Another vote for Spelling Power...I've recommended it on the boards before. We've used it for 2 years and I do "big-puffy-heart" love it (LOL) because of these reasons: - No weekly lists of words: student only practices those words they miss / don't know. No wasted time on words they can already spell correctly. No busy work. - Students start at their "level", wherever that might be and progress from there, without the stigma of grade levels. (The levels are alphabetical: Level A, B, C...and so on. There is a section the teacher can use to see which spelling levels correspond with which grade levels, if you need to see that.) - The book goes through adulthood spelling, so the student can continue to progress for many years. - There are review tests at various points to see if the student has retained difficult words ("Delayed Recall"). No biggie if they're missed; they're practiced again. I think this shows if true progress is being made and helps solidify those particular words the student struggles with. The method outlined in the book for practicing words really works, so I do require DD to use it, but we also change up the way she practices. For instance, she can go outside and practice spelling words with sidewalk chalk in huge letters on concrete. Sometimes we've used pipe cleaners to shape out the words (but this takes some time) or spelled them in pudding on a cookie sheet or with rainbow highlighters...or...lots of fun ways to practice spelling words. Spelling Power's method also has a spot for students to use the words in a sentence. Sometimes DD is already doing a lot of writing elsewhere, so I don't always require this section (speeds up the process). FYI: Depending on the student / level, the lists can be quite long. Sometimes we've broken them up into 2 or 3 days. Other times, we've breezed through a whole list easily. Depends.

Not quite what you asked, OP, but I did want to mention that DD read all of the Thornton Burgess books she could find and loved them. She was about 7-years-old at the time, but I think they might work for a variety of ages. Here's a list of 172 of his books from the Thornton Burgess Society: http://www.thorntonburgess.org/ThorntonBurgessBooks.htm Sadly, our librarian said DD was the first person in a long time to check out these classics. She said they are starting to get rid of these types of books in discard sales because people aren't showing an interest in them anymore. I think, because of that fact, they can be a bit hard to find--unless you can afford to purchase used copies online. Our library has a handful of them.

Did you happen to see this recent thread? http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/667391-weekly-folders-were-a-fail-what-now/ HTH!

Bingo! Finally figured out why I'm always overwhelmed! I think I've been trying to do what I perceive as "the best" in all areas. It's just not possible. Both in terms of my energy level--what I bring to the table teaching-wise--and in terms of getting school done in a reasonable amount of time each day. Started homeschool out not living a very balanced life and putting a lot of pressure on DD1--trying to find our sweet spot... The last year or so we've found balance and now I stress that it's not all being covered to the "utmost degree". I don't transfer that stress to DC anymore, but I do stress internally, quietly about it, LOL. So a new strategy could be: Focus on 1-2 areas of study (actually, probably the 3R's for us because I think they're the most valuable at our stage) that I bring all of my focus to, pick the "best" curricula for, etc....and let some of the lesser subjects be "just OK" or "sufficient" this year.

Hi Lori D.! I used these 2 little tips today and it worked really well! Cut my K'er off with reading, both a read-aloud and her reading aloud to me...wanting more. In trying to cram more in each day, I'd forgotten to keep the joy alive and to leave them wanting more! I also have a tendency to add more math in or more [whatever] in if things are going well. Why not make things more amazing?, LOL! My DC are compliant, but I could see where it would grate against them. So I set a time for math work today and cut it off when I said I would, even though it was going well. I don't want to provoke them to anger by not keeping my word in terms of wrapping things up! THANK YOU!!!

Very helpful to hear people say this. Lots of things look so glossy and amazing or so rich or rigorous (enter more adjectives here, depending on my given desire or fear in that moment), whether they're seen on a blog or in a catalog, or wherever... Things can tug at the heartstrings and make me question everything I'm doing. I don't necessarily "jump", but it does nag me and make me wonder if I really have "the best" curriculum. If things could be better... Couple that with quite a bit of snobbery regarding "old school" curriculum... But then, I keep things like this in mind, which really piqued my interest when I heard them: - The family I know whose 4 adult children are in some form of med school...used Abeka with all of them, all the way through. - The family I know who has many children (including "launched", successful adult children) and still used/uses/loves Saxon for each one. Some of these "passe" curricula really aren't passe. It probably all depends on how they're used... ...and if they're finished! :laugh:

I think this might be my problem...5 years into homeschooling and every "amazing" thing my idealist self picks includes a huge dose of energy from me. The sum = burnout, over and over again. As my DC get older, my eventual goal is for them to be more self-starting in their educational pursuits. Trying to give them tools and skills so they can pursue interesting learning on their own. I'm trying to work more independence in there when possible and to just accept that sometimes, good enough is good enough. Don't worry, I won't go tracking down curriculum listed here, but it does give one food for thought. :001_smile: You're brave for sharing something you perceive as not being popular 'round these here parts; thanks!

