Rod and Staff. Both Saxon and TT (which uses Saxon's incremental methodology) have relatively few problems on the current topic and a wide smattering of previous topics. R&S is sensibly laid out so that the first half (roughly) of the exercises cover the new material and the remaining of the practice exercises cover (in well designed, spaced review) two to 5 topics ONLY, often with 2-6 problems for *each* topic. This means it is a breeze to have your child do only one "review" problem for a topic she truly has down pat, and enough review problems for a topic that throws her at first glance that she'll actually get to *work* with the topic. Since your daughter will have access to a "teacher", the TM for R&S math is a dream--very helpful for extra examples, oral review, pointers on what might prove difficult. Especially in the elementary years, "live" teaching is to be preferred to a DVD.... Most of the time, my "teaching" took less than 10 minutes--most of which was spent doing the oral review (excellent) with my child. I usually sat with my child while he/she read the lesson (2-3 minutes) and answered any questions (usually none). If you go with R&S, based on your comments, I would defininitely use the fourth grade book. It provides a thorough review of add/sub/mult/div and then goes on to develop fractions. The fifth grade book will approach fractions from a "you've had this before" slant. And fractions are so vitally important for all the remaining years of math that this is not a topic to surface scratch.... Also, I've used the fourth grade text as a consumable. (The text is no more expensive than Abeka's paperback) *Much* of the work can be done right in the book--there is truly enough space. And for the few problems that needed more room, well, it was good practice on copying problems correctly. HTH,

It uses a spine, and lists readers in three age categories: K-2, 3-5, 6+ which gives you lots of options. I believe for the younger crowd it schedules SOTW (as it is the only book you listed targeted for that age group) but it should be easy to schedule in CHOW instead (the next book targeted for that age group). Paula's archives lists a number of SOTW/book x schedules. Personally I would not use MOH with a 1st grader (although I did *very much* enjoy using it with the targeted grades.) as I think there are far better resources for inspiring such young students with the heroes of history. If I recall correctly, it also lists some timeline suggestions and a narration/writing question each week. HTH,

Having homeschooled 5 children, the youngest now in 7th grade, I've learned that *very few* first graders learn "history" pegs. First grade history is really just about learning there are people/events that happened in different times and different places. Its about cuddling on the couch. It is about having fun (which *doesn't* necessarily mean lots of crafts). You could seriously do nothing about "history" except make sure to read lots of good books--a mix of enthralling picture books, easy chapter books, age-appropriate myths (my favorite: Classic Myths to read-aloud which groups readings by age-appropriateness). You don't really have to worry about chronology or that sort of thing. After reading, occasionally look at a map or globe and find the place (if it exists). This alone will build a broad foundation for later learning-- 3rd and 4th grade is the time *I've* found that things start to click in a "peg" sort of way with the children). With my youngest, since she was following along with her older siblings, I found Edupress's Anc. Egypt, Greece, Rome coloring books an excellent "spine". 32 pages of reasonably detailed pictures (for a first/second grader) and a paragraph of info all about the particular culture for each page. That plus listening to all the read-alouds and reading a few easy readers on her own (I Can Read books) made a very good "history" course for her. Until recent times, history as a subject didn't start until 4th grade. The earlier grades concentrated on the 3R's--history and science were woven into reading and nature study; again, to provide a base for study later. Some food for thought,

We've not studied the 20th Century in depth at a high school level, but one book I will *always* include is No Picnic on Mount Kenya. This is the true story of an Italian POW (in a British concentration camp) and how he and two others escape to climb Mr. Kenya, knowing that they would have to go back to the camp after their feat. A very interesting look at the realities of life when reduced to nothing but a number. I think it offers an excellent but differing POV worth contrasting with Nazi concentration camps. HTH,

to sign-up, register for the classes you want, and then *pay* to get the DVD classes you want. (It is called either DLA or DLN--they not only supply missed classes but a *whole* year's worth at a time for approx. $175). I don't have that option (we live overseas), but if I was stateside, I wouldn't waste my time recording when someone else will do it for me. The plus side to this option is that as long as you subscribe (you don't even need the satelite), you can keep using the DVDs you purchased for all your kids just as if you were doing the recording yourself. You do need to purchase the texts (which are easy to get used)--with the Complete DVD option, you get the books whether you need them or not. Anyway, I throw that out as another possibility if you are even considering the HomeSat route.... It is a financial compromise between HomeSat self-recorded and DVD-leased for those using more than one class for more than one student.... HTH,

