[Should we switch from MEP to Singapore?]

I think Math Mammoth would fit the bill pretty well. It is written to the child in small incrememental steps, so your child could start on thier own, but if your child learns better through hands on it may be best to introduce the new conept with hands on manipulatives, then maybe to some on the board and then assign the problems on paper. If it is a concept they are familiar with then, sure the older one can read the directions get started and then you can check in as needed.

[Formal literature/reading program]

Does anyone know of a formal reading program with a similar scope and sequence as cle reading, but uses living books? For the elementary years.

[Sandi Queen nature study]

Thanks for the review on the program you used. I think I will just stick with Elemental Science! I like the like you posted above that looks like something fun to add in at some point, better than the Queens material.

[Sandi Queen nature study]

I used one of the books with my dd a few years ago and I'd be happy to tell you more about it later today. I'm on my way out the door. :)

Thanks! I look forward to reading what you thought about them.

[Sandi Queen nature study]

I wonder...hmm. I guess it depends on where you are coming from, in terms of your science preferences. I've not used these, but I have/am using some of Queen's curriculum, and on the FB page. I like the idea of the Nature Science Books...but then again, I look at samples, and not sure I'm impressed..and the fact that some were written by her daughter as a teenager...yes, I know it's possible the daughter was completely capable and adept...on the other hand, it's also possible the daughter isn't quite ready to be an author of a curriculum that I would use to teach my children. I like some of the products and some of it strikes me as expensive for what you get. I'm using the Language Lessons...the content is what I want for grammar....the layout...I find poor quality, meaning they scrunch to much together on one page, the font is wonky. We use it because it does the gentle job I want for grammar. I've owned the Math Facts Copywork....I was shocked at the cost compared to what you get....I guess I was expecting something different. It's literally a few pages of many math facts. Why someone would pay for a page of basic math facts is beyond me (and yes, I kicked myself when I did!). I have the History Vol 1. It's okay. I like the content...though I wish the author would not have put so many of her personal thoughts and reflections and just kept to the story...but again, layout is just so cheap for the price. The schedule that is promoted as included in the book...so basic any dunder-head could do that without putting it in the book. Day 1, Read chapter. Day 2 answer narration questions. etc.

 

The FB group kinda drives me crazy. It's just for people to post how much they love Queen's. Anyone who questions or has any sort of non-love gets shut down pretty quickly. Alot of promotion of their oils/soaps, etc...not impressed with those as I am one to read up on ingredients, and do not think their oils are as high quality as other brands. The final kicker that left distaste for me was when someone posted that they had found an error in a Queen's book, this page, this paragraph, etc. Sandi responded asking the person to take a picture and send it to her, as the book was in the warehouse and Sandi didn't have access to the book. Really??? A customer has to send you a picture of YOUR book to prove the mistake? You don't have access to it in a file on a computer? You couldn't have staff check into the next day? And another time, Sandi posted a long message about buying directly from her website, instead of other vendors, book stores, as she would retain more profit if people did that. As we have two homeschool book stores here in town, and both are small businesses run by homeschool families, that cater to a pretty niche crowd...I found that offensive that you would tell me not to shop locally, not to support homeschool book stores, who, btw, carry YOUR product, so that you could make more money. Ick.

 

So anyhoo, not alot of help on the Nature Series, lol...just my random thoughts on Queen's overall. I'll never buy something again from them without seeing it in person, that I know.

 

Thanks for the response. I wasn't aware of some of the stuff you mentioned!

[Math Lessons for a Living Education]

I was looking at these and love how "fun" they look! Does anyone know if they are conceptual based or traditional math books? They are from Queen's homeschooling.

[Sandi Queen nature study]

Bumping for more info on these: https://www.queenshomeschooling.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=71_72_74

 

Would this be a solid, complete, stand alone science curriculum? Are there experiment type actives at all?

[Picture This! Bible Curriculum...]

