I'm currently working through the SOTW 1 with the AG, and for my crafty, loves to color younger daughter - it has been great. If I were just teaching my older, hates to color or do anything he deems 'busy' work - then I wouldn't need it. *shrug* I really liked it during my planning stages, as I was able to get lots of book suggestions and feel good about the planning stage. Now that we are into it, I find myself referencing it less and less, because I'm more comfortable doing my own book searches and supplementation.

i'm brand new to this, and started a "light" week last week. Swim team just ended, so I started SOTW only for the first several weeks, heavy on the activities. Then as August rolls around, I'll add other subjects. I figured this was a good way to ease into it for my first year.

We have been TV free since before having kids, but that certainly doesn't mean they have never had screen time! LOL I find that in our 'normal' life, we don't have time to get on the computer or stream shows to watch. But if we get into a routine of regular watching, that I have more outbursts, and arguing among the children. In general, we limit all screen access during the school week (NONE - unless actively researching for a project). Weekends are supposed to have a 30 minute time limit, but I'm flexible on this if we have a special movie to watch, or each child wants time to play a particular game. In addition, all daily chores need completed before even asking me to turn anything on... When I find we've spent too much time using screens as a crutch, then it is time to pull out a read aloud, or a craft project, or plan a family work in the yard day... That usually helps break the bad habit.

Still learning them here, but in addition to the above great ideas, (especially love that bingo!), we will play a modified version of war. Basically just lay 2 cards down calculate the product to see who wins the war. I also found a great site with songs that has helped him. Things like chicks times chicks is dirty chicks = 6 X 6 is 36.

I've made these goals for my 4th grader for this upcoming year - but as I look at them - they are the same goals I would have had if I were planning to HS 3rd, as I feel this year in public he has been in a 'holding pattern' so-to-speak. Math: Addition/Subtraction/Multiplication Facts MEMORIZED Be able to add/subtract/multiply with whole number to the 1000 position Divide whole numbers with single digit numerator's - with and without remainders Understand place value, basic fractions (including adding/subtracting fractions), basic geometric shapes Interpret Data and Charts Apply Math Reasoning to multi-step word problems Decimals: to hundredths Language Arts: Grammer Skills to include: Proper use of Capitalization, Punctuation, identification of the 8 basic parts of speech Read/Comprehend appropriate Fiction & Non-Fiction books (according to HIS grade level, not 4th grade - he reads at about the 7th grade level) Practice Narration Techniques (using poetry, fables, folklore, etc.) Re-introduce cursive as primary writing for handwriting samples. Copywork of interesting poems/lines Identify key aspects of informational texts: pictures, graphs, charts, etc and be able to interpret that information Write a variety of pieces including: narratives, opinion pieces, summarizations, characterizations - Get HIM to want to write short pieces History: SOTW Ancients - extend this with research projects on topics he finds interesting as we go thru Science: Going to just pick interesting topics based on our History program and run with it... He will also take an Artios History/Music/Drama/Art class, PE is covered with competitive gymnastics and he is a piano student as well as taking a foreign language (his dad's native tongue).

I actually own that book - and never thought to use it with the children. The books that they use through their school are wonderful, and I don't think I'm good enough in the language to take on those books - just was looking to supplement. They are using these books and my husband (the native Pole) really likes them - especially for Polish children living out of the country: http://podreczniki.net/klasa3-1.html Actually - now that I've actually looked up that website, I see they have videos available to preview so I'll take a look at those options as well. Rita - I like the link you've provided. I think that is something that could easily be incorporated into a daily routine and even accomplished over meal prep or clean up when my husband is home to assist. Thank you!

I haven't done it yet - but am planning to start later this summer with both MUS and Singapore. I want the concrete maniuplatives and video that MUS offers with a 'little' spiraling, but the extra mastery that Singapore should give.

DH is Polish, and I currently have all 3 kids enrolled in a Saturday program for children learning the language. I'd love to supplement the older two at least, since I'll be homeschooling them this fall, but am a bit at a loss as to how and what to do... Both can read and speak in Polish, but their vocabulary is weak. I'm not a native speaker, but can get by, usually with lots of dropped endings! Should I just do vocabulary lists/lessons? Increase their time listening to songs/movies/books on cd? Any suggestions? Heather

Found a thread here on it: http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/1503-abbreviation-sticky/

I came here looking for the same thing! I'll keep searching, as I'm sure it is stickied somewhere...

I'm just still planning, but had similar concerns. I've decided to go with MUS and all the manipulatives for my 'main' math program, but have picked up singapore books at a used curriculum night, and am using it to reinforce concepts that I feel need more work...

I've been wondering myself whether to include spelling - but really my dd has asked for it and expects it, so I'm planning to include it for her. Thanks so much for all the insight! Heather

Ooh thank you! I was looking for the same thing! Heather

Just came here searching for the same thing - so off to post i go! LOL

Hello! I'm still in research phase, planning to start HS my ds (9) and dd (7) this summer/fall. Leaning heavily on the WTM book of course. Super excited to browse thru the forums for advice! Heather proud mama to 2 future homeschoolers!