Have you looked at Horizon Phonics? It's thorough, colorful, and has coordinating readers.

For reading/blending practice we sometimes do a game of "treasure hunt" in the house or yard. Just jot down suitable words on sticky-notes and post them in designated places around the house. The starting point, or first sticky-note, is read by the child and that word "directs" the child to the next location. So, for example, the first sticky-note would read...pot. Child goes to the pot and finds next note on the pot, it would read...plant. Then child goes to the plant and finds next note, and so on. I give a small prize at the end of the treasure hunt, like licorice or a sticker.:) Oh, by the way, my daughter too HATES reading from her books, but loves this game.

Wow, that looks wonderful! Do you know if there are any hands-on type projects recommended within this program?

I am looking for an American History program that is geared for young kids (5-7) and has plenty of literature, or at least has an extensive book list that can be referenced. Or, can you recommend a good "spine" that I can add plenty of lit. to? My dd (5.5) is very interested in early American history and I want to just read, read, read to her, but it would be nice to have some sort of framework to guide me along in a sensible direction. Hands on would be super too. Thanks! P.S. I have looked at HOD, but not exactly what I am looking for. It looks like a wonderful program but, I don't want all the other components that go along with the program.

Thank you!:)

Anything out there that is similar to TOG, yet includes lesson plans already laid out? I really like the looks of TOG, but just know that I will not follow through without an IG.

I am so new to Classical Ed., but would really like to learn more about it. Where do I begin? I was thinking of buying a copy of The WTM, what are other good resources? Does The WTM Guide detail how to move through all grade levels, including which materials to use and when to use them? Which HS programs are very Classical? Which do you recommend? My children are young (K-1st), so we would be starting at the beginning! Are there any programs that are an all-in-one type (boxed?) that includes all (or most) subject areas so that a newbie could have some hand holding? Is there a Yahoo Group that would be good to join to learn more about this schooling method? Thank you!

Thank you for your responses. This board moves so quickly, I had to go searching for my post! Thanks.

Hello, I recently posted about needing to find a math program that could completely hold my hand as far as implementing and explaining the concepts because of my definite lack of talent in the math dept. Anyway, I really like the looks of RS Math and have decided to use it. Can you tell me if it is lacking in any way? Do I need to add anything to it to make it complete? I have started Singapore with my young daughter and she is making her way through the second half of the Earlybird series. She does very well with SM and loves it. I was thinking that maybe I could just continue on with SM and do it along with RS. Does this make sense to combine the two? Does anyone combine another math program along with RS? Thank you.

Little bumpety-bump:)

Has anyone used this program, specificallly the Scholars Lesson Plans? I like the idea of the scripted lesson plans and really like the selection of materials they offer. I would be interested in any info about VP. I am a newbie homeschooler (my kiddos are just 5 and 2 ) still investigating/researching the Classical Method so bear with me. I really love the looks of Tapestry Of Grace, but felt that I would be drowning without a lesson plan already laid out for me. I appreciate any thoughts, thank you.

Kiana, this is a super idea! I think that would allow me to feel less pressure as we move forward. I'm telling ya', these simple suggestions are exactly what I need to hear right now. Thanks!

Thank you all! I will consider everything recommended/mentioned here. I really appreciate all of you taking the time out to offer information and opinions. You all bring up good points that I had not even considered before, such as not fearing math and that I can learn it along with my child. I have a horrible math background/foundation, but I believe that I am capable of learning it now as an adult. Sounds really silly, but I just never looked at it that way because I am so caught up in making sure my daughter has a solid education in math. It just looks like I am going to have to consider she and I both in this math journey. Homeschooling is a family affair after all! Interesting, how one little piece of advice sort of shifts your whole attitude about something. Thanks for the lightbulb moment!

Okay, MCP, will look it over. Thank you! Don't know if I should begin a new post here... wondering about Abeka, CLE, and R&S. How helpful are the TM's? Do they just guide you through the lesson or do they show you how to explain the problems? Thank you, I may start a new thread concerning the math mentioned above if this post gets buried.

Thank you! I actually have MUS Primer and have used some of it with my dd. It was one of the first programs that I purchased and the only reason we stopped is because I did not think my dd was quite ready for the place value lesson at the time. I can definitely start it up again at this point. I will certainly consider it for long term use. I have never considered TT, but have heard about it in passing many times. I will gladly take a look at it. I appreciate all of the information about SM, I really had no idea all of the resources available to "get me through" it. Thank you for the links.

Hi! I am wondering what you think is the best math program to help me to teach math to my daughter? Math is by far my weakest subject area, and I don't just mean that it is difficult for me to get through, it is almost like a foreign language to me. I believe that I was just not given the gift of a math-minded brain and I will never feel comfortable with the subject. I was the girl in public school who was on pins and needles when the teacher was going over math problems on the board. I was the girl who froze when the teacher called upon me to solve the math program! Anyway, I am wondering which programs will completely hold my hand so that I can effectively teach my daughter (and myself!) math through the grades. Perhaps something very scripted that completely spells out how a problem is solved. Good news is that although my daughter is just five, I can already tell that she has her Daddy's gift for numbers and problem solving in the math area. She is already pointing out things to me! Right now we are using Singapore (would be happy to stick with it), but I wonder how helpful it will be to me in the coming years as far as the teacher guide really spelling things out for me. Any suggestions? Thank you!

So, would it be safe to say that the chief considerations as to whether HSing with TOG will be successful depends upon the following: *The ability to be able to wisely pick and choose from the activities in TOG and to not try to do it all. *Being able to actually plan out the daily/weekly lessons instead of having the schedule ready for you to just pick up and follow. I assume that TOG does not offer pre-set schedules, the parent would have to devise these? *I hear you ladies referring to "overkill", is this related to the above considerations? *Any other major considerations that you think need to be shared? Thank you!:) Gloria

Thank you ladies, the additional information is much appreciated. I have been looking at MFW a little bit, I will take a closer look. Sounds like SOTW with the AG might be perfect at this time since I do have a busy 2 year old running around. Thanks again! Gloria

Thank you Jackie and Christina. The link was very helpful as well as the other info. I will also look into SOTW since you mentioned it has activities with it. Gloria

Hi There, I am a super-newbie in the HS world so forgive me for my super-newbie questions.:) I have an interest in TOG and have a couple of questions. Let me preface by saying that I am just beginning to "figure out" TOG and their website. I am not completely clear on how everything works yet, what would need to be ordered, etc. I see that they offer 4 "Year-Plans", am I correct in saying that there is an option to choose any area of study as far as the history goes? For instance, can I base my decision on interest of time period and proceed from there or is it imperitive to begin with Year 1, then 2, and so on? I would be teaching a first grader by the way. Also, I notice that the writing and composition component is included in the plans. How is it set up to accomodate the different ages and abilities of a child, assuming that I could implement each of the 4 Year-Plans in any order I choose? How are the topics set up to meet my particular students needs if I were to use the programs in the order I choose? Wow, I am having a really hard time trying to express what I am trying to convey as far as the writing and composition :tongue_smilie:, so please forgive me there. If you are able to decipher what I am trying to ask, I will be so surprised! Thank you for your time, Gloria