I would continue with AAR and AAS. I would add copy work or a simple handwriting workbook a few times a week (not every day). I would also use BJU Engish 2 for the fall. I recently started using this. I've already bought level 3. It alternates chapters between grammar lessons and writing lessons. It gets done and we're learning.

Story of the World is an option to consider, but I would prefer a planned out schedule. I like the schedule that Sonlight has (for example). It basically says on week 1 day 1 do this, this and this. It has all of the decisions done for me. I know some might think this is lazy, but there are weeks where we are at lots of Doctor appointments and we are moving twice this year. I need something to make our days as simple as possible or they won't get done. I think I'm leaning more toward Sonlight Core B. I noticed that several of the book choices have changed to ones that I consider more kid friendly.

Thank you all for the Long Story Short recommendation. I actually have this on my shelf. I can't remember how/when I got it, but I never gave it much of a look. I just got it down, and I really like what I'm seeing. I guess I thought this was something else. I love that it has 78 weeks and 5 lessons (or readings) per week. The readings seem short but thorough. I think this could actually get done!! -- Thank you again!! I think this is the answer to my problems.

I have heard a lot of people say that Bible Study Guide for All Ages is great, but it is time consuming! It takes at least a half hour each day. My youngest has developmental delays, and she can't focus for very long. There isn't any way I could make that work. Thank you for the suggestion, though.

I would like to combine my girls for Bible studies. They are still on the younger side, so many of the popular studies wouldn't probably work. A lot recommend for grade 3+. I also don't want to spend 30+ minutes every day on Bible. I like to keep their lessons somewhat short or I'll lose the attention of my youngest. I'm not sure what I'm looking for, but I'm hoping you all will have some suggestions. I want to include some memory verse work, direct reading from the Bible as well as studying scripture a little deeper. Videos are a plus as well. I thought about incorporating the What's In The Bible series, but the only curriculum they have is for churches and is quite pricey. Thoughts?

Have you considered other programs where you can get the TM as an e-version and then get the books on kindle or Amazon? Some that come to mind are Build Your Library, Sonlight, History Odyssey, and I think Mystery of History, Story of the World and Layers of Learning would work as well. Just a thought. I know a lot of people end up not loving their "boxed" curriculum after they get started. I would hate to pay all those shipping costs unless I was certain. Best of luck to you, though. I hope you're able to find a good (and affordable) fit.

I used MFW 1st for my oldest dd. I am choosing to use AAR for my youngest. My thoughts - MFW1 is mostly a phonics and Bible program. The reading/phonics component is the same as the Bible part. The child will learn to read the bible stories in their reader. They will do a short phonics lesson in the workbook, then (starting in week 11 I believe) they add in the bible reader. The bible component is a brief overview of the most commonly known bible stories. The child creates a timeline to go along. There is also a short devotional. I don't care for the way they teach phonics so I am choosing to just use AAR. The bible part is okay, but I want to combine my kids for bible, science and history anyway. The history in MFW1 is only bible. The math and science components are very gentle and hands on. For me, MFW1 just wouldn't make sense. However, if you aren't set on a phonics program, and you're looking for a fun and gentle introduction to bible, science and math then MFW1 is a great choice! That said - some people use both AAR and MFW1. I personally don't see how that's necessary, but we all have different teaching/learning styles. 😀

I am trying to complete my fall plans. I was thinking about doing HOD Bigger for 3rd and HOD LHFHG for 1st, but I'm not so sure that will actually get done. My 1st grader is a slow learner with attention/focus issues. I am now considering combining them for Bible, History and Science. I will teach mainly to the 3rd grader, but my younger can "absorb what she will". My focus with her will be learning to read and intro to math. I would like to begin a history rotation starting at the beginning. I know that most people recommend Story of the World. I don't know exactly what it is that I don't like, but I just don't like it. So, I would love to hear some ideas about other curriculum options. My 3rd grader likes crafts so that would be a plus! Also, I don't want it to be overwhelming. The more clearly laid out for me - the better! I'm also open to any suggestions for Bible and Science. ;-) ETA - I've considered : Mystery of History - I love the looks of this, but I'm not sure if it's better for older age range. Biblioplan - This just looks so confusing. Way too many books/options! Sonlight - We tried Core B this year, and neither of us cared for the Usborne books. MFW Creation to Greeks - I'm guessing this is too advanced for 8 yo (3rd grader) Am I correct with these assumptions? or would one of these possibly work?

A note on Heart of Dakota - a lot of people use different choices for math and language arts.

Have you considered Heart of Dakota? There are lots of small crafts to go along with the lessons. I highly recommend a careful evaluation of Winter Promise. I made that very expensive mistake last year. I felt that things were very disjointed. If you're considering it, spend a bit of time with the samples.

I saw that Creating A Masterpiece also offers a free trial lesson online.

I have a few of the Creating A Masterpiece DVD's. I bought them because I was told they would no longer sell DVD's, but only offer their curriculum online. My girls are still young (6 and 7) so they haven't used them yet. I, however, did the pastels project. I wanted to test out the curriculum and get a feel for it. I am not exactly gifted when it comes to art. I had never used pastels before this. I thought it was great! I followed the simple instructions, and I made a beautiful picture that was worthy of a frame! I was kind of shocked. 😀 I think I might try some of these with my older daughter next year for 3rd grade. She will be 8. I think they would work well for 8 and up. I bought my DVD's from the simplycharlottemason website. I'm not sure if they're still available or not. If you can buy one to see how your kids respond to it, I would definitely recommend!