but here is ours. I want to make clear that *both* courses are very good, but definitely differ in presentation. Jensen's is *not* a single one year course. The current Jensen's book is a compilation of his three previous books (2 focusing on Latin roots, 1 focusing on Greek roots) each designed to take a semester or more, depending upon how much time you want to spend on vocabulary studies. When we used it many years ago, it was still three separate books and we used the first one. My daughter did well with its straightfoward, puzzle-piece approach and found many of the words reinforced in her literature studies. Jensen's Vocab works extensively from a list of roots, prefixes,and suffixes. Each week the student works with a particular set, *figuring* out which word means what based on the roots/affixes sheet. There are four differing exercises each week, and the roots/affixes are used/reviewed in words throughout the course. Some kids like the "puzzling" approach, others don't. My daughter *did* learn a lot; I think all the puzzling out helped cement her thinking and understanding. I didn't continue to use it because of cost and it doesn't fit all my children's learning styles--(However, I am tempted every year because *I* like the puzzle-it-out aspects....) The Vocab. from Classical Roots booklets are slim and can easily be completed in half a year. Each lesson focuses on a few roots, includes definitions, related words, and examples of use from literature. There are also exercises as well. Although highly recommended by many, for some reason, this series did nothing for us and I dropped it after using 2 levels (we gave it a good try). If you are willing to add more exercises (SWB advises making flashcards and reviewing them), then I think you could get a lot out of this series. I have since moved to WW3000 because it is easy to use, contains worthwhile exercises, and reinforces words that show up in the literature my children are reading. Each book contains about 20 lessons, meaning one can complete 3 books every two years. I like my children to finish the series by 11th grade and use Vocab. for the College-Bound for 12th which is my favorite of all the vocab texts I've tried--it has a large section on Greek/Latin roots, words of other origins, words grouped by context, and more with varied, worthwhile exercises. HTH,

especially as we cannot preview *before* we buy. Any other suggestions for a DVD art appreciation class? Thanks again for your insights,

The one I found (but it seems like there are several differing sets) on Amazon is titled: Sister Wendy - The Complete Collection (Story of Painting / Grand Tour / Odyssey / Pains of Glass) Starring: Sister Wendy Beckett Director: John Hooper Rating List Price: $79.98 Price: $58.49 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details You Save: $21.49 (27%) I couldn't get the link to copy correctly--too long. Sorry about that. HTH,

We live overseas and am I am looking for a low-key, *multi-media* (ie. not a book) approach to art appreciation for 12-15 year olds. I had thought of TC courses, but honestly think that while I might enjoy them, it would be too much for the kids. This is not for a "credit" class, just for well-roundedness. In looking up some other books on Amazon, I saw a link for Sister Wendy's Art DVDs and they *may* be what I am looking for--something to inspire appreciation for art by example, instruction, and enthusiasm. I am off-base here? Have I misinterpreted just what is on those Sister Wendy Dvd's? Is there anything I should know about them (inappropriate for young teens)? We can't just check them out of our local library or expect them to pop up on the local PBS station. And once bought, we can't sell them either.... So, if you have any experience with these videos, for good or bad, please share! TIA,

I, too, have used BJU Pre-Algebra several times and will next year with my youngest (sniff, sniff). I've not used the DVDs, though I have used an upper-level math on DVD from Bob Jones. Some thoughts for you: 1. If your son is strong in math and much of BJU will be review, you *really* may not need the DVDs at this level. The instruction in the student's text has almost always been enough for my kids and the TMs contains additional teaching suggestions for the few (1 or 2) times the children needed a bit extra. 2. The TMs outlines which problems to assign for a struggling, average, challenging program. I believe (based on the Geometry DVD program that we are using) the DVD teacher follows the average track. I have always assigned the challenging track to my children.... 3. You mentioned "going faster" for the stuff he knows well. This is where using (or at least getting the benefit of) the DVDs will be most challenging. All classes/lectures take 45 minutes (*possibly* only 30 at the Pre-Algebra level, but definitely 45 min for Alg. on up). I don't see how you could go much faster unless you just skipped the lectures (in which case why get the DVDs?). We do use DVD math programs (not only BJU, though) for upper level math because I feel my children (even the strongly math-inclined) do much better with actual instruction. However, Pre-Algebra is enough of a transition year that I've been happy to take the (minimal) time needed to work with my students through the BJU text. HTH,

these are my tried-n-true that I used multiple times once discovered: Bible: K-3: Vos Story Bible 4-7/8th: R&S 5-8 (Covers the whole Bible in 4 years) 8/9th-12: Explorer's Quest studies Grammar 2nd Grade: the old Daily Grams Teaching/Guided Review (pink book--there must be a new equivalent). Loved this text for 2nd graders. English 2-4th grade: Primary and Intermediate Language Lessons (3 years total, moving through the books with exercises I thought worthwhile) English 5-7th grade: R&S English 4-6 Composition: Wordsmith Apprentice (sometime between 4-6th grade) Spelling: 2-6th: R&S Spelling Vocab: 7-11th: Wordly Wise 3000 Vocab: 12th: Vocab for the College-Bound Grammar Jr. High: Jensen's Grammar Highschool: ABeka (take 2 years for just grammar to review) Math: 1st-7th: R&S 1-7 Pre-Algebra: BJU Pre-Algebra Algebra I and II: Math Relief History: 3/4th: Sonlight 3 and 4 (American History for elementaries) 4th+: MOH (World history for late elementaries) Science: 7th-12th: BJU HomeSAT or DVD You can see that my biggest difficulties are with high school history and lit--it has been hard to find the perfect combination.... HTH,

