We love Phonics pathways. And once you get a little way in the book it tells you to have your child to spell 5-10 words a say that you're working on and/or words they may have difficulty with. So there is a writing component there is you are also looking for that. Actually since the beginning of the book it does tell you to have your child write the sounds. It is more than thorough enough to use alone as a phonics program.

From my understanding it is similar to SOTW's Activity Guide. It's more than just scheduled readings, it also has activities.

We had tried HWT and didn't care for it. I then switched to Pentime and have loved it!

How about some lit guides every other month or so, so it's being done and scheduled, but it's not something that you have to worry about everyday. For your older son and wait on starting with the younger son.

Thank you both for just great responses! Those are exactly they type of responses I was hoping for. They both sound like extremely wonderful programs for all ages in the elementary years.

Ellie, thank you for the very detailed response. It is very helpful! Edee, that's true I'm sure it makes a lot more seance once you have it!

Now that I've learned more about KONOS and am very interested I'm stuck between konos and five in a row. I would like something that will give a deep understanding and strong and very academic foundation in all the content subjects. I like that these two tie in all the content subjects into one particular thing you are studying (character trait/book). I also want something that will go through the elementary grades. My kids are very wiggly and love hands on. Which would be a better fit for us?

Another KONOS question. Is any information given in KONOS about the subject being taught or is all the information dependant on other books on hand or library books?

Oh good! I am very, very interested in this as well.

I love Phonics Pathways. Cute, to the point, thorough, easy to use, just an over all great program. It does not have readers to go with it, but when they're ready we like the Nora Gaydos books or Bob books.

I just remembered about Jump Math. It maybe something to look into. It is made mainly for kids struggling in math.

Is KONOS (Original Volumes) a complete curriculum? Well, besides math and reading, but for science, history, geography, art, etc? I searched, but only found one very old post.

I do like the sound of this because I will also have a younger child that needs more teacher time. Thanks for all the great suggestions!

I also wouldn't take Singapore math off the table just yet. I would take a break from it and start at the begining teaching her the basic math facts the "Singapore way" once those are solid and she has a good grasp of how to do move her into the math grade that is more on her level.

You may be interested in Memoria Press, Veritas Press, and Black Bird lit guides.

We found Elemental Science boring. We tried it because so many rave about it, but my science lover was not too impressed. How about Mr. Q or REAL Sciende Odyssey?

I hear about CLE a lot. I will look into their programs more. Honestly, I've never given MCT a fair shot everytime I go to the site it seems confusing as to how it works and what exactly I would need. Also what grade does it take you up to?

No, I have not looked into that one their curriculum is usually so pricy. Thanks for the suggestion I will look into it.

Any alternatives?

Is there an English program that is as thorough, complete, and covers most grades like Rod & Staff English, but a bit "funner" I really like R&S English, but my kids just wish it wasn't was dry/boring.

I really like Phonics Pathways! It is definitely not as dry as OPGTR. We tried OPGTR as well and my daughter was so bored! We then switched to PP and it was much, much better. It is a great program.

Yup, we are switching to singapore math and pentime. We are very excited about it!

I voted for the larger space because you can set up different areas, mini library, their own desks, arts and crafts area, bulletin type boards, etc and it helps my kids to get into the school mode when they have a designated area to do school.

Notgrass has a simple art curriculum. You read the verse it specifies then draw a picture about what you read. I really like them.

I do. I like the Memoria press lit guides, progeny, and blackbird.