here's what I consider a good time: Scrabble (online at facebook or on the dining room table), Boggle and Spellbound (online game). We use Wordly Wise and Classical Vocab too but I don't consider those fun!:tongue_smilie:

one of my 5th graders loves these ... he just reads them on his own as we're using Sonlight Core 7 for history/reading/literature. They do come with teacher guides (worksheets, word searches, etc) which would probably be enough to start him off. I like IEW for writing. We started with SWI B. Just pop in the DVDs and go. Expensive but worth it. We use Mammoth Math for the 5th graders. It is a self-teaching worktext. I've been impressed and it doesn't cost much. It is not online though. You might like Teaching Textbooks if you like computer based programs (I think it's a bit pricey). People rave about it. Rosetta Stone for Spanish - Computer based - excellent. Also expensive. For Science, we also use Sonlight ... this is the first time I've used it and I like Sonlight Sci 5 which teaches anatomy, medicine. Not stressfull or too much at all. Those are our mainstays - we supplement with other things too. For me, the hardest thing is not buying more and more books/curricula. Good luck!

with online access (bought new from publisher). I also have a study guide for another Campbell's book with answers for mult choice/essay questions. I would have much rather have someone put this together for me like Apologia but I couldn't stomach Apologia and I couldn't find another ready made lesson curricuclum. I did continue to look after we implemented this one - I think Hewitt's might have something but too late for us ... we're on our way. :glare:

a "does it makes sense" line to the IEW checklist as well as a "Did you read it aloud to yourself?" line. I also think I added in "no repetitive sentences" one. He's probably ready for more content based checklists so just readjust the checklist to make him work on that rather than the dress ups which sound too basic for him (I still make my older one do them but his problem is not content but how short he can make the paragraphs while addressing everything). The decorations are a bit more deep - I think adding in similes and metaphors makes them think a bit too (we're doing SWICC-B now). We haven't gotten to all of them yet - but it was fun to watch the kids have to think them out. Also, maybe you need to kick up the IEW to so that it's more complex - not sure what you're doing. Maybe try SWICC - C or do more essays or critiques or reports rather than outlining and rewriting. Sounds like a typical, smart tween to me. Keeps us on our toes, doesn't it?

my Brother Sam Is Dead. So sad and told from the Tory perspective - basically war sucks when you're in the middle of it - hard to see the big picture until it's over. And even then it might be hard. Not what I expected at all or learned in my schooling years - go Patriots - oh wait a minute - they sucked too... My 7th grader felt the same way - ah isn't that the point - discussions with your kid even though it might not be what you expect!

gets a thumbs up from us (2 5ths and a 7th also using Campbell's Exploring Life for HS Bio). We haven't used SL Sci before and I like this - kids don't complain and is cohesive.

We are using Core 7 with my 2 5th graders and 7th grader ... I tweek and supplement alot but the Core itself is wonderful - I'm just adding in some American History while we're living on the East Coast. I do read everything aloud - my 7th grader could read everything on his own and get it but not my 5ths. I enjoy it but it is time consuming. I've spent lots of time changing it around - but the more I do so the more I realize the books chosen are chosen for a very good reason. I think SL does a great job of combining readable, enjoyable historical fiction with the classics. Some people think that SL neglects the classics but there are quite a few. That being said, I think they could do a better job of literature analysis. Also, I do not like the LA - nice writing prompts but nothing more. We use IEW - SWI B at first and now SWICC B. Love it! Detailed, adaptable to SL and structured.

the kids weren't technically pushed ahead to the next grade level as in changing class rooms, but they were encouraged to work at whatever level they were at - one of my sons did pre-algebra in 5th/6th grade which didn't used to be the norm - the school let him work at his level. It's called differentiation and the good public schools do it as do homeschoolers. So don't get caught up in grade levels - in fact, I've found that alot of homeschooling designations are a little low and I automatically put my kids one higher - that's just my experience in general and it doesn't hold true for absolutely everything but, for me, I use it as a general rule of thumb. Upshot is - you probably shouldn't get too worried about the grade level designation - but you should worry about the level your child is working at - don't be afraid to push ahead if it's too easy or boring. Good luck- sounds like you're going to flying thru the next few years. As far as age, my kids were just 9 starting 4th ... some boys start later but there a few girls starting at age 8 (usually almost 9) for 4th. Howver, many, many 4th graders and 3rd graders are using materials for the 4/5/6th grade levels - that is completely normal - and a good thing. Sounds like you're on the right path.

a 7th grader. We did SWI B earlier this year and are now working on the continuation course. I think the level is perfect for my 5th graders - a little easy for my 7th grader but still good. I have never viewed the TWSS - just didn't appeal to me to start with it. I did obsess over the lesson plans, website and yahoo group - there is a lot of info there - if that's overwhelming - just throw the first SWI DVD in and watch it with your kids and follow the very well laid out lesson plans. And yes, I think the SWI is a more than sufficient writing curriculum that even incorporates some vocab and grammar too.

Mr. Pudewa starts slowly with the dress ups but you could move even more slowly if you wanted. I made up my own Composition Checklists so you could change yours to how you wanted it to be. You'd just have to let your kids know, during/after the SWI episode, that they needed to follow your list instead of his. We've had fun with the dress ups though - great way to play with language. Plus, Mr. P repeatedly says, as you get farther along (we just started SICC), that eventually kids don't need to follow the Checklist so religiously - it's just a tool to get kids playing with language and vocab (at least that's what I think he's saying - last phrase is my own words).

Thank you! Been wondering about this anyway and such a great visual.