I've used two different spines: Runkle's for one year and BJU this past year (for one son) and next year (for another). Runkle's is mainly Physical Geography (covered in the first 5 chapters of BJU's text). It is very good and readable but lightweight *if* your student has covered much earth science previously. Runkle's doesn't address cultural or political geography at all. (ie, countries and how people live). BJU's text is very comprehensive but do-able when spread out over the year. It also has an accompanying activity book--this includes mapwork plus all sorts of other activities to choose from (if desired) listed by chapter. We add "living" books but I don't want to design an entire course around such things (although that could be easily done *if* you have the time, energy, and resources to do so). Abeka's Geography is meant to be covered in a (packed) semester. It might be a good choice if you want to add *lots* of other readings and supplementary activities. I don't know what teacher helps there are, though. HTH,

Thanks for listing both titles--now I know why I thought there was two....

If you go to http://www.abeka.com and sign in as a guest and bring up grade 9 or 10 (or both, but not at once!), you will be able to click on the student book and be given a snapshot of a single page. Not much to go on, but it might help you to decide whether to continue pursuing it or not.... HTH,

food? I think that might be a good supplement for my son's world geography course. I can't think of either the title or the author and there may be more than one book on the topic.... Anybody know? Thanks!

We also have to buy all our books ahead of time, so I face this dilemma yearly. My children do not enjoy having to reread books for school that they already read for fun. It is one thing if it is just one or two books (think High School lit. classes), but for those subjects where the reading is for enrichment/expansion/enjoyment, they already got that from the first reading and gain very little from a second "forced" reading. We must purchase all our books because we live overseas. For "fun" reading, I buy used books and let them have their pick of those, but I keep back the fun "school" books for school time. When we are stateside, we make weekly trips to the library. If you are unsure of good books to read, ask your librarian or post here, and you will get *many* suggestions of good books to introduce your son to. HTH,

I have Jensen's and use it as a Jr. High grammar text. However, the others are correct in that it uses different terminology than some (his terms are more linguistically-based rather than grammatically-based). At the Jr. High level my students are already familiar with the traditional terms (via R&S), so the difference is rather refreshing. I think a terrific, reasonable, traditional program is Abeka's High school level program. It is in-depth, teaches diagramming, and is easy to use. It is also half the price of AG (as a self-learner, you just need the student text and teacher key. Skip the tests/quizzes/any other helps--you won't need them.) Go with the 9th or 10 grade text (called Grammar and Composition III or IV). These books also covers usage/mechanics/writing style (within the context of grammar--parallel constructions, dangling modifiers, etc). The back third of each book covers writing exercises which you will be skipping. Abeka would be *my* choice as an adult learner... HTH,

I am in the midst of planning my 4th ninth-grade geography course. It varies a bit from child to child. Some books that I am scheduling: No Picnic on Mount Kenya (great book about an Italian POW (in an English concentration camp in Africa) who escapes to climb Mt. Kenya--knowing the whole time they would have to go back to the camp... They travel through jungle up to snow-covered peaks... The Brendan Journey--another "re-create the trip of" book along the veins on Kon-Tiki. (I also recommend Kon-Tiki, but all my children have already read that one). The author, Tim Severin, has written several other titles as well. Missionary Bio's--We have quite a few that we have read, but if you haven't, take a look at Sonlight's catalog for some geared for older students (namely, Brother Andrew, The Word Came With Power, In Search of the Source, Bruchko). Also Rainbow Resource (among others) carry the YWAM Heroes of Faith series which covers even greater territory but is targeted for a younger audience (4-8th grade). Some I am considering: Two Years Before the Mast The Oregon Trail by Francis Parkman The Adventures of Captain Bonneville Walk Across America (My upcoming geography student is my second son. For my daughter, I would consider adding a book by Isabel Bird--she was a Victorian spinster that took off on equestrian travels around the world to improve her health. Her works on online and free if you want to check them out.) HTH,

Since they are *so* highly recommended by all the "literature-based" history gurus, I tried to use them twice (selling after each time). I am no longer tempted... :-) They are a bright, colorful narrative; We could live with the bias (pointing it out, of course). What my kids *didn't* like: 1. the jerky feel--too many sidebars detracting from the flow; and 2. the uneven coverage--minor events/peoples treated like major events/people. We *have* liked This Country of Ours (available to view online at http://www.mainlesson.com, also available to purchase at their sister site). This is also a well-written narrative that definitely sidesteps the "jerky" feel but is still prone (as most narratives are) to linger on unessentials... This is my text of choice for upper elementary/jr. high US history. HTH,

