Have you looked into FLL or CGE? Dragon really enjoyed the Lifepacs for the short time we used them.

CGE is grammar and includes dictionary work. We have art supplies all over the house. I shudder to think about the size of the container we'd need to contain them. I also fiigure the science and geography coloring books would help because of the detail.

:iagree: There are a lot of private schools that take a bite of the federal apple for funding. Here that means they use the state curricula which homeschools are exempt from. I found this out during a scout meeting when I saw ps textbooks in a catholic school classroom.

Bump. Anybody?

I have days like that. Days where I just do *not* want to get out of bed or deal with my dc more than to make sure they have food in their bellies and dry pants for the youngest. On those days, I get myself out of bed. I don't rush them out of bed. I grab a cup of coffee and breathe deep. On days when the frustration sets in during school, reading time is very thoroughly enforced and I get, if Mr. P is napping, an hour to unwind. Maybe instituting a post-lunch time of reading or quiet play would help. I also send the bigs to church on Sundays. That buys me time with just the toddler and dh or just dh if the little sleeps in. Stand your ground! Make an hour gap between their latest bedtime and yours. Get "chip faced" on your favorite ice cream.

I didn't include the teacher stuff I've picked out. Here's what I figured out for my Rainbow budget. Math: cuisenaire rods as we have math through Pre-Algebra and then CK12 Flexbooks after that Writing: Wordsmith Apprentice English: 7th & 8th grade CGE (Fury changed his mind and likes it) History: Patriot's History of the United States (and the reader) and Story of Mankind Geography: Geography Coloring Books (Wynn Kapit) for both big boys Science: Marine Biology coloring book and Zoology coloring book Language: Getting Started with Spanish Handwriting: HWOT Cursive Handwriting Literature: Children's Homer I feel like I'm missing something. Any ideas?

What about using your favorite meatloaf recipe and making mini meatloaves to go with them?

My oldest doesn't seem to want to read aloud anymore but we read the same book and it makes for interesting discussion. Would that liven things up?

I haven't been the most religious about the 4 year cycle. I would like to get back on track and have run into a snag. The boys haven't read the early elementary versions of the Iliad and the Odyssey. I'd like a version that is in plain English but written at an upper elementary and beyond level. My 9yo decodes like a high schooler but comprehends at a 5th or 6th grade. What's your favorite? What would you suggest? I am also looking at adding a version of Jason and the Argonauts as well as some more, if not all, of the Greek myths to our home library. I would not be opposed to a collection.

Anybody?

This is the idea once I get the books ordered. Mr. Picky Pants: Letter and Number awareness daily (we practice recognition and hunting for letters and numbers. He loves it!) Dragon still has handwriting to perfect. Other than that, he and Fury have the same schedule with age-appropriate math and language: Daily: Math and US History M-W-F: grammar, world history, and textbook science T-Th: geography, writing, and trading off marine biology and zoology. The geography, marine biology, and zoology books are highly detailed coloring books. The boys will take turns with the science coloring books but will each have his own geography coloring book. I'd love to hear the Hive's thoughts as we have been doing nothing but math, grammar, and reading for the last two years for various reasons.

Thank you!

Would you be willing to share your recipe for crustless quiche?

I actually have 4 dozen eggs in my fridge!! :lol: We've been eating them like mad lately and I got sick of buying them by the dozen. It was 5 dozen on Sunday. Might I echo the eggs for many meals or go on a baking binge? We could have Lisa Marie over. I'm sure she would bring bacon.

I just started poking around and found MOH in the RR catalog. Please share your experience with it.

"DD" is "dear daughter". As for having her tested, I'm not sure about that. She may just be in need of some remedial work in those areas. Teaching to a classroom means the teachers may have missed her having troubles. I had to play catch-up with Fury when we pulled him after First grade. The school's "Plan B" was just to shove more of "Plan A" down his throat. I wish I had known about OPGTTR then. It might have saved us a lot of grief. Above all, follow your motherly gut. If it's your intention to send her back, plan on at least a couple of years with her at home. Things may progress quicker but don't rush it. My boys will probably not see the inside of a classroom again until college.

I am wondering if the transition from Wordsmith Apprentice to WWS will be rough or easy for Dragon when the time comes.

Christina Pirello Google her. She has a show on PBS called Christina Cooks. I can't remember which foods it she mentioned. I remember an episode where she was talking about ditching sugar cravings *without* feeling deprived. I'm sorry I can't remember more but maybe it might give you some ideas for satisfying her sweet tooth and maybe help her health at the same time.

Welcome!! You are doing the right thing. I agree that we could help you better if you shared where your dd is behind.

Anybody use this? Fury is using WWS and I am contemplating a writing program for Dragon (9).

I've never heard of it. Where do you find it?

By all means, join the party!! I have pretzels in my freezer. M-m-m pretzels. . .

So my first thought was spot on?

What is your favorite printed grammar reference/handbook? I'm thinking of Elements of Style. Would like something that will be useful through high school.

I started Dragon on reading instruction via OPGTTR shortly before his 4th birthday. I couldn't read without him pestering so it was time. He spent from August to December in a formal classroom and was sooo bored. We pulled him and Fury (struggling in 4th) out and brought them back home. I immediately dialed Dragon back to basics as his handwriting was almost non-existent. I would definitely stick with the basics of reading, handwriting, and as much math as is tolerable. Remember that your dc's reading may be easier than handwriting. Don't lump them together.