No real advice here. I suffered from the same feelings you're describing! The big details and planning were the most exciting and now that all the curriculum has arrived it took a real kick in the pants to get the minute details together. The thing that got me going is that I am not allowed to buy any school supplies until I have budgeted out the first term of school for all the hands-on activities (science, preschool, art, etc.) Once I forced myself, it was much easier to keep going! You can do it! Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

I read the one by McCaughrean. I really enjoyed it. Haven't read the first, so I can't comment to which one is better. Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

Yay! My evening is saved! I just purchased the others last week, so it's strange the we so hard to find this time around. 1 million thank yous!

Am I blind? Can I just not find them? I went to go buy some SWB audio lectures and the selection has seemed to have dwindled. ALL the writing audio lectures are gone except Writing Without Fear. Even the one... I think it was called Homeschooling the Real Child, that's gone, too! Was looking to treat myself. Kids in bed, hubby gone... thought I'd do some planning and listening. Woe is me. I hope it is only because of the sale. While I already have the Elementary years, I was hoping to grab the other two! Anyone have anything good to listen to? How is the Joy of Classical Education? Maybe I'll 'splurge' and get the Teaching From Rest audiobook. I really wanted it in hard copy, but it's not available here in Canada. I know they have the ebook , but I don't own a kindle and I loathe reading from my laptop.

That's too funny! I think it's fine, as long as the person the joke is aimed at thinks it is amusing as well. If they disliked the joke, than it would no longer be funny or kind. I love that she plays it up with the kids. Sounds like a great inside joke. :) Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

Also to see in Toronto : Distillery District St. Lawrence Market

Well, be aware that Niagara falls is about 2-3 hours from Toronto. Must sees: CN Tower Ripley's aquarium Dundas square and general downtown walking\harbourfont That's all I can think of right now. :) Have fun! Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

I have early risers here, too. My oldest is 5. There have been stretches of time where 5 am was a normal time for them to wake up. These sorts of days were a turn on the TV and mom naps on the couch until they were too hungry to wait for breakfast. At this point my 5 year old can fend for himself until the 2 year old wakes up, then I wake up as well. As someone mentioned above, I too wake up to someone staring at me, or poking me. Or just if it's two my year old poking me in the eye. Lol. One day, if my kids routinely get up at 7 or 8, I would love to start that. But right now with babies it's tough! Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

Are you above bribery? When I knew my ds could read the BOB books but just wouldn't I would give him 1 mini marshmallow per page. :) Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

Oh, I'll have to take another look. Then again, I only looked at the kindergarten sample. Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

Isn't HomeArt Studio more arts and crafts? Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

I feel like learning to read vs. learning to love reading are two very different things and do not occur simultaneously. I mean who really enjoys "cat sat on a mat?" Teaching a child to enjoy good books is most important and what will lead to that is reading aloud as much as you can! +1 to everything Homeschool mom in AZ said. Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

http://www.challies.com/resources/protect-your-family-with-circle Yes! Here is the article where he talks about circle. Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

http://www.challies.com/articles/the-porn-free-family-plan I can't remember if it was in this article that he mentioned a product called Circle that allows parent control for all devices. Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

Do they still have those?! I loved those when I was little. :) Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

I like to find activities from This Reading Mama, The Measured Mom, No time for flashcards. 'All by myself bins' from 1+1+1=1 would be good, too. They are pretty much an older version of toddler busy bags. Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

My family has been travelling a lot over the last year. When arriving in a new city we like to check out www.thegospelcoalition.com to find a church that fits our theology/doctrine. Not sure if you are reformed in your theology or not, but thought I'd mention it, if the church you plan on attending doesn't work out. There are usually a lot of reformed Baptists churches on there, but because it is not an official denomination, they may just refer to themselves as community church. Can't comment too much on the differences in church, from white to black, as here in Canada, the predominantly black churches are pentecostal. My husband is black and has family in the States, and I find that they are Baptist, but pentecostal leaning in certain ways. But that's more theology related than culture/customs, which is what you are concerned about. Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

Listening in.... I haven't started TOG yet and already am torn about Writing Aids. From the reviews and samples it seems to be only a description of the assignment. I can't see how it really helps to develop writers, if that makes any sense. Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

From what I've read the ladies who developed the curriculum respond to questions, so I would definitely send them an email to ask. Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

I took an online class for grade 12 calculus about 7 years ago. I found this great site for one-on-one tutoring via webchat that used a sort of a whiteboard. The teachers there were great and really helped you work through the problem. I randomly thought about them today and went searching for it so I could pass it along to you guys! For some reason they only do grades 7-10 now, but hopefully it helps someone's dd or ds in need! https://homeworkhelp.ilc.org/chat/

To those who chose to teach their children only sounds, when did you introduce the names, and how did you do so? I'm specifically thinking about situations that would arise when teaching your child to print the letter. Do you say this is "ah" and point to the letter Aa or do you now teach the name? Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk ETA: I taught my DS the names first, than the sounds. Never had an issue. He is 5 and reading at a solid 3rd grade level. Although, he is very good at memorizing so that has probably served him well.

Quick question. Just to clarify....in my neck of the woods preschool is 3 years old and Kindergarten is 4. What age range is this book geared to? Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

Are you talking about how the topics I participate in are sorted? Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

I was just scrolling through the chat board. :) Pretty far down. Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk

Yes to this! I did this and went to Jonquiere. My friend went to trios rivies. Yes to this! I did this and went to Jonquiere. My friend went to Trois Rivieres. They only have so many subsidized spots, but I believe those are only for Canadian residents. I'm pretty sure anyone can apply. If not through the my explore website than perhaps directly through the school. Most places have the option to live on campus or with a host family. If I could do it again I would live with a family as we all spoke English on campus. High school kids are allowed in the summer. There is a spring session for undergrads. Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk