The Families of the World videos would be a *wonderful* addition to Core 2--I forgot about those! We used them with Galloping the Glope a couple of years ago and my dc really enjoyed them. Unfortunately, our library only had a few of them but they were really worth watching.

Well, I did use Window on the World--but I don't think you'd miss much without it, at least as far as geography goes. The Geography Songs selections each week correlate to the WOTW readings, but you could just do those on their own--or maybe add in some other readings on the regions you're singing about. You are also doing mapping assignments with the history/readalouds so I think it would work fine.

Thanks for the replies! This is very helpful. OK, sounds like I should just bite the bullet and get the whole kit, just to be sure I have whatever I need. I am wondering now, though, if I should take a closer look at 1st grade . . hmmm. It's not that my ds *can't* add and subtract--he just still uses a lot of counting strategies, which as you know is a big no-no in MUS. Decisions, decisions.:tongue_smilie:

I didn't use the TM when I used HWT cursive with dd, but I kind of wish I had. I was just looking at the new editions at a teacher's supply store, and they look *really* good. I think I will get it next year for ds.

I am thinking of using this next year for my 2nd grader. He has had a rough year with MUS Alpha. He is really bored with it, and he doesn't "get" the tricks. We have been stuck on the +9's FOREVER and he never did get solving for unknowns. So . . I am thinking I need something more colorful and with more variety. I have MCP Math Level B, but I'm concerned about the sheer number of problems on each page. I know he will revolt. He gets overwhelmed easily, even if I cross some out. I'm thinking of getting BJU but would like some feedback first. Do you really need EVERYTHING? (TM, reviews pack, teacher pack, etc.) It seems like a lot of stuff. Is it really teacher-intensive? Does it take a lot of time each day? TIA!

We are planning to use God's Design in the fall as well. I didn't know about the new version though--hmmm. I wonder what the changes will be? Oh well. We only bought two of the books so far.

Sounds great! I've looked at DITHOR many times but couldn't really figure out how it would work in reality. Maybe I should take another look.

My first learned to read with Headsprout. I didn't want to spend that much money the 2nd time around, so with ds I just used the ETC books and lots of easy readers (Nora Gaydos, etc.) Worked like a charm! He is going into 2nd grade and can read practically anything now!

The books!! We've used Sonlight for Cores PreK, K, 1 and 2. I did dabble in MFW for a year or so and have looked extensively at WinterPromise and Ambleside Online. But I always go back to Sonlight because we like their book selection. I love having an IG that I can just open and teach from. I'm not a slave to it, but it keeps me moving forward. As for the cost--if I bought all the books, SL wouldn't be affordable for us. We have an awesome online library system and I only buy the books that I can't get through them. HTH!

Great quote! Thanks for sharing. :)

SheilaZ, Thanks for posting that link! I've been poking around the website looking for samples but haven't been able to find them. I think I'm going to try this for my 2nd grader next year who just isn't getting MUS Alpha.

I personally think your current plan sounds great. I tried MWS last year (4th grader and 1st grader) and didn't care for it. I like the *idea* of it, but for me, it was a lot of work to pull it all together. I need something more laid out. And most of the activity pages were over my 1st grader's head (but pretty much on target for my 4th grader). For what it's worth. I've bought and sold more science curriculum than I care to admit--guess it's just not my "thing."

I'm wondering about this too. I use the Basic version also (just for reading logs, field trips, and attendance). One thing that really bugs me is that you don't seem to be able to EVER delete a reading log entry even if it's from a prior year. Is that true with Plus as well?

We use Sonlight and still have four weeks left of Core 2 (today was our last day). We will just pick up where we left off in August. The "box-checker" in me would rather cram it in over the summer and start Core 3 in August, but I know from experience that won't work with my kids. :)

Well . . . I like Math U See, but I don't *love* it. It is the only thing that has worked for my 10yo, struggling math student (I don't think I have a "mathy" child, so can't comment on that.) I'm not sure I would call it "fun" but it gets the job done. I started my 2nd child is Alpha this year and he doesn't seem to be "getting it." I'm thinking of switching him into something else for next year, but will be sticking with MUS for dd.

I don't have time to read all the replies (dialup here, ugh), but the OP's comments pretty much reflected my 10yo dd's opinion. Too funny! Sheila (who is being chatty today as I have a few things I need to post on the sale/swap board and need to get my posts up!)

We love Sonlight! We've used Cores P4/5 thru 2 and are looking forward to Core 3 next year. I love that it's all laid out for me with virtually no planning. I'm not a slave to the IG, but it's a "track" to keep us moving forward, KWIM? We've also tried: - Galloping the Globe (too much work to pull it all together) - MFW (enjoyed Adventures, but found ECC too dry) - STOW 1 and AG (enjoyed, but were inconsistent with pulling it together) As others have stated, the biggest con I see with SL is the lack of hands-on activities. I personally think that's pretty easy to add in, but it's not that important to my dc (usually) so not a big problem here. HTH!

My 10yo dd is finishing up Yellow this year, and yes, the book selections are WAY too easy. However, the dictation/writing exercises are much more on target. I supplement her reading with Sonlight's Core 2 advanced readers. I'm not sure how it works with the upper levels, but if I put her in a level where the readers were appropriate, the writing would be way too much.

I don't know about the upper levels, but I used a combo of Yellow/Orange with my dd this year, along with Sonlight Core 2. It worked out really well. I didn't feel the need to supplement (except spelling, which is really light). I think if you use it over the long haul, it does end up covering everything. I do plan to add in separate grammar later. We plan to continue with the series, and I'm starting my ds in it next year as well. HTH!

Winners: - Sonlight Core 2 (esp. for 4th grader; not so much for 1st grader) - Math U See - Learning Language Arts Through Literature (after a rough start, ended up liking it) - Handwriting without Tears (this is an old favorite!) Losers: - whatever I tried for science this year--sigh. - How to Teach Art to Children--I like this, but couldn't work it in :/ I think that's about it.

Make a white sauce with butter, flour and chicken broth--home made cream of chicken soup! I do this all the time. 3 T butter, 3 T flour, and 1 c. broth make approx. 1 can of soup. HTH!

Yes, I think I have everything figured out! I will have a 2nd and 5th grader next year (just one year ahead of you, Donna!). I'm thinking of putting my 4th grader in Teaching Textbooks 5 next year (she's finishing up MUS Gamma right now). My 2nd grader is going to be starting Horizons, since he needs more variety and color than MUS. Both will be doing Sonlight Core 3 (we have LOVED Core 2 this year!) and Apologia Botany. Dd will continue with LLATL Orange (started it late) and ds will start LLATL Red. We use HWT for handwriting. OH--and dd will continue with Typing Instructor for Kids. I think that's about it! :)

We are currently reading The School Story by Andrew Clements. Good read! Last week we finished up The Apprentice. I wasn't sure it would hold both dc's attention, but they LOVED it!

My current 4th grader is doing: Sonlight Core 2 (with tagalong 1st grader) Sonlight Grade 3-5 readers LLATL Orange MUS Gamma Just Write Book 2 Daily math drills Christian Kids Explore Biology Cursive copywork And . . . hs coop art and hands-on science classes I think that's it! :D