We have the regular set. What I like about it is that a lot of the mass market books are written for the regular set. The EV3 Discovery book is fantastic. I read that next month a new book is coming out to teach engineering principles with simple machines. So far we have not had to replace the batteries and we've used the set for a couple months. YMMV. But it does use quite a few batteries in number.

I understand trying to honor your husband, but I believe we are required to do so as our husband's honor God. Your husband does not sound like he is being reasonable. I think it's time for you to tell your husband straight up what you are willing and unwilling to do and let the chips fall where they may.

We have finished 3 weeks of Eastern Hemisphere. Prior to this we used Sonlight. Actually, I am still using Sonlight for my younger son, BookShark for older. It's very, very similar. What I like better is that I don't have to purchase their bible or LA materials, it doesn't have the missionary books which we did read before but were never favorites, it replaces those with some great biographies (like one about Nelson Mandela). It is almost identical to Sonlight besides what I have mentioned. It is also a 4-day schedule, which I love. Since it doesn't include bible or LA, the IG is much less visually cluttered which helps me make the most of it. I LOVE BookShark!

We're calling ours "Artsy Fartsy Hour" which is apparently a more palatable name for boys than Tea Time. My boys are 11 and 8 and they love it. We have a treat, recite poetry, and learn about either an artist or a composer and some of their works (we follow each artist or composer for about 3 weeks).

I a a complete novice but we are staring out with EV3 and this book: http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-MINDSTORMS-Discovery-Book-Color/dp/1593275323/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403062192&sr=8-1&keywords=Ev3+discovery The book just came out and is fabulous. My review is the first one on Amazon.

Late to the party here. I use Sonlight and we read most everything, except the Bible stuff. I think it was the beginner bible reader (is that one green?) that one son read. I thought it was fine. We read the missionary stories and liked some of them, but most of them seem to drag on too much for me so this year we are skipping. I love the looks of Bookshark, especially since the IG doesn't include LA or Bible, which we don't use and which makes it visually cluttered. I may order one more core from Sonlight to get Heirloom status because I find the forums very helpful, but I'm thinking of ordering Core F for my older son and I like the Bookshark version better.

Hi all! I am new to the forums, but I homeschooled six years before sending my boys to PS for a year to focus on our newly adopted daughter. They are coming back home and we start our next year in a few weeks. Can't wait!