It *is* more "factually" based; the other posters are quite correct in their assessment that is not into deep literary analysis. However, it is a great way for students to get familiar with many great works and the vocabulary work is better than LL (we have LL7 and 2 of the High School sets: speech, Christian British Authors). Some of my children would *struggle* with LL, they don't "see" deep meanings and symbolism and all that. The kinds of deeper (even if not "too" deep) questions in Smarr (compare Character X with Character Y) seem to be enough of a stretch for them. The other thing we have appreciated with Smarr is the *daily* format of the lesson--it keeps us all on track. I think *both* programs have their strengths and weaknesses; the trick is to determine which blend is going to be the best match for this teacher, this student, this year. Thus, my assortment of homeschool-friendly high school lit. programs! HTH,

I think it is a good choice for upper elementary/jr. high students. Pros: Well-written narrative including all the major and many minor figures/events of American History. Cons: Covers very little of the 20th Century. Because of the narrative format covering lots of human interest details (this is what makes it so readable), "minor" events tend to have the same "weight" as "major" events. (This is true with many narrative histories, not just TCOO). HTH,

and have for the last 12+ years. For K, I would forget a history "program" and instead invest what money I could in lots of good books that cover all kinds of topics. You don't need a guide to read good books to your children! The early years of Sonlight, Ambleside Online, FIAR, Yesterday's Classics, all have good, good choices of books to read. Pick a variety of topics, picture books, fairy tales, children's classics (ie. The Poky Little Puppy). Not knowing where you are headed, what I *would* take for a K are good quality kid's scissors, glue sticks, construction paper, and the like. You might invest in Abeka's Art book for K (get it early as it gives you a list of supplies you'll need) or CLP's early art books (There's two, can't recall the names but they are good). You can read/print good books off the internet, but I've never been able to find "craft" supplies here because "craft" stores don't exist. Also, try to remember that just being in a foreign country is exciting and take advantage of ALL the opportunities you will have with places to go and people to see.... HTH,

Jr. High Hits LL 7 (with son) BJU Lit 7 with DVD (my daughter is really enjoying Mrs. Vick with this class) Wordly Wise Vocabulary 7, 8, 10 Jensen's Grammar (after a few years of excellent teaching with Rod and Staff, we appreciate the clear-cut, no-nonsense workbook format) Rod and Staff Math Wordsmith Apprentice/Wordsmith--fun little writing assignments Hearts and Hands Activity/craft kits (all so far but only with my craft-loving daughter) Jr. High Misses Feed My Sheep--just doesn't get done SOTW 3&4--too young for the age (used in Sonlight 7) High School Hits BJU Physical Science with DVD (a *great* class) Math Relief Algebra 1 on DVD (another *great* class) Smarr Literature--great for science/math types like my son--whole books but not too touchy-feely.... High School Misses BJU Geography with DVD (takes too long--we are skipping the videos, doing basic book work supplemented by real books:No Picnic on Mount Kenya, The Long Walk, bio of David Livingstone, etc

I would definitely start your child at grade level--the words are by no means advanced and the exercises are worthwhile and age-appropriate. We follow a regular "routine" for our WW lessons. Each lesson consists of a list of words (with definitions in the newer editions) and several Exercises. Our weekly pattern is as follows: Day 1: Read through words, write them out, do Ex. A of the lesson Day 2: Do Ex. B and C of the lesson Day 3: Do Ex. D and E of the lesson Day 4: Quiz (I give the word orally, child writes it down, we check spelling, he/she then gives me a sentence (orally) using the word. Day 5: catch-up Day. With the new 3000 series, you can purchase a test booklet which consists of a written test for each chapter and several review tests. I use that with my high schoolers as it is good practice with a standardized test format. (My middle schoolers enjoy "quiz" day because they make their sentences tell a story which continues from week to week.....) We make vocabulary study a light and enjoyable part of our L. Arts program and WW3000 fits the bill perfectly. HTH,

These are complete "in-the-box" kits designed for hands-on science for the homeschool. The box comes with just about everything you need for a 8-12 week course on one topic doing science once or twice a week. We did the "Light" kit and it was a huge hit. There are worksheets "Investigations" for the students, answer key for parent (or student to use as a self-check). Although the website advertises as suitable for 1-8, I wouldn't use them younger than 3rd grade.... A first-grader *would* need a lot of help and frankly, wouldn't get the point of the lessons..... You can check out the website (sample lessons posted) here: http://www.homeschoolscience.com/ HTH,