I would like to create a reading list for my dc. What are the classics that you would not want to miss reading? I will have dc in grades 2, 4, 5, 6, & 9 next year. I feel very unorganized in this area and I don't like that. I want them to have a systematic age and content appropriate reading list. I have looked at AO. It looks great, but I already have the rest of my curriculum in place. I don't really need history readings. I have loads of historical literature for them to read for next year. Also, I was a little confused about how you use the lists. Are they intended for independent reading? I also looked at 1000 great books or something like that. There are so many books listed, I didn't know where to start. I would like a more concise list that includes the not to be missed classics. Is there anywhere else I could look? Or should I just tweak AO? I really wasn't planning to use the CM approach, though, so I suppose I would be using the list for independent reading. If the dc narrate the books read, wouldn't you have to read them also? Not possible for me...too many precious dc and not enough time. Any ideas?

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My email said the updates include: 1. Automated grading 2. Digital Grade Book 3. Parent and multiple student accounts 4. Extra lessons on more adanced topics 5. Interactive lectures 6. Hints & Second chance options 7. Animated buddies to cheer student on 8. Reference numbers for each problem (Identifying where problem type was first introduced.) The price is the same.

I got an email about this. They have revamped Pre-Algebra and Algebra I. I have heard people say they don't use the upper levels sometimes because it isn't self-checking, etc. Just in case someone is interested, I thought I would let you know that it is all those things now. :001_smile:

I got an email today that they have revamped their Pre-Algebra and Algebra I. I thought you might be interested if you use this program for math. :001_smile:

If I were you, I would pick *one* and go with it. ;) It would be much easier that way. Simple is good in my busy world!!! I'm sure you will have your hands full with triplets. Blessings to you! Have a great year!!!

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I have recently purchased Facts First through the homeschool coop. I'm really excited about it. I have had a problem, though. When I click on the welcome lesson for each operation, it gives me this tiny window and it won't let me maximize the screen. I can't figure out what is going on with it. Any ideas?

Jann, thank you so much!!! I like the idea of using BCM as a guide. I will be in touch with you in August regarding the evaluation. That eases my mind so much. You are such a blessing!

Brindee, are you saying that Lial's Intro. Alg. includes Pre-Alg? You mentioned that if we did a few chapters in BCM, we could go straight into Lial's Intro. Alg. Right now, my dd has not had any pre-algebra to speak of. The only reason I was considering Math Relief's Algebra is because they say that Pre-Algebra is included in their Algebra I course. So, my dd could still get Pre-Algebra and be right on track by taking Algebra I in 9th. Susan, if my dd does BCM, she would start it this summer and it would take most of next year. That is fine with me if that is what she needs. That is why I am trying to evaluate where she is...to figure out if we need to do the entire text or not. AskPauline, I think the whole reason I am feeling unsure about starting the Math Relief Alg. program next year is because she has not had a full year of Pre-Algebra. There are a lot of concepts that she has not covered at all. I was definitely taken aback by the 8+4 comment! However, I have a friend who has used Math Relief with great success...her children did not take a Pre-Alg. class and did fine with it. I am wondering if my dd could handle an Alg. class at this point, healthwise, anyway. Maybe it would be better to do another 8th grade year before starting high school. That is not what she wants to do, but it may be the best thing. She was doing so great with her MUS review...sometimes doing a lesson a day even. Then her Lyme symptoms got much worse and now she is doing one page a day and missing tons of problems. I just don't know what to do with the situation sometimes. But, a person feeling as bad as she does some days simply cannot do challenging school work. (She is being treated, btw...but, it is rough) Any other thoughts? So, should I do a year of BCM and put off Algebra until the next year? If we do that, we would be doing an extra year of 8th grade. So, she would still do Alg. in 9th, but she would be an older 9th grader. Jann? I value your wisdom...I may need to pm you.

Thanks, everyone! Brindee, you are ever so kind to type out Jann's comment on where they need to be to go into Algebra I. The thing is, if we go through Lial's BCM, it will take most of next year. She will be in 9th grade. :confused: She sooo doesn't want to be behind. But, frankly, she is in survival mode and this year has not been at all what I hoped it would be. Instead of a bridge leading into high school, it has been a very light year. She just physically cannot do much. Some days she can't do anything...too much pain, too many strange symptoms, etc. So, maybe we should do Lial's BCM next year and just save Algebra until the next year when, hopefully, she will be at a better place physically. The most important thing is that she gets better. The rest means nothing apart from that. We are trusting in the Lord about it all. He knows best. He knows the future and we don't have a clue. His tender mercies are over all His works. So, if you were the teacher in the above scenario, what would you do? Lial's BCM? or go ahead into Math Relief's Algebra, knowing that he says Pre-Algebra is included in his program?

