This is the recommended folk songs book for a popular Charlotte Mason curriculum. 150 American Folk Songs : To Sing, Read, and Play - https://www.amazon.com/150-American-Folk-Songs-Sing/dp/0913932043/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504438573&sr=8-1&keywords=Folk+songs I bought it, but haven't fit it in our schedule yet this year. It looks really good, though.

We used the Imaginetics USA map. You can find it at Amazon for about $15. https://www.amazon.com/Imaginetics-M86053-USA-Map-Set/dp/B004I7J65G/ref=sr_1_6?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1503933577&sr=1-6&keywords=magnetic+usa+map

Don't worry about this test. We have not done a serious grammar/writing study until this year (4th grade). My daughter has always done exceptionally well on the standardized test. (We live in NC, and we have to take the test each spring). If she has a basic understanding of what a noun, verb, and adjective is, where to put basic punctuation, and when to capitalize, she'll do great!

SO TRUE! This is great advice! I will admit to doing this same thing. I "plan" a great year using tons of great resources. I post my yearly "plan" on the forum, but 3 weeks in - things change. You'll probably be adding in extra-curriculuar activities. Think about those while you're planning your curriculum. If you're going to do dance, scouts, athletics - you'll need to plan for the effect of these activities on your family's schedule. This is where you need to determine what you "need" to do this year. For example, you don't need to teach creative writing until later in elementary, or close to middle school. (I would not be looking at IEW, but rather at WWE for these younger years). Simplifying your school schedule will allow for these rich, out of the house, activities.

Another option would be Intelligo Unit Studies. I have not done these, but it's only because I found them late. (We wanted to start our world history rotation this year with MOH). I actually purchased one just to get a really good look at it. They're quite affordable. They offer studies for K-2, 3-5... They look really fun, and I've read other good reviews. Here is a link to the American History 1 : The First People - http://www.intellegounitstudies.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_8_16&products_id=66

Last year (for 1st and 3rd), I wanted to focus on American History. I could not find a curriculum that I liked, so this is what we did. We got a magnetic map of the US. Each state was its own magnet. I found a book that told a little bit about each state alphabetically. We started 1 day with Alabama. I read to them about the state, and we focused on memorizing the state capital. They used the state magnet to 1. learn the shape of the state and 2. learn the location. Each day we would review the previous states, capitals, and place the magnets, then we would add the new state. They both learned a lot from this! We also used a variety of "living books" to learn about American History. We spent quite a bit of time learning about the Pilgrims by reading Pilgrim Stories, Squanto, and a variety of other books from that period. We then chose to focus on the time leading up to and during the American Revolution. We read "If You Lived In Williamsburg in Colonial Days" along with the Felicity (American Girl) series. Then we read "If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution." We watched the Liberty Kids series, and we read a variety of other books from the library. We did a variety of crafts and played games that I found on Pinterest. We then read about the Constitution. We watched the Peanuts movie about the writing of the Constitution. They LOVED that! We moved on to George Washington after that. (There are a lot of great books about George Washington). I didn't write down every book that we read. I wish I would have because we really had a full year of learning. My girls definitely have a great understanding of the founding of our country. If you really want a curriculum to follow, though, the Beautiful Feet Early American History is a great choice for those ages! My oldest daughter had already read most of the books that are assigned in this curriculum so that's why it wasn't a great choice for us. I hope you find a good fit for your year!

Thank you for sharing this. I'm feeling better about using WWE2. There is that part of me that wants to use level 4 because she'll be in 4th grade, but I know that will set us both up for failure. I had settled with using FLL3, but I really hesitated using only level 2 for WWE when I had heard many use this for 2nd grade! I think she'll do well with it, though. I'm sure she'll learn and grow, and her confidence will not be crushed as it would with level 4. Again, thank you for sharing.

I started out the year using Sonlight LA 4. We finished our 3rd week, and I am not happy. My daughter will be 9 next month, and we consider her a 4th grader. She hasn't had a lot of grammar and writing instruction. We've tried BJU English, but it doesn't seem to stick with her. After spending some time with samples... I think the FLL and WWE combination would be a good fit for both of us. I need placement help. I've looked at the "placement tests", but I guess I'm hoping for some confirmation from those who have been there and used that. FLL - I was considering using FLL 3 with her. She has had a basic introduction to the 8 parts of speech and 4 types of sentences. She has not had a lot of practice work to help her understand exactly what those mean and how to use them. She has never seen a diagrammed sentence. I think FLL 3 would be good. Agree? WWE - This is where I'm stuck. She struggles with remembering a sentence to write it down. (dictation) If I ask her to write 1 sentence, she asks me to repeat it several times. Her spelling is awful, so that doesn't help. She can provide a decent oral narration when asked, but I've never asked her to write one out. Anytime I ask her to do any writing that requires thought, she shuts down. --- So.... I was thinking she might benefit from level 2. Is she a bit too old for that level? Should I put her in level 3 to match up with FLL? *** Also, I'm considering using Spelling You See (Wild Tales) with her. I do not like AAS. We've tried it in the past. We used the first 2 1/2 levels, and it has not helped her to become a better speller. Using basic spelling lists with daily review doesn't work either. At best, she remembers about 70% of the words, and I'm not sure she could actually still spell them 2 weeks later. Thank you in advance for your opinions and wisdom!

