the work does he really count it (and become frustrated). Long about Nov/Dec of Spanish 1 he starts adding homework assignments of his own. In Spanish 2 these include translations, writing sentences, writing dialogue, prepared speeches (notes only, you may not write it in Spanish), and a variety of other things. He is also very understanding of homeschoolers schedules and vacations. He just likes to be told.

I'm one who is vocal in my support of Mr. Leven. I do NOT think my son could have mastered the material with just the text. Mr. Leven uses that hour very efficiently. Plus there is very quick response to emailed questions, assignments, etc, during the week. My son started Spanish 1 as an 8th grader as a "box to check that meant he didn't have to take Latin like mom wanted." He finishes Honors Spanish 2 tomorrow and is looking forward to Honors Spanish 3 next year, despite the fact that as of now the required Spanish boxes are checked. He loves the class! It is a LOT of work by now, but he has really thrived, become a better student overall, and has developed pride in his work both in Spanish and in other subjects.

LoriD - your way better at navigating this forum than I am. I searched and searched (I thought) and still ended up confused. Thanks everyone! This might actually be doable. :)

Tarbuck has so many titles Do you know which one you used? Thanks.

EmilyGF THANKS. That is something I never would have thought of.

DVD's aren't necessary, BUT my kids like Robin (who just recently passed away). I HATED grammar in school, despite straight A's. So, if we didn't have the DVD's we probably wouldn't have done it. I looked at it and started hyperventilating. In fact the only reason we bought it was because Robin spent nearly an hour talking with my then 13 yo son at a conference last year. Now, however, they watch the DVD, I read the instructions, just carry on and all is well. We've all learned from AG.

Looking for ideas on Geology for next year then 10th grade son. There are a number of Tarbuck books....argh. He's finishing Miller/Levine Biology and we have used the teacher test bank to increase his familiarity with typical tests. He'll also be taking Chemistry next year (book as of yet unknown). But he is remotely considering geology/paleontology undergrad, so we discussed a geology class next year. Could be a full year or a single semester - open for suggestions. Not wanting general earth science - just geology. Thanks in advance for suggestions. I've seen some have added on a Teaching Company course and we aren't opposed to that as well. Actually, I'm pretty open to all suggestions as this is an "extra" science class for him. Thanks, Danielle

FaithManor - can your son move to SC!!!! We need exactly that for our small farm! In regards to our own kids - DS is rising 9th. Probably works on average 5-10 hours a week on our farm. Some WAY more - 30+, depending upon what is going on. (In reality, if something goes wrong, its DS who is here to help me) He thinks pediatric specialist may be of interest. So, will start volunteering at the hospital this fall at 14. Working towards summer camp counselor at 17 or 18 (its a multi year process where he wants to work). Assistant (volunteer) teacher at the dojo. We are hoping to use jobs and volunteer for career exploration. Although he has been talking to a high end restaurant nearby about helping out - largely because he likes the chef's food and wants to learn from him.

OOH, you may be right. I just decided we would flip it around, follow his interest (bio, thinks he wants to follow dad into medicine), and wait on Physics until later. He doesn't like patronizing - in anything. He hated the elementary & middle school chemistry and physics books for that reason as well (those were never completed either). OK, now I feel better about why CP totally flopped. I mean - the kid can explain the physics behind farm equipment, but drew blanks of hatred over CP. Thanks!

But - no matter which one "should" come first, if they don't like it, not sure it matters. After tons of research, decided on Hewitt's Conceptual Physics this year for 8th. Just knew DS would like it (I liked it). He HATED it. I'm not sure I explain more than that. This kid farms, enjoys repairing stuff on the farm, generally figures stuff out, had the math to complete it, doesn't have a problem completing his schoolwork in general, but he despised the CP book. Since it was torture to get through CP (we didn't), I rethought Chemistry for next year. Bought the 1000 page Miller - Levine Biology for 9th next year. He's already started it and really enjoys it. The best laid plans....... oh well.

Which format are y'all buying these in? Especially the Illiad and Odyssey ones. DVD/CD/Audio Download? I can see advantages to all options. If the visuals are worth the DVD's, then that would be worth doing. Thanks, Danielle

I *assume* you live in Texas. If cost is a factor - have you considered TAMS? (Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science at UNT) I know the funding has changed since I went, but I started research in the neuro lab my first year (so, Jr high school, freshman college). Graduated high school with 77 semester hours. Many, many, many of my classmates went to A&M for their final two years, most in what would now be considered STEM. And transitioned onto grad school. And I don't know what your local college would be like compared to A&M....so, this may not compare. But one of our friends son had taken AP Chem at local elite private school, received a 5 on the exam. He decided not to take the credit at Wash U, and instead go ahead and take Chem 1, thinking it would be an "easy" transition class. Nope. It covered WAY WAY WAY more than AP did. Even those who had taken dual enrollment science classes elsewhere and went into advanced classes were struggling because the material was far more in depth than at their local uni. Unfortunately, their grades suffered as a result, yet they were competing for med / grad school with their colleagues who had not placed out.