I could write this post every year. ...Probably more like many days of the year! If we finish the day early and without a little stress, I wonder if I'm "letting them / us off easy" and if I should expect more, push more. Am I fooling myself into thinking that what I'm providing is rigorous? What if I don't even know what "rigorous" really looks like? (BTW, "rigorous" would be my label / goal--not saying it's yours, OP.) If the day is stressful and we don't accomplish everything, I realize I've planned too much and sucked the possible joy out of things... It's a difficult balance. I'm an idealist and tend to plan "the best" (whatever that is - :001_rolleyes: - does "the best" exist?) for each subject area and then proceed to feel overwhelmed and realize that it can't all be accomplished...at least not in one year! When my kids take assessments or I see them in various settings, I realize that they're probably doing just fine, and, in various ways, doing really well. I should probably enjoy them and our time together more and stop stressing so much. I'm not really posting with advice-- Just to say that you have company in your pursuit of balance. There are some good posts here!

Care to share what you landed on? Seriously, LOL, it's very intriguing to read about successes like these and to wonder which curriculum you could be speaking of! (Despite the original post! :laugh: ) It's not that I intend on switching anything out...because I know the key is sticking with what's working and finishing it (OP)... ...but with such glowing reports, it's too tempting: what did you roll your eyes at and then switch to? Do tell!

So.....what was it? :blush: (The curriculum you never guessed you'd use?)

How'd you do it? I'm thinking of giving up caffeine for Lent...but I'm afraid...very afraid! Maybe I could ramp it down with caffeinated tea for a few weeks prior?

For reference, my Rx is around -6.0 and the Speedo Vanquisher goggles are perfect. For some of you mentioning getting goggles from an eye doctor: if your Rx is around mine or lighter, I wouldn't waste the time or $--not necessary! Goggles do wear out over time, so they're something you have to eventually replace. https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/speedo-vanquisher-optical-goggle-7789/?color=208 10% off first order and they're running around $17 +shipping. I usually buy a few during their sales. (I'm not a rep for them or anything, LOL. Just really pleased.)

Another vote for swimoutlet.com and relatively-cheap Rx goggles. Speedo brand runs ~$16-18. If feasible, get her 2 pair: one clear for evening/early-morning/night swimming and one "smoke" (tinted) pair for swimming in sun. Plus, when one pair starts to disintegrate from chlorine, she'll have a back-up pair until you can replace them, even if tinted or clear. If you swim in any kind of sport, you need to be able to see the clocks! Plus, it can be disorienting when you get out and can't see anyone/anything on the deck. When swimming at larger pools without lanes or at waterparks, I don't like feeling like I can't see if someone's jumping in over my head. Rx goggles help with all of that. I actually think they make swimming safer because I can actually see where other people are, LOL. BTW, in regards to losing goggles, DC and I have an agreement: I buy the first, good pair of goggles for the season. If lost, they will replace them with their own $. My kids are young, but I don't think they're too young to learn to take care of their stuff in locker rooms, etc. It's strict, but my hope is that it will build some regard for what gear costs and how to take care of their own things.

I just want to share that this "No Spend" thread has really gotten me through 01/12/18 with very little spending! It's funny, because I haven't even read any of the posts since around the first of the month. But, as I've been doing errands, dropping kids off, picking kids up...figuring out what's for dinner...etc., I've had MANY opportunities to "do a little shopping" or to buy convenience foods instead of cooking... And those temptations don't line up with my larger goals of saving for various larger purchases and investments (like home improvement, travel, etc.). Just having this thread and group of WTM people in my head--all working along the same lines--has encouraged me to say "no" to these various little opportunities that would have frittered away a tidy little sum of cash. Thank you! This thread has reminded me that my goals are more aligned with cooking healthy food from scratch as much as possible, not polluting our earth with throw-away diversions from the dollar store (though I do find useful things there too), purging my home of stuff we don't need vs. adding more to it...connecting as people in our family vs. buying stuff to fill up emotional voids...using stuff we already have to build skills (sewing, gardening, sports, etc.) vs. buying "solutions" for boredom, stress, etc. BTW, I feel like this says a lot about like-minded people working towards their individual goals and encouraging one another. I've been ultra-frugal at many times in my life, have lived debt-free for many years, have taught Dave Ramsey classes...have spent a lot of time and thought on these things (no-spend ideas). I'm thankful for this thread and your stories and accomplishments this month!

