I've seen several posts recently about testing DC, and it got me curious why people do it and how. So if you do any kind of testing, would you mind sharing your thoughts? Why do you test your child? How do you use the test results? At what ages do you test your child? What tests do you use and why? Any other comments? I'm very curious. Thanks in advance!

This year we have used Steve Spangler Science. I love that a box shows up at our door each month and includes all the materials and tools we need to explore science. I may use it again next year, but I am wondering if there are any other similar options out there? Since we are expats, my husband's company will reimburse it, so money is not a factor. I want something open and go, and engaging for my very bright 6-year-old. Any ideas?

Thanks! Not rambling. And very helpful! My son may find it tedious just like one of your DC did. You've given me more to think about. I'm leaning toward just sticking with what we have and making it work. Thanks!

We haven't needed any extra practice. The curriculum does a great job on it's own.

Thank you all! I will look into Math Mamoth, but I'm also considering all the opinions to just stick with what working. For those doing MM, do you supplement or is it good all by itself?

My son will be finishing Right Start Math B this year. I love it, and I think the games and hands on activities are great for that age. However I have been debating weather or not to get Right Start C for next year. First, I have seen some poor reviews of level C (but maybe that was before the updated version?). And secondly, I'm pregnant with my fourth baby who is due right at the beginning of the next school year, and I will also start teaching Right Start A to my daughter. Since Right Start is very teacher intensive, I'm wondering if there are other options that I will love just as much? Or will any good math curriculum for this age be teacher intensive? I hesitate to change what has been working, but I'm worried it may not continue to work given the reasons listed. Any advise? What is the favorite math program of moms with multiple children and/or a busy season? If it helps, my son is bright and seems to have picked math up quickly so far.

My oldest will be in 1st! I haven't started planning yet, but some things will stay the same and others I may change. So here's the tentative plan. Math: Right Start C (unless I find something else I fancy - I have heard mixed reviews of level C, but A and B have been wonderful) History: Tapestry of Grace (we are doing Primer this year, and I'm excited to do the full deal next year) Grammar/Writing: FLL2, WWE2, pen pal letters Reading: I will let him read whatever his heart desires, he's advanced and I'm not sure if I need anything formal here Science: Steve Spangler Science continued from this year (maybe? it is pretty awesome) Spanish: I don't know! Need to figure this out Art: Home Art Studio Bible: Continue to read daily Extras: Nature study with a friend, Coding in Scratch, swimming Writing it out makes it seem like a lot, but all this gets done really quickly, and we have plenty of time to play still.

My kids are young (almost 6, 4, 1) but since we are expats for a temporary time we are making the best of living abroad. They've always been excited, but we also have learned to travel well with them in mind. If I really want to go to an art museum, I tell them there's a chocolate museum to visit right afterward. Almost all of our trips have been due to our own (adult) interest in history and culture. But we have also done a Disneyland Paris trip and are hoping to go to Legoland Germany. We recently just spent the night in a castle, but that was fun for everyone :) I think my kids don't know what it's like to NOT travel. We have been very blessed to be over here in Europe. When we move back to the states we hope to find creative ways to travel with our growing family. Maybe get an RV or camp along the way? Take advantage of the grandparents timeshare and use them to cover hotel costs? These are just some of our own ideas. But mostly we just don't want to stop traveling.

Thank you! These are great options. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would love to find a book that's a timeline that my kids can add entries to as we move through our history studies. Something that's sturdy and attractive looking. I don't want to just have a long roll of paper hung on the wall. Anyone have recommendations?

I didn't know about Liberty Kids. Thanks! It's in my Amazon shopping cart. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm pretty sure you can only have one account in the app. You would have to go in to setting and log out, then log back in as someone else.

We have similar rules to everyone else. While the small ones nap, the others have "quiet time" for at least 1.5 hours right now. 1. The only things you can do are sleep or read or listen to an audio book 2. Do not come out of the room unless you finished a book and are getting a new book. 3. Mommy will come get you when it's time to get up, so don't ask how many minutes are left. Occasionally my DS takes his watch and comes out right when the time is up.

It's Protestant but so far I haven't seen anything that would need "tweaked" by a catholic. As I said, it's more historical and not a devotional or anything. Apparently they have a group of Catholics who use the curriculum and are in a yahoo group. http://www.tapestryofgrace.com/forum/showthread.php?3311-Catholic-considering-this-program Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Oh really? I don't think I know of any bad reviews. Not sure what could be bad. As for buying books vs the library, we currently live in Europe. So I have purchased all the Primer books, but I also know they are used in the regular TOG curriculum. I have been told it's doable to get most of the books via the library. Another thought, but not necessarily what you were asking.. sometimes people think TOG is also a "bible curriculum". I disagree. While it does cover the bible as part of history, it does not take an approach of discipleship or even encouraging any type of personal relationship with God. It's simply historical. I have not let TOG replace our regular bible time.

We are doing Primer right now and we absolutely love it. I have always wanted to do the full TOG curriculum, and the Primer is a sort of "on ramp" for both the parent and the child. Some people spread Primer over two years, but we are going at a pace that will complete it in one year and I think it's perfect. I actually think taking two years would be excruciatingly slow. The things we like: - the reading/literature selections are interesting to my child and they capture his attention. - there are a variety of activities to choose from each week, which means I can pick the one that our family will like best. - there is an outline of each week which is really helpful for the parent. Things We don't like: - Sometimes there are people we are meant to learn about but they aren't covered in the literature. Instead there will be a short blurb about them in the activity sheet. But since the purpose of Primer is a very high level coverage of all history, this really isn't a big deal, and it doesn't happen very often. I just use the short blurb and activity sheet as a way of covering that historical character. I recommend getting the memory card game. I can't remember the name right now and I'm not at home. We got our cards laminated and we use them a lot. They're also helpful for Dad to come home and review. I also recommend the activity sheets because my kids love them. Feel free to ask me more questions or message me! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Oh I am so so excited to try the Princess in Black series! It sounds perfect. Girly princess, but she also is a hero dressed in black and loves action and adventure! Thank you!

Thank you, thank you! I will be ordering many of these today. :)

My DD is ready to listen to chapter books and keeps asking me to read them to her, but she's very picky and doesn't seem to enjoy most of the books we already own. I want to find something that will capture her attention and that she'll love. She likes princesses and fairy tales, adventure and excitement. She has listened to the entire Wizard of Oz (I was surprised!) in a version with lots of good illustrations. But most other chapter books I own she's not excited about. She's almost 4yo. Any ideas? TIA Sarah

Very cool. Thanks for sharing! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My kids get quizzed. But I think it's just a way of conversation. It starts with "so what are you learning right now?" Then they'll start quizzing whatever the child is learning. It's not threatening at all. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We already have Steve Spangler Science for the year. We absolutely love it! Great for a range of ages. I got an email about the black Friday deal, so I am passing it on in case someone can use it. Save 25%-64% off using the code "SNOW". Now through November 28th. Enjoy!

I have been researching different websites and apps that teach children to code. I think I have finally settled on using Scratch. It's free, and seems to have a lot of helpful resources online. I would like to find a book that has projects to create in Scratch. Does anyone have one they recommend? This would be for a 6 year old just starting out, although he is very bright, and would be able to read the book by himself and probably do the coding by himself.

Try A to Z Mysteries. It's a set with a book for each letter of the alphabet. The main characters are three kids and one is a girl. They solve mysteries in each book and my son loves them. He's at the same reading level as your daughter. Other books he likes are Hank the Cowdog Series Anything my Roald Dahl Magic Treehouse series Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What do you use a whole stack for? I'm curious. And yes. Amazon prime is awesome! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk