Thank you, OhElizabeth. I will be testing him pretty soon...as soon as he gets over the virus he has, anyway. Hopefully, I'll get the results before the Solutions meeting in July. The problem my kids seem to have with TT is that they introduce a new concept and then give only a few problems on that topic for the day's work. Then, the rest is repeat stuff. Now, that is good to a degree, but because of the way it is a few problems here and there, they have a difficult time with learning new topics with TT. They seem to forget it because they didn't work with the topic for long enough for it to really stick. TT has been great for review, though. But, eventually there is new material that needs to be learned. Does that make sense? So, I was hoping that BJU w/ DVD would be a good answer to our problem. I just want to be sure that he is solid on the basics before getting into Algebra type stuff. Their 7th grade course is supposed to solidify the basics, right?

If we do it, it will be with the DVD if that makes a difference. My ds will be an older 7th grader next year. He is doing TT6 this year. I think he needs a year of review before going into pre-algebra. We are switching to a lot of BJU stuff this year thanks to the big sale they are having. I guess I was wondering if the BJU w/ DVD would give him more explanation and a firmer foundation. I need to decide soon. So, your thoughts & opinions are welcome. ;)

Thank you, everyone. I have much to research. :D

I *think* the 10% off and free shipping is a Mother's Day sale for May 11-14 only. Also, it cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount...like the 1/2 off 6 or more subject DVDs or the discount if you buy two or more grade level kits. I only know this because I talked to my BJU rep. about it yesterday. :)

It is my understanding that you have to buy a minimum of 6 DVD with books to be able to get them half off...and also that it has to be purchased at a Solutions meeting or possibly a convention. I haven't heard anything about buying 2. I have been on the phone numerous times with BJU as well as my local consultant...so I think they would have mentioned it if that was available. I guess the best way to tell for sure is to call BJU. They are always very helpful. :)

No, I do not think they will be compatible. When BJU comes out with a new text, they then do a new DVD to go with it. It takes 1-2 years after the new book comes out before the new DVDs are ready. That new Earth text looks great, doesn't it? I am hoping it will be more like one year rather than two because I would love to use it with my ds for 8th grade not next year, but the year after. :)

I guess I am wondering how graphic the lessons are. I am hoping it will work. I would love to hear from someone who has used it.

Thank you. Does anyone else have a thought to share about this topic? :)

The Modern time period just has so much human cruelty in it...stuff that is just disturbing. Several of my dc will be using the VP Self Paced 1815-Present course next year. I am trying to decide whether to let my (then) 3rd graders do it with them or not. If they don't, I'll have them do VP Self Paced Ancient Egypt & Old Testament. But, that will set them on a different course for good with history. I kind of hate to double up with the expense for the next 4 years. But, if the material would be upsetting to them, I'd rather them not do it. It would be a lot easier to decide if I knew for sure whether VP will be having group buys in the future. If you have used the course, what is your opinion about 2nd & 3rd graders doing it? What would you do?

Gayle, I can so relate to this last quote. That is part of the problem that I am having with homeschooling right now. There are days when I am not feeling well and I have a hard time getting to all the schooling that needs to be done. That is one of the main reasons I am considering BJU w/ DVDs. With the above in mind, do you think it is wisest to do the main subjects like English & Math? What subjects have you used? I have decided to just do a couple of classes per child, I think. I want them to enjoy it, but I do not want it to be an incredibly long day, etc. I felt like the prep work was bound to be more intense in the younger grades. My youngest will be 3rd graders next year. Thank you for your encouraging words about your dc still enjoying it after 4 years. :)

Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts. I appreciate all reviews, good or bad, because it gives me a balanced picture so that I know more precisely what I am getting into. These are the first really negative ones I have heard. It sounds like a lot of these involve people using the entire grade level? That is my impression, anyway. I will not be doing that. But, I was considering 2-3 courses per child. I'm not sure. Part of me says to go for it and just try it. I'm not feeling as convinced as I was at one point, though. I'm not sure what the answer is. Any other thoughts?

Any other thoughts? I am bumping once more because I really want to make a wise decision and all your input helps so much! :)

:)

Someone at VP told me that they would love to have one in the fall...Sept/Oct, maybe...but, it depends entirely on whether they are able to in regards to how busy they are. He certainly didn't commit to anything, though. I guess we'll all just have to keep our eyes and ears open. :)

Thank you for your thoughts. Anyone else? :)

:bigear: I have the same question. I know they recommend placement tests for math, though. The bummer of it is that you have to pay for those. :tongue_smilie:

bumping before I get started with my teaching day...:)

I am seriously considering using BJU DVDs next year for several subjects. I am teaching 6 dc. My concern is the amount of checking of work involved. Could you please share with me how long that takes you? If it takes a long time, do you think it is worth it? Also, I picture grading their work and walking around to make sure they stay on task as they watch the DVD's. In other words, as soon as they finish their work, I would want them to bring it to me and I would grade it right then. Is that doable? If you are using BJU DL with multiple children, I would love to know if you feel that it has worked well or not. Also, what you love about it as well as the negatives. My goal with using BJU is to step up the work level as well as to try to free up some of my time so that I can balance my life a little more...be able to have that longed for tea time with the child of the day that is on my schedule. It would be nice also if I could actually get laundry done and cook some yummy meals. My dear friend who has 9 dc said that SOS is the only thing that has freed her up that way. She showed it to me and while I thought it was wonderful in many ways, I am not sure that my dc would enjoy learning that way. The BJU instruction on the DVDs looks so much more inviting. (for the most part) She agrees with me on that, but says that grading the work drove her crazy because it was sooo much. That made me nervous. (She used it years ago, though, before the new daily lesson plans, etc.) So, what do you think?

Thank you for the tips, everyone. My ds is excited that there are so many options out there. We will definitely be investigating these. :)

Thank you, Claire. I will check into that.

I think I have about decided to do BJU Life Science DVDs for my 7th & 9th grader. I need for it to count as Biology for my 9th grader. Do you know where I can find a list of the supplies needed for the course to make it count as a lab? I could really use some direction with it all. I am not very sciencey, kwim?

Where do you find a list of the supplies needed for BJU Life Science? My 7th & 9th grader will be doing it next year. It needs to count as a lab for my 9th grader so I will be doing as many as I need to do to make it count.

My 7th grade ds is interested in creating computer games. I am at a total loss as to what resource would be helpful in this endeavor. Any ideas?

My 7th grade ds is interested in learning how to do this. I am at a total loss as to where to look for this resource. Any ideas???

loesje22000, thank you for the information. It is very helpful to know that they have an example of the outlining in the TM. Thank you, AFwife Claire for sharing your experience with Life Science and Physical Science. I think I will start my ds in Life Science w/ open book tests and then wean him off little by little.