Thanks; so that makes me think there's a good chance supplementing will work. In regards to other comments above... I just learned it's classified as a hormone; thought that was interesting but haven't done any reading on it. Looks like I'll order the D3/K2 drops next time! Thanks again for the info!

I knew you smart Hive people would have some good experience and info--thank you! I'd like to try out the drops. My level isn't crazy-low at 27; that result came from an appointment during the time of year I was getting quite a bit more sun. IOW, I'm not sure if that's as low as I get or if the level gets lower in the winter. DH and I deal with fairly severe insomnia at times. I recently read/heard that D3 and insomnia can be related, so if I can supplement successfully, I will. I ordered the Sports Research D3 via Amazon; it had higher reviews and I thought the coconut oil would be better than a synthetic carrier. Maybe I'll try the drops next time. There's no K in this particular formula. It says it's GMP-certified. They are actually gel caps; not capsules. Thanks for any other information--

DH and I tested low for Vitamin D and I've been trying to supplement. I researched and ordered D3 in coconut oil capsules from what looks to be a reputable company (Sports Research). I'm taking 5000 to 10,000 IU's a day. A friend recently told me that if I were taking D3, I needed to also take Vitamin K2. She said the K would help with absorption of the D and send calcium into bones. Every time I try to research supplements, I end up down a lot of rabbit trails. There is so much junk science on the web and, frankly, I'm coming to the hive because I don't want to waste a ton of time weeding through info that may or may not be scientifically-sound. It's overwhelming and I just need some proven ways to get my D up this winter. Any opinions and/or data on this? (For what it's worth, I try to get some sun exposure, but I'm really fair--only burn--and we have family histories of skin issues so I do tend to wear a lot of sunscreen in the summer, hats, etc.) Thanks in advance!

What are the "big four"? I usually only think of the (big) 3 R's... Thanks!

:bigear:

I love this book list!!! I've recommended the site to many and we've been working our way through it/them for a couple of years. I haven't met a book on this list I haven't liked or considered worthwhile in some way. Mostly they're just super recommendations. We've discovered many authors on these lists I wouldn't have otherwise come across.

Just happened to see this deal on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/BS-MALL-Synthetic-Cosmetics-Foundation-Blending/dp/B00I3VHKVK/ref=gbps_tit_m-7_a06d_af43cf70?smid=A26XQ45ZJKZ7YW&pf_rd_p=f6028854-171f-4247-8a4e-84bdcca4a06d&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-7&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=5550343011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=7AF0FXAY6X580Q0YEJJ0#customerReviews It's a 10-piece set; highly-rated (4.5 stars out of 7300+ reviews) for $7 / free-shipping with prime. Original price: $40.

You've already gotten a lot of good recommendations, but I'll second a few above for what you've described. I was a tomboy at that age and here's what I really enjoyed: - Roald Dahl books - Beverly Cleary books (Ramona series, others) - My Side of the Mountain - King of the Wind (and others by the same author) - Rumer Godden books - Grace Lin books (range from easy to difficult) - The Littles - I loved the American Girl books at that age and didn't see them as being overly "girly"; I liked the historical aspects as a kid (especially Molly set in WWII, for example). There weren't really dolls and clothes tied to them back then. As an adult, I still like the books a lot, but find the whole AG craze and magazine to be ultra-girly. I don't encourage the catalog by keeping it in the house, LOL--though I'm sure lots of girls and women love it as a wholesome option compared to a lot of stuff out there! I still enjoy the books as an adult because of the gentle, yet seemingly accurate intro to some historical scenes. And two series DD really liked: - Boxcar Children (I consider most of the series somewhat "fluffy", but they really turned her on to reading) - Magic Tree House (also considered some of these below her skill level, but she was introduced to a lot of historical events and couldn't get enough of them for a period of time) Sometimes DD doesn't pick books off of the shelf (like Bulla books), but if I encourage them or occasionally require them for school, she grows to love them. An aside: We're trying a new thing where DD and I are concurrently reading through a book--together but separately. She's free to read Chapter 1, for example; then I read it on my own time but try to not to make her wait too long...We're "mapping" the chapters together on a chart (setting, characters, any conflicts/resolutions that arise...the author's message)...then we're each free to read the next chapter. No one can read ahead until the other has caught up. This can be hard and really good if you just can't wait to find out what happens next! Last month we read through Island of the Blue Dolphins together/separately. We were each free to read 2-3 chapters at a time (I glanced ahead to find a good stopping point each time). Then we had to stop, narrate each chapter to/with each other, and discuss major points, our opinions, our thoughts on it, etc. Then we were each "free" to read to the next stopping point (1, 2 or 3 chapters, depending). This has been a great way to go through books that she might not be so motivated to pick up on her own, but really enjoys once she's introduced. One other new thing we tried this year: We read Baby together (same author as Sarah Plain and Tall and Caleb's Story)...I read the entire book aloud, 1-2 chapters each night while she followed along with a second copy. I read it at the pace I would have read it to myself--fairly fast-paced. I think she learned a lot about inflection, tone, speed, and more mature concepts that came up in the book--nuances the author used too--that she would not have gained if she would have been reading it to herself. The content was on the mature side, so I probably wouldn't have encouraged her to read it on her own; some explanation and insight helped. So the pressure was off in some ways for her because I did the reading, but there was still growth and an intro to some superb writing skill that you don't usually see in juvenile books. Hope you find some great, new books!