I am consideringusing SOTW volume 4 for my girls. They are 9 and 7 yo. The 7 yo is closer to a 5/6 yo in maturity. I've heard some people caution about the content of vol. 4. I'm not sure exactly what they were referring to. I know this group will have a lot of feedback! Is vol. 4 more mature in content? What specifically should I be concerned with? I would get the activity book to use with it. We would like to study Modern history (or American history) this year. Last year we studied from Leif Ericsson up to The writing of the Constitution via living books from our library. I would love a curriculum that would pick up around there and move forward. I'm having trouble finding something so I figured SOTW 4 might also be a good fit.

We did a casual year of history this year. I personally do not like SOTW and I didn't want a big history program. We read through a lot of biographies (ex. Who Was xxxxxxx? Series) and the If You Lived at the Time of / If You Wew There When series. We also read some historical fiction such as the older American Girl books. We all learned a lot from these books. I wanted to introduce them to some famous people and events in history, and it was a success. You could also add the D'Aulaire books (Buffalo Bill, George Washington, ...) and Holling C. Holling books for some geography (Paddle to the Sea, Minn of the Mississippi...)

We did a casual year of history this year. I personally do not like SOTW and I didn't want a big history program. We read through a lot of biographies (ex. Who Was xxxxxxx? Series) and the If You Lived at the Time of / If You Wew There When series. We also read some historical fiction such as the older American Girl books. We all learned a lot from these books. I wanted to introduce them to some famous people and events in history, and it was a success.

There is a big difference in the quality of the RAS paints from Jerry's and the cheaper stuff. RAS seems to have better coverage, and it's easier to be successful with. I always buy the RAS paints now. Also, the construction paper that they recommend for the projects is bigger than standard, and the color and thickness are noticeably better. The water colors and markers that they recommended did not impress me. You might want to look at reviews for each of the products to determine what is worth paying a little more for.

Have you looked at Elemental Science? We really like it! I'm not big on experiments. They offer a student notebook that answers your request for notebooking.

How about a year of studying biographies? The Who Was? Series is a great place to start. If you have the time, throw in some notebooking, a craft, art project, or lapbook. Spend some time getting to know the people who made our history. This year, we never followed much of a plan for history because life has just been super busy and challenging. (We moved twice last year). However, we've managed to learn a ton by reading biographies and the "If you were there when..." series. We either shopped at the library or Amazon each month for 1-2 books that seemed interesting. It's worked surprisingly well!

The book "Home Learning Year by Year" helped me a lot. However, I would not recommend trying to cover everything that the book suggests for each child. There simply wouldn't be enough time in the day. You're best option is to combine as many kids as possible for content studies (history, bible, science, geography). Also, don't do each of these every day. (For example : study history M,W,F and study science T,R) Follow the same staggered model with some of the core subjects (spelling, handwriting, English). The only subject I would not stagger is Math. Math is every day.

I guess that is what I'm looking for - some inspiration and ideas. I will look at all of this. Thank you for the suggestion.

Have you looked at CAP Well Ordered Language? At the beginning level (3rd grade), it introduces everything like its the first time they're seeing it. We just started it, but it seems that the child could do most if not all of it by himself. Each chapter lasts 2 weeks. The first Monday there is a lesson, but it appears the "jest" of the lesson is written in the student book and written directly to the student. The other lessons are review. There are songs/chants to help memorize the rules or grammar vocabulary. I have looked at just about every English/grammar curriculum out there. I'm very pleased with this curriculum.

Thank you! I've never heard of A Mothers Rule of Life. I'll check that out.

We have always just let our days happen. We are not "unschoolers" as we always have a curriculum that we're working through for each child/subject. However, I feel like we never accomplish quite as much as we should. I would like to create a schedule for our days moving forward, possibly starting with the new school year in the fall. We will have 2 girls (1st & 4th grade). They will do several subjects together. What are your favorite books or resources to help understand scheduling and create a successful schedule for the family? BTW - I apologize for the numerous posts. The first one gave me a strange message when I posted it, and it apparently posted it twice. I can't do anything to either post. ...strange.

We have always just let our days happen. We are not "unschoolers" as we always have a curriculum that we're working through for each child/subject. However, I feel like we never accomplish quite as much as we should. I would like to create a schedule for our days moving forward, possibly starting with the new school year in the fall. We will have 2 girls (1st & 4th grade). They will do several subjects together. What are your favorite books or resources to help understand scheduling and create a successful schedule for the family?