re Mr. Leven - I agree, the website is pretty plain. So, I'll try to elaborate. : In DS's Spanish 1 class, there are 3 kids. The Skype is officially Thursday's 8:30-9:30 a.m. (the other mom and I decided upon that time), but Mr. Leven calls at 8:20 and they end around 9:45 or later. The textbook is Descrubre from Vista Higher Learning. You purchase not only the book, but their online access code. DS likes the online portion, as he feels it really helps him work with the vocabulary and grammar. There are also speaking portions where they record into the computer and Mr. Leven can listen afterwards. The Skype is non stop, the entire time. Mostly in Spanish. He has flash cards, they do drills, he is extremely picky about their pronunciation. He adds other common vocabulary beyond what is in the book, starting around November. And there are worksheets - translations and writing sentences (10 sentences using X characteristic, 10 using Y). The amount of work is NOT minimal. He also uses the worksheets to gauge mastery of a concept, or if he needs to reteach the grammar concept. (once you complete it, he sends it back with comments. Some you are expected to rework, and resend. A rare few have gone multiple rounds until DS had everything right. One time his sentences were all equivalent to "I like...." Mr. Leven sent it back, redo!) DS has a friend in Spanish 1 in a B&M school, and around December he said he felt his knowledge was surpassing his friends. I'll acknowledge that we received DS's grade last week, and it is an A. But he worked for that A. He was attentive, turned in everything on time (and sometimes that was difficult because there was a lot of work a few of the weeks). BUT - the mom I had emailed with last Spring, based on Mr. Leven's recommendation, her son received a B. The mom said he didn't apply himself until half way through, and then catching up was difficult. She said he received the grade he deserved, learned his lesson, and was planning on applying himself more in Spanish 2. Look at the "Spanish 3 instead of OSU" discussion. Swimmermom and son had a Skype session with Mr. Leven, and she wrote about that discussion. If your interested, I would email him. Needless to say, we are continuing on with Spanish 2 next year. HTH!

There are a couple of us using HOTAW next year. As of 20 min ago I am officially 1/2 way through the book! Have you looked at the Study Guide as well? I had my son (13, soon to be 9th) read Chapter 1 and complete the corresponding lesson in the SG. Took about 45 min. So, I'm saying 1 hour per chapter, average. His comment - the reading wasn't difficult, but he did have to think, go back, look at names, etc. He also found her writing humorous. HO (below) he found exceptionally easy to read, and quick. So far, I've purchased Spielvogels Human Odyssey (a high school version, covering world history, recommended I think by Lori D), and the first 200 pages correspond to HOTAW. I've also purchased Humanistic Traditions Vol 1, also another recommendation on this list. Both of those books have pictures, art, historical writings, etc, to supplement HOTAW. We are probably matching it with a study of the Old Testament, since SWB references the OT in HOTAW, tying in the biblical accounts to the other sources. (not as theology, but as history) Plus some Great Courses videos. And most likely a Great Books study for English. Still in the planning stages for that.

Really happy to hear you had a great conversation with Mr. Leven. I hope your son is as happy with the summer course as my son has been with Spanish 1. DS is even *sad* that Spanish doesn't continue over the summer, and asked Mr. Leven to give him work so he could keep up with his skills.

Mr. Ray Leven - He teaches the AP Spanish for PA Homeschoolers and the lower courses on his own. DS has learned a LOT this year (although the work load isn't light some weeks!). The once a week Skype is heavily focused on speaking and listening. Grammar work, vocab, etc, is done throughout the week, both through the online work associated with the textbook, and homework assignments provided by Mr. Leven. https://sites.google.com/site/spanishlearningonline/

Are you having literature as part of history, or part of English?

I kinda asked this a few weeks ago. One idea - a discussion group for our 9th graders. I purchase Spielvogels Human Odessey (I think Lori D. in another post mentioned this, the first 200 pages correspond). I've also purchased Humanistic Tradition, Vol 1. Both of these I purchased for the art, side readings, etc. I haven't correlated yet, as I am still finished HOTAW. FWIW - I had my son read Chpt 1 and the guide book, took about 50 min, so I'm considering 1 hour per chapter and corresponding work in the study guide. Im starting a list of movies and Great Courses to add. It would be great to have a formal list somewhere.

From what I understand....yes. But.... ask Mr. Leven. :)

DS is in Spanish 1 with Mr. Leven (who I found from reading these boards). Love the class. He has learned a lot of Spanish this year - more than friends in a b&m classroom. I can comment on the online portion for Descubre 1. For Spanish 1, it is typically 2-3 hours a week. The text book lists vocabulary and some grammar explanation, but the exercises are designed to be done either with a teacher or using one of their many multimedia formulations. Yes, they watch the fotonovela for the chapter, initially in Spanish 1 the video has subtitles, but by the end of the lesson the subtitles are gone. The soap opera in Descubre 1 involves an American exchange student in Mexico, and her time with the family. It is made to correspond with the chapters they are studying. There are many different activities online, and DS actually likes them. He finds them to be useful in both his understanding and acquisition of the language. He has found the majority of activities take about 10 min each.