I have recently asked myself this same question. Why have I allowed myself to believe that textbooks are all bad? Before I started officially homeschooling I read a lot of books. I met a lot of people who told me that Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education was the best. I should make everything about learning as natural and fun as possible. -- This all sounds great. However, I've learned that the best way to educate my children is by using resources that cater to their way of learning (as well as my way of teaching). Sometimes that even means using a textbook! Using a textbook at home is so different than a traditional school using a textbook. We're able to see when our children are interested and want more, and we can give them extra reading or activities as needed. It's not all do page x, answer questions 2-4 and (temporarily) memorize these facts for a test on Friday. So, we have started using BJU for English (grammar / writing), Spelling, Reading and Math. We will still be using HOD for Bible, history and science. I am tempted to test out BJU for these subjects as well. I am aware of the questionable decisions that they have made in the past. I think they offer a good product, though. I'm done letting people tell me what I should or shouldn't use for our homeschool. I know my family best.

Have you checked out handbookofnaturestudy.com? It's the "Home of the Outdoor Hour Challenge" - a great resource for using the Handbook of Nature Study!

I recommend looking at Elemental Science. It's easy to "get done", while still being fun and interesting. It's also reasonably priced, and it aligns with TWTM recommendations.

Thank you for sharing this. I always read how students that use IEW generally have better writing skills and enjoy it more. I don't know if this is true, but it seems to be most of the reviews. I just looked at Fix It Grammar last night. I love the idea of them actually "editing" real literature instead of generic textbook sentences. I will definitely look more into both of these next week when I'm at convention. -- I can't wait!!

I saw that Classical Academic Press has a new grammar program coming out next week called Well Ordered Language. I was considering using it and Writing and Rhetoric. I will be going to convention next week, so I can look at it a little closer.

First Language Lessons includes things like poetry and picture studies. I don't want a grammar program like that. Thank you, though.

I have most of our plans figured out for next year, but I'm struggling to find a writing or grammar curriculum that I'm happy with. We like to purchase our curriculum throughout the spring and summer to spread out the cost. That is why I need to confirm my choices soon. My daughter will be in 3rd grade. We will be using HOD Bigger, but I do not like their choices for LA. We will be using Spelling You See for spelling. I have looked at Cathy Duffy's top picks, but it's so hard to understand how each program works and progresses. I am also considering BJU Reading 3, though I'm not sold yet. ;-) IEW - This looks great, and I've read great reviews (as well as many bad ones). It looks like it would take a huge investment of time and money to just be able to teach this. Is it really worth that investment at this age? WriteShop - We tried using their primary level A book this year, but it just doesn't get done. It seems to be a lot of writing and explanations (in the TM) for very little student work. It's recommended to start with A, but it seems babyish. BJU English - This seems solid, but very dry. Exactly what I would expect from a "textbook". I'm not against this, but I don't want to crush her interest before she even gets started. Is it really as dry as it looks, or is it fun for the child? Opinions? - This choice would also include grammar. I like that they alternate chapters. (Ch1 grammar - Ch2 writing...) I have no other ideas for grammar. I don't want a charlotte mason type of grammar curriculum. We don't need to study poetry and artwork because we're already doing those separately. We just need a solid teaching of grammar. So, thoughts, ideas, opinions? What are your favorite writing, grammar and reading programs and why?

We recently discovered Veritas Press' Legends & Leagues. It's a fun way to learn geography!

Does HOD still include "extra" book lists in Bigger?

I love the idea of reading great books (Sonlight, WP). I like the concept of HOD - skills build upon each other each year. My kids both love listening to stories and doing crafts, but workbooks are not a big hit. I definitely want something planned out for me.

I have looked into almost every curriculum possible for 3rd grade. My dd will be 8 in September, and I will also have a 6 yo. They don't need to be combined. My 6 yo has developmental delays so I've found it best to work with her alone. So... HOD - I am considering Bigger. I am not "sure" about the LA recommendations. I know I can swap out for my own choices. We will probably be doing Singapore math. (If we go with HOD, I'll probably use LHFHG for my 6 yo.) - My dilemma - I've heard the history reading is difficult because of the old language. I also have heard that the science is lacking. I'd love opinions on this program. Sonlight - I have tried the younger cores of SL, but I just can't do the Usborne books. I felt like Core B was so weak in History. Maybe if I liked the Usborne books more I could have stuck with it. So... I'm considering SL Core D. All of the books look interesting. We love to read, so hours on the couch is not a bad thing for us. Opinions on this core compared to Cores A and B? MFW - I just don't like the book choices for ECC or the history cycle. So, this isn't on my top list. Winter Promise - I've already made that VERY expensive mistake. Their guides are just so disjointed IMO, so this is a definite NO. I have also looked into Wayfarers, Biblioplan, Tapestry of Grace, and several others. I don't like SOTW because it has too many inaccuracies. Mystery of History would be great if my girls were older and I wanted to combine, but that's not where we are now. I'm not concerned with what history we're teaching. We've done a little of American history and a little of World History. I also don't think the "order of learning" is quite so important in the early years. I know there are a lot of experienced Mommas here with great knowledge and opinions. I'm hoping to hear some of your wisdom. Thanks!

Beyond is fun. I would not use it for a kindergartener, though. If you plan on using other HOD guides, you will find yourself in too difficult of guides very soon! For example, You wouldn't want to do Preparing LHFHG in 2nd grade. I think LHFHG is a great 1st grade program, and Beyond makes a great 2nd grade. Remember, you can change the level of Math and LA for your child's needs. - Just my opinion, but I think most would agree. If in doubt, give them a call. They will gladly discuss your situation and help with placement.