For anyone else out there who is, like me, tempted to over-gift or to keep adding to presents under the tree for children... (after the gift budget has already been used up...and surpassed a bit, LOL) ...and to keep adding "amazing" events to the schedule...a bit of encouragement (for myself too): Remember that what children (and adults) are ultimately looking for can't be bought: - true connection with the family...eye-contact and a listening ear from Mom and Dad--slow down! - peace...moments of enjoyment that come from a schedule that is not over-packed, rushed, stressful - health...again--don't over-extend everyone with a crazy schedule...take time to make healthy food from scratch instead of rushing out the door again - joy...figure out what the family truly enjoys and maximize those things - traditions and rituals that bring people together - true purpose and meaning of the season and in life...whether those are centered on faith, eternity, love, service to family, helping those in need (not only $ need)... For us, here are some ultra-cheap or free things are actually cheap in comparison to things I'm tempted to buy: - playing a family game with games that are already on the game shelf - creating or crafting things with supplies we already own - taking a hike for exercise, fresh air, togetherness in nature - lighting the Advent wreath or a beautiful candle; giving thanks for blessings and praying for those we love who are suffering in various ways - spending a night at home listening to high-quality, seasonal music that we enjoy - heating apple cider with a cinnamon stick and packing up in the car to look at Christmas lights for an hour (not much fuel) - taking some cuttings from greenery around our place and making a simple table centerpiece or Advent wreath - inviting one or a few people over for dinner that might be struggling with loneliness, pain, lack of resources or family help - making cards for others near and far to say hi or thank you (teachers, an elderly neighbor without family...children's artwork is the very best!) - taking the time to add something fresh to each meal (a salad, good fruit) in this season of evenings with events - taking the time to get centered and to quietly pray alone or attend a Mass together, attend a concert or casual musical performance... - I'm sure there are a million ideas out there...we're going to try to pick a few over the next 3 weeks and I have to fight the tendency I have to cram ALL of the good ideas in... Ultimately, all of these things require stopping our usual routine and busy-ness and spending TIME, not money (or very little money). Time is expensive around here and always feels like it's in limited supply, so it can be very hard for me to do. But ultimately I know that buying one more thing or adding one more event only worsens this cycle and doesn't seem to increase happiness in the family. I don't know if any of these thoughts resonate with anyone here. I just want to say, "Keep up the good work!" on sticking with budgets, paying off debt, and making the season meaningful without giving into temptations to spend what isn't available! You will be happy you have been kind to your "future self" of January and increased the stability of your family's financial situation down the road. Discipline now = future benefits. It's encouraging for me to see a bunch of other adults making responsible, mature decisions for their families in the midst of the pressure to buy more. Best wishes for a joyful, peaceful season for all of our families!

Memory (there are some beautifully-illustrated sets; some are larger - like ~60 cards - but we would just take 5 pairs out, for example, to start with for my younger, and then add more pairs in as she gained skill) Spot It! Hi Ho Cherry-O (probably starting at ~3 or 4 years because of counting and small pieces, unless supervised)

Why St. Martin? Please tell me more! And are the St. Martin bags filled with sweets to or? Thanks!