Has anyone used the Seton Testing Service algebra placement test? Jann in TX, are you around? I was wondering if you have any ideas about this? I want to make sure my dd is well grounded before we start next year. We did a year of review this year using MUS Epsilon and Zeta. (Fractions, Decimals, & Percents) She has been struggling lately, though, because of Lyme symptoms. It has definitely affected her school work. I guess I need a way of evaluating how much stuck, kwim? I had planned on using Math Relief next year. He says if you can add 8+6, you are ready for his Algebra program! I must admit, I was taken aback when he said that! :lol: He also said that Prealgebra is unnecessary for his program, as the first section of his course is Prealgebra. Very nice man, though, and an excellent algebra instructor from what I have heard. I just don't want to rush into Algebra if she isn't ready. I am considering following up her MUS work with Lial's BCM before Algebra. I want her to be prepared, but I don't want to waste time with overkill if she is ready, though. If no one has used Seton, is there another evaluation that would help? Ideas? Thoughts?

I just ordered FactsFirst through www.homeschoolbuyerscoop.com. Maybe that would be helpful. :) It's an online facts drill. It covers Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division. They are offering a year's subscription at a discount.

I don't know if you checked out the link to FactsFirst, but it looks great!!! I think that is the route I will take. I was watching this thread with interest because I have one who *must* get her facts down. I'm so excited! Thanks for the tip! :D

Skip counting is good to learn. MUS makes a skip counting CD.

I just wanted to second Sentence Family. We so enjoyed it this year!!! When we were through, my 3rd grader said, "Oh, are we finished with that? I wish there was more!" Enough said. :D

Veritas Press is one that I refer to constantly throughout the year. It is my all time favorite! It has cost me much moola!!!! :D :lol:

What if you did a combo? Maybe just 1/3 or 1/2 of them written (on the windows or whatever) and all the rest orally? I do think there is some value in knowing how to correctly write the problems out. It can show if there are any holes in their understanding of place value, for instance, if they don't line the problems up correctly...units in the units place, tens in the tens place, etc. Your dc may be way past that being a problem...just a thought. :)

We LOVE MFW!!! For our family, I think it is a wonderful fit. I plan to stay with it for the long haul. You could always just try it for a year and see how it works for *your* family if you feel drawn to it. Then, if you don't care for it for one reason or another, you could try something else. One time when I was agonizing over which curriculum for something, it occurred to me that it was not a lifetime commitment. (not that you are agonizing...but, I had a tendency to do that at one point) If it didn't work, I'd just try something else. Have a wonderful year with whatever you choose. :)

I do this same thing periodically. I do change it from time to time. But, I think coming up with a plan for each subject is so great for having an overall picture of your child's education. It is encouraging to see how far you have come also! :001_smile:

I purchased several items from them last year. Then, I returned them. They did not give me one bit of trouble...they were absolutely wonderful to work with. I just didn't give the program enough time. Guess what I just ordered and received last week???? Yup...ordered the same materials and I am thrilled with it! Their customer service is great!!!! :001_smile:

I wrote on a chalk board when I lost my voice. I did read that whispering is a huge strain on your vocal chords...it is as much of a strain as yelling. So, you might want to try to rest your voice and not whisper, even...as hard as that is! May it pass quickly!!!

Jann, thank you so much! I just ordered the DVT's. It makes me feel a little more secure to have them. I got them new for $10! I don't understand why it didn't come up when I did a search by title, though. But, when I put the ISBN number, there were a bunch of them for sale!

If I had the money, I would go for it in a second! The only thing is that I just placed my orders for next year....so, I am currently broke in the money allotted for homeschool education department! ;)

I really appreciate all of your thoughts and ideas. I think the problem is that I would *really* like to already know Latin and I don't. I would *really* like to have the time to do a class myself ahead of time, but I don't have that kind of time. I think I will have to content myself with learning Latin *with* my children. Sigh. O'Well....(but, if I had the money for Latin for Teachers, I'd go for it!!!!:lol:)