We did Core 6 last year with my then 4th graders and 6th grader. My 6th grader did the LA portion which was just ok - he didn't have any problems but there wasn't a lot of instruction (he only did the writing portion - the dictation/copywork was a waste for him). SL doesn't provide a way for the parents to evaluate or help with the writing IMO. This year we're doing Core 7 and IEW (SWI B and now SICC B) - I love IEW! I personally like Mr. Pudewa teaching my kids thru the DVDS but I think you could use one of the theme based courses too - especially if you were already familiar with IEW. Later I do plan to do Teaching the Classics ... Now I'm satisfied with the program. Wish I discovered it last year. I love SOTW - it's just one of the spines (Foster's is also used). But I don't think it's too easy - it's true the reading part of it is easy but the information is a lot to digest. My kids do not complain about it and we get something out of it each time. The amount of reading and some of the SL books more than make up for it.

following the lesson plans exactly but we are just finishing it with my two 5th graders and 7th grader ... We doubled up the lessons and are finishing in about 11 or 12 weeks. It's easy for the 7th graders and about right for the 5th graders. Maybe just try doubling (or tripling) the lessons. The SWI covers many different types of writing by the end. You can slow down at the report units and expand those a bit - that's what we did. We're on to SICC B next week. But again, we'll go a bit faster then the scheduled one year plan. Seems a little slow to me since I think writing is SO important and I'm willing to do less of vocab/spelling/grammar because IEW seems to incorporate it all. (we do Wordly Wise, Grammar Key and Vocab from Classic Roots - that's it - no spelling other than what's in the writing - but my kids are fairly good spellers naturally).

and I haven't looked at or bought TWSS. Just didn't appeal to me but I did spend lots of time on the website and yahoo groups supporting IEW - very good support. I loved the SWI DVDs so much that I just bought SICC - B - can't wait to start. The lesson plans are very well organized. Just plug in the DVD and use the supplied hand outs and your are good to go ... I learned right along with my kids. A+ and while my kids laugh at Mr. Pudewa - they know they've improved their writing by tons and are very proud (as am I).

my three kids don't complain about it and even like it. It's on the computer so I don't have to do a thing except help them once in a while (which is enjoyable - I like the logic of grammar) ... and it's inexpensive ($10 per CD - we don't use the workbook which is essentially the same). Recommended by Cathy Duffy which is where I found it. We're using SWI B (from IEW) at the same time and they overlap. Makes a homeschooling mama happy!

starts at about 5th grade math. It's the most innovative program I've ever seen ... not perfect for everyone but certainly entertaining.

outlining by hand and all other writing is done on the computer by all three kids' choice. As far as copywork, we didn't do any at all ... although it's only our 2nd year homeschooling. We tried it for about a week and were bored silly. I don't mean to offend anyone but I don't get it ... might be because it's meant for younger kids or kids who are having trouble or haven't learned grammar yet???? I'm not sure - anyone we jumped into SWI B this year with 2 10 yos and 1 12 yo. Love the program and I think Mr. P does a fantastic job bringing in grammar rules.

I've bought a few things - ottoman, bedroom chair - nothing to fancy and not heirlooms but look good. Reasonable prices and maybe 2 or 3 bucks for shipping. Sometimes they have coupons too (check dealtime.com).

... great courses, with lots of specifics. You can use Andrew's DVDs to teach your kids (my strategy) or you can buy different books to guide you (I haven't done those). There is a high school intensive essay course and the SWI/SICC cover reports. Expensive but oh so worth it. Well, I guess I need to read your Q more carefully next time! IEW is not free - but still worth it - maybe you can borrow from a friend and they do have great resell value. For example, SWI B sells for $99 but I just saw it go used on ebay for over $54. Not bad!

although Module A can be moved thru quite quickly for someone who has already done pre-Alg. Are you getting it confused with Teaching Textbooks?

no reqs other than notice and a degree in high school or whatever. No testing, no nada!

Campbell's Exploring Life and after I talked to Pearson-Hall they gave me access to online quizzes that provide the answers. I bought directly from them because I wanted this but at first they wouldn't do it ... I hate talking on the phone but I did it for about 30 minutes and got it! I agree that you can figure out the answers but ouch - I'm not taking the course and I don't wanna (insert tantrum). Did you try calling the publisher? Maybe they'll help you out if you say that you belong to a large homeschooling network and want to use/recommend their product but can't until you get equal access (ok a bit dramatic - but homeschooling can be big business!).

is a great idea. We use an armoire in our dining room/school room and it works perfectly for holding office supplies (which I just adore) and the printer/paper. Plus it makes me weed out what we don't need because it is a limited space and I don't like things looking to cluttered. It's just so easy to amass stuff! I also refuse to buy more book shelves for that reason ... we already have 6. I try to sell my old books on ebay (and yes, I regret it sometimes and rebuy the same book!). I do love ebay for getting rid of stuff - sometimes I barely make a profit if at all but at least my old junk is someone else's stuff now and it's not going to waste. The money just goes into my paypal account for me to buy new books, curriculum, etc.:001_huh: I like baskets for the bookshelves too because they look good and hide the junkie looking stuff. And plastic bins are awesome - we use them under the beds for legos and wrapping paper. Ooh now that we are the subject of cleaning out old stuff, I see that I need to weed out some old mags. Good luck because it is a constant battle against entropy in a house with three kids, 2 cats, 1 puppy vs 2 adults trying to keep things from mayhem.

makes it easy to grade your child's writing. It's a great program with lots of specifics and clear directions as to what is expected. Makes it easier for kids and parents! There are some free resources for it at IEW Families yahoo group; there are also samples on the website. The DVDs are expensive"ish" but the themed books really aren't.

doesn't seem that complicated to me but I honestly haven't even really corrected by son's work.