I don't have experience with this one, but some of the drawing based bible curriculum from Notgrass sounds similar. I love their bible curriculum.

[Similar to BJU Math]

Thanks! I'll keep an eye open for used teachers manuals. I don't know why it never occurred to me to looks for those used. I have one level of math mammoth I may take another look at to see if that may be a good fit too.

[Kindergarten: not enough to do]

For K we usually do phonics (phonics pathways), math bju 1, handwriting, bible study drawing based curriculum, science, geography, unit study, Spanish, art. We also do calendar, read alouds, songs, sing ABC's, go over colors, shapes, etc.

 

For the handwriting I prefer to make copies to go over trouble letters more than once or just really get them comfortable with each letter.

[Similar to BJU Math]

I realize it's not colorful, but there are pictures that can be colored and the teachers manual seems similar as they do oral work then a worksheet, but not sure how similar just looking at the few preview pages available. And not sure how many workbook pages per lesson or if manipulates are used or can be used with it.

 

Thanks I will check out Math in Focus.

[Similar to BJU Math]

Would Rod & Staff be somewhat comparable?

[Similar to BJU Math]

We use BJU math and love it. My kids love that it's fun and colorful. I like that it is mastery and most of the lesson is done orally and/or with manipulatives then at the end a short worksheet, but the price! It is a bit expensive, so I was wondering if there was anything comparable at a cheaper price.

[Teaching a 5 year old to read: JUST beginning]

I much preferred Phonics Pathways over OPGTR. I have both, but only ever use PP.

[Why do I hate FLL?]

MCT language arts is a nice alternative, if you are more of a story-based, curl up on the couch and read and discover together type of outfit.

 

http://www.rfwp.com/pages/michael-clay-thompson/

Thanks for the suggestion. I've heard it mentioned, but never looked into it. It sounds like something my kids may really enjoy.

[Why do I hate FLL?]

For those that have found better options that are not as boring as FLL, what are they?

[Are BJU products easy to use?]

I think the early elementary math programs are very easy to use. It is all layed out for you, very little prep.

[Math Question for grade 1... Saxon elem isn't cutting it..]

Math mammoth was not a good fit for us either, but we love BJU math.

[BJU math - slow/medium/fast]

I agree I'd say medium. We love it also! We went from math mammoth to bju and really love this program!

[How do you handle a child who stares into space?]

The pediatric neurologists exact words were, "I see no reason to think this is seizure related."

 

I have a friend with complex partial seizures that grew to eventually sporadic epilepsy, so that was my first thought about it and I mentioned it to him at the appointments.

My daughter has them, so Ive learned a bit about them. When he stares will he respond right away when you call him? Will he be able to tell you what he was looking at/thinking about? Or is it more like he does not remember what happened?

 

If you feel it's more than just being distracted, I'd get a second opinion.

[How do you handle a child who stares into space?]

His EEG was normal too. Seriously. I have had everything except a sleep study done. He doesn't snore much. He sleeps in a room with 3 other bunkers so we'd know about it. Everyone complains about his dog snoring, but not him.

Has he been evaluated for complex partial seizures. It does sound like it could me something more than just daydreaming. Also with complex partials the EEG will come out normal in most cases.

[OPG or AAR?]

I wanted to second Phonics Pathways. Similar to OPGTR, but "funner" visually, great thorough program and the only phonics program you'll need.

[Anyone done MM1 in K?]

My dd who picks up math quite fast and natrual did MM1 in kinder, and she was a young 5 at the start of kinder and did fine. I think it just depends on how well your child is in math.

[The Wonderful Curiosity File Unit Studies are FREE on Educents! Yay!]

Thanks for the info!

[What to have added focus on?]

Thank you for the responses. I really like the idea of trying to bring her strengths into many more of their subjects than I do now. I just wasn't sure if I should play up what she is naturally very good at or the stuff she just is "average" at. If she was behind in something then I guess I'd me more concerned, but I think giving her confidence and letting her shine in her natrual talents may be best for now.