Not at all. French is a major world language and worth studying for many reasons.

We've used CLE Language Arts for the last few years and are moving on next year in favor of a lighter approach to grammar, placing a greater emphasis on writing. My boys are going into 4th and 6th grades and are natural spellers; they rarely miss words on their CLE spelling lists. I'm not totally comfortable dropping spelling entirely yet and am looking for something quick and simple for them to do this year. I've looked at several different products: Spelling You See (too much writing and too repetitive), Spelling Power (maybe), Spelling Workout (too many puzzles and crosswords/not their thing), Rod and Staff (a possibility), Zaner-Bloser Spelling Connections (looks good, but possibly overkill for good spellers.) Simply Charlotte Mason's Spelling Wisdom looks intriguing, but I'm hoping for something more hands-off for me as I have a bunch of kids to juggle. What about Evan-Moor Building Spelling Skills? I'm planning to get Teacher Filebox this year so I could adjust their levels throughout the year as needed. Thoughts?

We just listened to it on audiobook and really enjoyed it. I will say that I probably got the most out of it, but my 11 yo son enjoyed it, too. I think the audiobook is more interesting than reading the book to yourself; the narrator was really good!

We like Christian Light Education at those levels, although I do supplement the writing portion. The grammar is quite thorough! It also includes spelling and penmanship.

Betsy-Tacy The Hundred Dresses

My son had a trach from the age of 5 weeks until 3 years. He also has a g-tube. After discharge from the hospital, he immediately began receiving services through our state's Birth to 3 Early Intervention program. One of the things we focused on was sign language since he had many different caregivers (home care nurses.) We watched some Signing Time as well, but most of what he uses is what was explicitly taught to him (and reinforced by each caregiver.) He has had the trach out now for a year and is still using baby signs along with a few words. Some signs that we've found helpful are: More All done Suction Book Music Move Thank You Mommy Daddy Brother Sister Play Hope that helps. :)

Yes, as long as you are fairly familiar with how the program works. They sell a $10 overview DVD that is very helpful. Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

I like that it's very incremental. They just learn a tiny new thing each day and there's lots of review.

Have you looked at Christian Light Education? (CLE)

No, I did not use them. They are really expensive!

Diastasis recti? Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

We've used it for grades 2-5 and it is very thorough. My kids have learned a great deal -- more than I ever did in school! But we are jumping ship next year because my boys pick up new concepts so quickly and don't need as much repetition as CLE provides. We may be back at some point since it is a solid program. It does just seem like too much right now and I'd rather put more time into other areas. Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

I just bought Writers in Residence from Apologia and really like the looks of it. It's targeted to grades 4-6.

Yes, there is. We sometimes do them orally or use flash cards instead.

I have the teacher's guide and only use it for answers. :) Actually, I occasionally also use it for alternate light unit tests. Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

I'm in Minnesota, and our schools allows us to participate in up to 3 hours a day of classes at the public school and still be considered homeschoolers. We have only utilized this on a limited basis -- for classes like art and music -- but it has been a helpful option.

This is exactly what I was hoping to find -- thank you!!!

I'm looking for some good cursive copywork for my rising 4th and 6th graders. They have already learned cursive; they just need the practice to keep their skills fresh. I'm especially interested in literary and Biblical quotes and anything related to American history. Suggestions? Thanks! Kara

I haven't used it, but it looks interesting. I like how it includes diagramming.

Our local community center offers summer memberships at a very inexpensive rate. Maybe others do, too?

I'm in the same boat, as you know. :) I do think there is a lot of writing, but I am planning to do some of the work orally where it makes sense.

Holly, what is the Interactive Planner? I can't find anything about it on their site. Is it just the digital edition of their lesson plans? Are those editable?

Holly, what is the Interactive Planner? I can't find anything about it on their site. Is it just the digital edition of their lesson plans? Are those editable?

I'm trying to decide on 1st grade materials for my daughter and can't decide. I could use some advice. She's currently using mostly CLE (Learning to Read and Math 1) but says she doesn't like the CLE books. She's made great progress with them, though. We're about halfway through both math and LTR which are technically first grade subjects, although she is a kindergartner. She's also finished Singapore Earlybird A & B and is now on Singapore 1A. We've also started FLL and she enjoys it, although there is a lot of repetition. We are also currently using Memoria Press' Enrichment Guide and loving it. I'm debating over whether to switch her all over to MP for 1st grade, but I'm just not sure. I love the look of Storytime Treasures and like the idea of having things scheduled out. If I decide against MP, I'd probably go the route of WTM route of WWE/FLL. In either case, she'll do some interest-based history and science coinciding with what her older brothers are studying. My older boys love CLE and do very well with it -- and to be honest, I'm super comfortable with it and find it easy to teach, so I'm a bit hesitant to totally switch her over. So ... thoughts on MP's First Grade? Or on how a more eclectic approach worked well for you for 1st grade?

This is very helpful - thank you! This may be a good option for us.