We love their Bible program and their elementary history and science readers. I'm not a fan of "Streams" (high school history text) though. Their elementary stuff is very, very good. In face, their Bible series is one of my top recomendation for individual or family studies.

I am really lazy. I just use Graham crackers. You can piece them together in a shirt box and frost to make your "canvas." It's super easy. Have a fun with it and keep it simple. :001_smile:

the ones by Keepers of the Faith. Try one -- they are very affordable.

we have always had a value of eating what is put in front of us and THANKING the hostess. However, to some families it is not a big deal, and personal preferences are more valued. It sounds like it is a values/family style clash to me. It drives me nuts, too, I feel better by announcing that our family rule is that if you don't eat your meal, you don't get a snack later. Eat it or don't eat it, but I am not going to cater. You are not alone in this buggin' ya! The next time, I would ask their mom to pack a lunch and snack. Grrrrr : ) Tami

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as far as visual appeal and rigor, is CLE (Christian Light Education). The instruction, review, and lesson in their Math and Language Arts are top notch. THey are extremely easy to use! You can see some info about CLE at my blog.

I don't know about R&S, but we have tried many, many math programs (Singapore, Horizons, Calvert, MUS), and we love, love, love CLE math. I only wish we had begun CLE earlier. NOTE: CLE is advanced. Average or below-average math students or teachers would do well to consider using CLE one year "behind." THere is still plenty of meat.

Not wanting to let this get tiresome and completely off topic, feel free to IM me if you want to continue this discussion. Oh, my glad game comment was meant to be light-hearted. I'm just being silly! Don't take me too seriously. :D

Math lesson 2x a week (if I drop math for the summer, we almost have to literally start over) Free reading one hour a day Summer Science and Nature Study (I usually do this with a group and we run this for 6 weeks or so) Otherwise, we spend lots of time bumming around at the beach!

Wow, that is kinda depressing, Jenn. :willy_nilly: I believe that people have possibilities for both good and evil and that we are accountable for our actions. I believe that children need to be protected at times from parents who have failed at their responsibilities. I believe that good will win out in the end, and that humanity's fall is not beyond the reach of God's grace. Until then, it is society's business to punish evil and reward good. Each person is capable of making choices for the good of others, or choices that cause others to suffer. If we give everyone the Awful Society excuse, than prosecution for child neglect and abuse would be nonsensical. I believe children who cannot speak for themselves, or advocate for themselves need to be protected from neglectful, abuse parents who have failed at their duties. I'm getting off track. I'm thankful that so many parents are wonderful (especially them there homeschoolers!), and am humbled at the opportunity to have met some of them.

with the church elders of your church fellowship? If members are aware of the situation, I am SURE they would be happy to accomodate you. Christian love is the highest calling of the Church, and so doing something that is hurting a member of the body like taking sick kids to church, may not be showing sensitivity. I encourage you to call the church, or children's director, and see if something can be worked out. I'm not sure when it became OK to send kids to church and school sick. Our church has a policy against dropping sick kids off in Sunday School or nursery. When I was a kid, we stayed home, so that is what I thought was "normal." It is my responsibility to stop the chain of infection by not exposing others when we are sick. I consider this common courtesy. Now, I cannot tell whether I am in the majority or minority!

Awww, Jenn. Are you playing the Glad Game? :D I mean, do you read the news and honestly believe that? Parents who neglect and abuse their children are failures at parenting. Period. The vast majority of them are not crazy, and neither have they "lost it." Since they are adults, they have themselves to blame for not seeking help when they need it. Children are not always born to loving, safe, protective homes. The blaming society crap really irks me. There never has been, nor ever will be a Utiopia. We are all born into a world that stinks. It's no excuse to abuse or neglect kids and blame Society. Ahhh! I feel better. :ack2:

Perhaps you can see if there are any midweek activities this week? I have met so many nice ladies through volunteering. I hope you are all feeling better soon. May God bless you through, in, and by your difficulties.

and agree that "Christian love does not involve sharing your germs!" LOL! I wouldn't want others getting my child sick, and so in deference to others who may have underlying health problems, we stay home. I wonder if we need to define what "sick" is -- maybe it means different things to different moms. I didn't realize others felt differently -- I am surprised, I must admit. : ) Tami

I am brainstorming here. Do you have two bookshelves in your school room? What if you put them back to back, and then set them at a right angle to the wall. This would make 2 cubicles without taking up too much space.

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I was very touched by Brother Lawrence's thoughts and life, as well. His book so reminded me of Christian Hedonism. I find these ideas and inspirations so helpful in the "dailies" of homeschooling. Be blessed!

Am I being too simplistic to suggest that you put them in different rooms? One in the dining room and one in the kitchen? If table space is a problem, we have used clip boards.

yes, I think English grammar is important. But not too much, too early. I would not start an intensive study before grade 4/5 or so. My reaon for studying English is to better understand our language, not to write better. A knowledge of one's own language, and how it is put together, is valuable in it's own right. If it helps with the study of other languages, or in Biblical exposition, then so be it. If not, I still think it is part of a thorough education.

I would not want to risk getting others sick. Germs spread in the air, and unless your child is not breathing, he is contagious. : ) If somebody needs to stay home with the kiddos, I would take turns going with dh. If there are two services, you may be able to swing one parent going to each. If I stay home when dd is sick, dh will attend. When he gets home, we will have a little "home service" by doing some songs and dh teaching us what Pastor taught earlier that day. I hope you all get healthier soon!

on Hannah Montana! Grrrrrrrr

Geography Trail Guides: World and US (all I need for geography drills) MAPS! by Teacher's Friend US and World Atlas (suggestions at Geography Matters) Art Global Art and Discovering Great Artists by Kohl (have used for years) Ambleside Online History/Literature TruthQuest Guides Sonlight Catalog Ambleside Online Country Report Projects for Any Country (Scholastic) Hands-on Heritage activity books (Edupress) Hands-On History (Scholastic) How to Report on Books (fun project style by Evan-Moor - don't be afraid to go up a level) English Scholastic Writer's Desk Reference (good grammar/writing reference written in kid-friendly language) These are a few I have used from year to year.

Well, news and educational tv are pretty productive. I am talking more about Disney TV-type stuff. That's the kind of "educational" tv my dd goes for! That said, we all have our own values, and our kids respond differently to tv. Whatever works!

we spent a week at Little Winnie resort near Brainerd, and it was a fantastic week at a great price. It is black bear country, and there are Northern in the lakd, so nobody seems to swim or hike much, though. Lake country is nice if you like to hunt and fish. Personally, I think it might get boring if you like to swim and hike. (No tomatoes, please!)

Idea: Lutsen Lodge (older lodge with gourmet food and great lodging specials) - it is right on Lake Superior. Lutsen also has family and child activities, mountain bike rentals, and a Gondola ride. It is right near Temperance River State Park - one of the most beautiful and fun places! Also, visit Cascade River State Park - gorgeous waterfalls (wear trail sandals or water shoes and you can wade for a long way!). Other areas that would be a good day trip from Lutsen: Gooseberry Falls (wear watershoes or trail sandals & bring swimsuits and swim!) and Split Rock Lighthouse. North of Duluth is very, very scenic. It is worth the drive to see the real Minnesota wilderness. Lutsen offers the gateway to this, plus gourmet food and nice accomodations. HTH!