Okay, so its not a major turning point but, I would appreciate some direction, opinions, whatever! I just finished up Singapore EB Math with my dd and I am ready to purchase the next level, Primary 1A. Actually, I have both the 1A & 1B workbooks but, I would still need to get the textbooks, HIG, and possibly the IP. However, I am finding that I am torn as to whether I should move ahead with SM or move ahead with BJU math instead. The majority of my dd's math lessons have been with SM and I have supplemented with BJU as well. She is about half done with BJU K and could easily move on to BJU 1 at this point. I am thinking that it would probably be best to choose one and move ahead with that. I just don't know which to move ahead with. She loves either one and does well with either format. I have great respect for SM and have heard (read reviews) so many good things about it, and I appreciate the attention given to conceptual understanding of math. I also really like BJU math and have heard that it teaches conceptual understanding as well, just not exactly as SM though. I also have a sense of security teaching BJU math (I am a math phobic gal) because it appears more "traditional" in approach, reminds me more of how I learned math growing up. Not sure if that is really a good thing though! Just not sure if I should get in the swing of things and really jump into SM, or go ahead with BJU and take comfort in the really thorough TM. I talked to my DH about it and he said use both :confused1:.

Great, thank you. Exactly what I was wondering even if I can't quite express it! It does make sense to me, for practical purposes, just to have her grade designation follow along with how the traditional system does it. I agree, the academics are based on what the child's current abilities are, regardless of grade 1, 2, or whatever. I like the idea of beginning her new year each b-day because of the things that bluemongoose mentioned. More practical for us as well. Thanks again, I always learn something here.

This might sound really goofy but, I do wonder and I am curious so, here goes... When does your child's new school year typically begin? Is it based on when the traditional school system would promote them (the typical cut-off based on Aug-Sep. and your kiddos age at the time)? Your child's academic ability alone? When your child has his/her birthday (no matter what month it falls)? Something else? None of this, lol! My dd is age 5, turns 6 in January. I believe I would like to "promote" her to a new grade level each birthday year (Jan.). If she were in the traditional PS setting she would not enter grade 1 until Fall 2010. She is certainly capable of grade 1 work come January. Any opinions? What do you do? Hope I made sense.:confused:

Gracias!!!!!!

Bumpety-Bump:)

I would like to teach my 5, soon to be 6 year old Spanish. I would love recommendations for a great Spanish program. Thanks!

Got it, thank you!

Are there any teacher guides that go along with them? I hope not because we are just about done with EB 2B, and as far as I know there isn't any supplemental material that goes along with it. Is this true? Not that I think it is necessary for that level but, I read the other post about SM and the HIG's, and how very necessary they are to teaching the SM way. Just wondering if the EB has additional material that I was clueless about.:confused: Thanks!

Paige, It looks wonderful! I just took a quick peek but, will dive in further (cooking dinner now)! Thank you for the support!:)

Wow, thanks again everyone for pipin' in, I appreciate it. I am making a list of the resources mentioned here and look forward to digging in. I really like seeing the different perspectives and techniques utilized in the quest for science. Good stuff, thank you!:)

Love your astronomy focus and how it crept into other subject areas/parts of life, wonderful!

Thanks everyone for sharing, lots of goodies to search through! Many I have never heard of, glad I asked.:)

What is BFSU? Thanks!

Thank you! If I may ask... Which topic from RS4K are you currently covering, how old is your kiddo/s using this?

I am getting acquainted with the structure of The WTM (reading the book), and currently pondering the science recommendations. At this point, I am really liking the idea of following the science course of study as mentioned in TWTM but, would like to learn more about what others are using, especially as you adhere to a classical-type education. My kidlet is young so, I am most interested in grade 1-2. Thank you!

Wonderful, thank you!:)

Thank you!:)

Oh, interesting. Is there somewhere that I can learn more about the high school level books that you mentioned?

Okay great, thank you! So, does TWTM specify particular spines for the grades beyond 4th grade? I don't need to know exactly what those spines are if that is correct, just wondering if they have a set plan ( or at least heavy recommendations) for the grades beyond those that utilize SOTW. Thank you!

Wondering, if following SOTW (as recommended by TWTM) througout a kiddo's entire education, would you be utilizing the SOTW volumes over again after you cycle through them once? So, for example, Vol. 1 would be used in grade 1, then again in grade 5, and again in grade 9? Is that correct, that all the volumes would be covered 3 times each throughout a kiddo's school years? If so, how is it kept fresh and interesting? Thank you!:)

Thank you, I will certainly consider both.:)

...any recommendations? The one recommended in the WTM (Kingfisher First Human Body Encyclopedia) looks like it is nearly impossible to get. It shows up on Amazon Marketplace (I think that's what they call it) but, I don't want a used copy. I am looking for a good one for a 6ish yr. old. Thanks!:)

Thank you everyone.:) I may look into a spelling program some time soon, not sure. Its an area that I am very unfamiliar with, seems like there are plenty of choices out there though. I have been looking at Spelling By Sound And Structure (just started looking tonight, lol), looks pretty good. Maybe I will start another thread about the various programs some time soon. Thanks!

That's very interesting. My dd is very proud of her spelling but, really does not enjoy her reading lessons. Hmmmm.

Thank you!:) My dd just spelled two sentences today on her own, (without help and she did well)... "The cat had a mat" and "The dog had a mat" I am currently using ETC 2 with her as well as OPG and The Reading Lesson. Would you recommend just continuing on with the above, or since she is starting spelling on her own, should I consider spelling for her? I guess there is no need to complicate things but, it seems like she is transitioning naturally into spelling. Help for a newbie, please. Sometimes I have no idea what it means to be the teacher!:confused: