We are currently doing FLL3. We aren't that far along. :tongue_smilie: We like it, but I don't have the time for how teacher intensive it is. It isn't getting done. I'd like to find something he can do mostly independently. I've looked briefly at both R&S and CLE, which come well recommended. However, both programs also include writing and CLE includes spelling it looks like. We do other things for both of those. (WWE and letter writing and R&S spelling). I don't want to replace all the LA we are using, just the grammar. Suggestions? Thanks! :)

Thanks everyone! Our state doesn't have a PE requirement. I just feel my kids need it. They aren't naturally picking up these gross motor skills, like jumping jacks. They play outside all the time, but they would prefer to dig up worms than play soccer. ;) So, I'm just seeing an area where they could use some work and thinking a PE program might help, especially since I'm a "teacher" who likes guidance. :) Also, requiring other kids is great for us because I have 6. Not a "class" really, but definitely a small class.

It looks like Horizon's has a program. It looks more geared toward classroom, but I do have 6 kids. LOL! I'm not having a lot of luck though. I'm not liking the look of Family Time Fitness.

I know this has been discussed, but I can't seem to search for this because PE is only 2 letters. LOL! Sorry. Does anyone have any suggestions for a PE curriculum other than Family Time Fitness? Or if you have experience with Family Time, do you have a minute to review it? I feel the one area we are really falling down is this. My kids, age 9 down to 2, barely know what a jumping jack is. LOL! They play outside and run around a ton. They get exercise. But they are lacking the basic PE type skills. I feel it is important because things like this do come up every once in a while. (Think Simon Says, "Do jumping Jacks.") I know I could try to come up with something on my own, but I'm not even positive what to teach. So, I'd like a guide of some sort to follow. But, I would prefer something in print, not computer based like Family Time. I would also prefer something a little more relaxed. Any suggestions?? Thanks!

Me too. :) OP, come out, come out, wherever you are......

I was going to say the same thing as above...needle nose pliers and twist to put a bend or "crimp" in the spiral. :D I had to cut and re-crimp all my spiral bound books I had done at Staples this year. They left the coils super long. Annoying. LOL!

I've never heard of Writing Tales. I'll have to look that up. My plan is to use WWS eventually also. But, since that is a few years away who knows where we will ultimately end up. I wasn't expecting to need a writing program (other than WWE) yet, but really feel we do. So, who knows the future holds. LOL. Any thoughts on WWE along with this or dropping WWE? Honestly, I'm slightly tired of WWE, but he definitely needs more dictation and I know he will benefit from continuing to work on summarizing.

I've read most of the thread and looked through the samples on the site. I really like the looks of this program. My son is in 3rd. I have a few of questions: 1. Right now, we are doing FLL 3 for grammar. I like it. If we used TC would we drop this program? Does TC teach grammar in depth like FLL? Is it a complete grammar program for 3rd grade? 2. What about WWE? We are using that as well and we enjoy it. My son is great at narrating back to me the whole story, but not so great yet at simplifying it into a summary of the main ideas. WWE is helping with that. Would we continue it also? 3. Lastly, were do you go after this program? I don't know how to teach writing. I feel I'm going to want something each year to help with that. But, if this approach is different than other approaches to writing, what will fit well after this? Thanks!!!

Well, that stinks! I would call HSLDA to find out if that is a requirement you need to follow or if you can at least wait to see if they ask for it.

I'm not the poster you quoted, but I stated in one of my posts above that if I lived in another state, I would follow their laws. I would not try to fly under the radar. Following the law for HS'ing isn't going against my beliefs. Sending my children to PS is. So, by following the laws of the state, I can legally follow God's calling for my family. Therefore, I would follow the laws of that state, just as I'm following the laws of my state of VA. Since this is an option in VA, I'll take advantage of it. If it wasn't an option, I would file and test/eval each year as required. That said, I also would not move to a highly regulated state unless I had no other option. In fact, we were looking at moving a few years ago and this was a consideration in the states we looked at. (We didn't move and we don't plan to now.) And not an insulting or trouble-making question. :) For the other question about enrolling your child in private school or moving, it is my understanding that you are supposed to notify the county of a move and I assume it would be the same for enrolling them in school. I suspect my county would send me a letter asking what was going on if I didn't file. They very obviously keep track. They send several letters a year reminding of us of requirements and acknowledging (and reminding some more) receipt of our NOI and eval letter.

Several people mentioned not filing. My question was not directed at anyone specific. I have never heard of not filing. So, I was honestly asking. I said it isn't for me because it seems like it could be risky and I'm a chicken. Ha, ha, ha!! But, on top of that, I have already filed an NOI for 3 years now and if I suddenly stopped, I have no doubt my county would check up on me. Hence the "it's not for us and it's too late" comment. Sorry if my question came across wrong. I wasn't saying or implying anything. I was asking an honest question. :)

Hedgehogs4 - Thanks! I'm near NoVA. In fact, many people consider this to still be NoVA, but I grew up in Fairfax County. This isn't NoVA. Ha, ha, ha!! Your thoughts are exactly in line with mine. I have overcome the "is it a sin" and "am I willing to take PS completely off the table." I wrestled with both of those too. Now, I have to overcome my fear of being called to testify. Eeeekkkk..... Why do you think your 14 year old will need to write a letter? I haven't ever heard of a specific age when the child is asked to confirm. And seriously, let me just say, that it totally bugs me that they want the kids to confirm at all. My county's form (which I know I don't have to use) asks for a letter from the child. *I* am the parent and *I* am raising the child till they are 18. Their education is my decision. :glare: (But my oldest is only 8.... :lol: )

OK Family, Thanks!! So, your 3rd grader did well with it? I'm sort of on the fence with using it this year. I can't decide if I want to go ahead with it or wait a year. I don't really want to jump into a theme unit first. I really have no expeience teaching writing. So, I feel we need the SWI first.

Maybe we should wait year to start so we can start with the Intensive.

Dee, thanks! That is exactly what I needed, especially the explanation of what it teaches. So, this teaches through high school and would replace WWS? I really like the look of it and when I watched a few sample videos I liked them. I think we want to go this route. Have you watched or do most people watch the Teaching Writing DVD's? I am concerned about getting the theme units first simply because I don't have any clue how to teach writing. (Though, the components are coming back to me as I think on this topic.) I always did fine in writing, but I wouldn't say I put a ton of effort into it or that I excelled. I want my children to excel in writing because I feel it is one of the most important skills for college, especially if they want to get more than a bachelor's degree.