We have always just let our days happen. We are not "unschoolers" as we always have a curriculum that we're working through for each child/subject. However, I feel like we never accomplish quite as much as we should. I would like to create a schedule for our days moving forward, possibly starting with the new school year in the fall. We will have 2 girls (1st & 4th grade). They will do several subjects together. What are your favorite books or resources to help understand scheduling and create a successful schedule for the family?

In our house we don't have nap time, but we have required "quiet time"! Both of my children go to their room after lunch for 1 hour to do what they like. They usually read, color, play Lego, build forts, or play with toys. Sometimes they'll even lay down and rest! We have always done this. When they were little, they would nap. When they stopped napping, they were instructed on how quiet time works. They are 7 & 8 yo, and they both love this time alone each day. It helps me keep my sanity as well. Regardless of your curriculum choices, I highly recommend implementing "quiet time!" Oh, and they are required to keep it quiet. (If they don't have their own rooms, try to find other rooms they can spend their time in.)

I'll admit. Their website is horrible for explaining the "You teach" program. "You teach" meaning you teach the materials at home without any online component. I'll try to break it down for you. The history cycle is broken down into 5 years. There is a teacher's manual and set of history cards for each year. Each year was written for a particular grade level, but all of the levels can be completed by anyone in grades 2-6 (give or take.) Year 1 : Old Testament and Ancient Egypt - written for 2nd grade - https://www.veritaspress.com/browse-by-subject/history/second-grade.html Year 2 : New Testament, Greece, and Rome - written for 3rd grade - https://www.veritaspress.com/browse-by-subject/history/third-grade.html Year 3 : Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation - written for 4th grade - https://www.veritaspress.com/browse-by-subject/history/fourth-grade.html Year 4 : Explorers to 1815 - written for 5th grade - https://www.veritaspress.com/browse-by-subject/history/fifth-grade.html Year 5 : 1815 to Present - written for 6th grade - https://www.veritaspress.com/browse-by-subject/history/sixth-grade.html The guide (Teacher's Manual) has comprehension questions and suggested activities. The most important piece is the history cards. The cards have the recommended reading / resources on the back. There are 32 cards per year, and each has a specific timeline event to study. So, basically each week you choose the next history card. You read the back, look at the art on the front, and choose from the recommended readings on the back. (Ex. read pp. x-y Streams of Civilization). There is also the option of purchasing Scripted Lesson Plans from Veritas Press. I chose to do this for our first year. They schedule everything out for you including literature readings and workbook pages from the teacher's manual. The lesson plans are not required, but I want something that's going to tell me what to do each day (for now). I don't know if I'll get the lesson plans again next year. VP gives me a starting point for each week of the year with a topic. They also provide the reading recommendations. I can choose from there which I think are appropriate for each grade level/child. We do best with a literature approach to history. I hope this helps you to understand the program better.

When I spoke to the folks at the CAP booth (at convention), they advised that SS? Should be used for the student that is already reading - typically 2nd grade +. You want the child to already have a good foundation with their own language and written word. We use SSL for my 3rd grader, and my K/1st listens in. She knows a lot of the songs as well now. I only require the book work for the 3rd grader. I would not do both SSL and SSS at the same time. Latin provides an introduction to a variety of languages using the "derivative river" segment on the DVD's. My kids love the DVD's!!! I'm not sure how old your child(ren) is/are. For either 3rd or 4th grade + they recommend using the Latin for Children program. We just received that yesterday to start in the fall.

I'm sorry to confuse you. It is not one guide. There are actually 5 guides in total, and the "guide" is optional. The guide (Teacher's Manual) has comprehension questions and suggested activities. The most important piece is the history cards. The cards have the recommended reading / resources on the back. There are 32 cards per year, and each has a specific timeline event to study. Each year was written toward a specific grade level : Year 1 : Old Testament and Ancient Egypt - written for 2nd grade Year 2 : New Testament, Greece, and Rome - written for 3rd grade Year 3 : Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation - written for 4th grade Year 4 : Explorers to 1815 - written for 5th grade Year 5 : 1815 to Present - written for 6th grade *** Each of these "years" are written toward a specific grade level, but they can be used by students in grades 2-6. The thought is if you have multiple children, then you would start the oldest in the cycle in 2nd grade. The younger children would join the history cycle as they become ready in 2nd grade. You could have children of any grade (2-6) in any year of the history cycle. Basically, if you want to purchase just the history cards and a few of the recommended reference books and literature, you'll have a full year. You can choose to use more or less of the recommended resources based on the interests of your family. We are using the Old Testament and Ancient Egypt for 4th grade, so we will probably complete more of the readings and extra literature. We might also move through some of the cards quicker than they recommend. We have already studied the Old Testament a lot, so much of this will be review for us. I would like to complete Year 1 and half of Year 2 this coming school year. I hope this is helpful. It's really not as confusing as it might seem.