I was leaning toward Shurley, but I will admit I wasn't sure about teaching the 4th grader on a 5th grade level. I'll check the scope/sequence just to make sure he can handle it. Thanks again!

:lurk5:

I have a 2,4, and 6th graders next year. I was hoping to try to combine the oldest two. Has anyone done this? If so, what did you use and how did it work out? I'm trying to simplify our teaching. If this can be taught to the both of them, I want to do it! So far, Shurley Eng. comes to mind. Any others out there that might work? Thanks mommas! Bethany

Hmmm...if you want to teach several kids at the same time, Apologia comes to mind. You could look into that program and possibly pick a topic to cover. However, my son LOVED BJU5 this year. He learned alot and it was completely independent of me. I loved that! ;) He enjoyed a variety of topics/subjects and did very well. That's really been our only experience. Apologia was nice, but I find it so hard to teach EVERYTHING. I did give that up this year with three in 'school'. HTH, Bethany

Yes, you get receipts. Returns *should* be the same as if you purchased online. Most companies have same policies whether you purchase at book fairs or online. If you purchase there, you might have to pay shipping fees to return the merchandise. That aside, should be the same. Have fun!

Thanks! I'm going to take him back w/his brothers and let him work at a quicker pace and just go from there! Bethany

Bethany

Just curious for those that switched and went back to the 'beginning'. I am doing the same thing this year too. Would you recommend getting the primer level or going to the alpha?? thanks! Bethany

:lurk5:

We have been doing BJU 5 this year and I've notice some glaring issues. My son had huge issues with long multiplication hundreds times tens,hundreds, etc... He's now having issues with fractions. Knowing this and realizing he needs more review of math concepts, I've decided to use Math U See. However, where should I place him? I'm thinking we should back up to multiplication...then do division...then get to fractions. Is that going too far back? I just want to make sure he gets it! I realize there are placement tests, but I'm not all that sure I want him to take one b/c I think he will place into a higher math. He does quite well. I'm just more concerned he's not getting the concepts. He can do it, but is he understanding the mechanics of it? Any thoughts? thanks!

Thank you...off to place my order! :)

We start Logic next year and we are using- Fallacy Detective, Thinking Toolbox, and some Critical thinking books on various topics.

I have never used this math program, and I am about to place a big order. I was just curious if anyone else sells math u see, or do you purchase directly from the company? Just hoping I might be able to shop around. :) Thanks! Bethany

I've used CLE reading this year, but I have only used it with a 1st grader. I, too, will not be purchasing it again. We prefer BJU. BJU is full of Christian content, but it also teaches lots more. It covers the different Genres, literary skills, etc. It just seems to be more complete. I do believe CLE is great. My son has enjoyed the content/stories. They are very sweet, but in my opinion, I am looking for a bit more. Of course, like I mentioned, I've ONLY used 1st grade. I'm sure it's very diff. in the older grades. Maybe someone else can comment on that. We have just really enjoyed many of the BJU subjects this year and so, we are sticking with them. :) My son has made a specific request for their reading, math and science for next year! I think that says aLOT!

Wow, your kids are almost the exact ages of mine a couple of years ago. We did not slow down, and I regret it. My toddler has been drug around all over the place. We dread coop day because it is so long and there is nothing for her to do but run around and get in trouble, even though I take toys, dvd, snacks, etc. And potty training has been a nightmare. I would suggest you slow down and maybe find one thing they can all do together, like karate or a PE or art class. Or limit coop to just one or two classes first thing in the morning, so you are home for lunch and naps. I did notice that I was just about the only one with a toddler at all the soccer games and coop (at least the serious, every week coop). So either everyone else is way smarter than me, or there was a real shortage of babies being born among homeschoolers in our area the last couple of years!;) May I just add that this made me chuckle this morning! So funny, as i can relate to all of it! I was on the run with the first three the WHOLE time. I regret it so much. I had three under four and we did EVERYTHING. Run.Run.Run. I decided that when I had this little man that we would stay put and savor it. I am at that place where you were describing the co-op setting- either everyone is WAY smarter than me or their is a shortage of babies- that totally cracked me up! That thought is really what inspired this thread. I'm looking around going- ok, is everyone else running around with this many kids?? lol! Homeschooling6- thanks for sharing- I'm with you! MeganP- Wow! Sounds like you've had the wisdom to know when not to do too much and now, it's your time and your kids! How exciting. I'm sure in a year or so we will be adding and doing more. But, I too, am a home body. Fortunately, my kids like to be home too. Thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts and feelings about this topic. As homeschoolers, we always want to do the best for our kids. Especially in that dreaded 'social' aspect! lol! I feel better about this year already. I'm sticking with my original plan to just ENJOY my baby. :) He was prayed for, for many years and I don't want the busyiness of life to interfere with enjoying him. I waited far too long for that. Thanks for the kind and gentle words. I realize this is very much 'relative' to the person. We are all diff. and some like to go and some like to stay. For me, I've been just trying to figure out what is reasonable for us all. I've really enjoyed reading what you all are doing.:001_smile:

Durh! haha! I thought it said student workbook/textbook. I think I've been reading too much today! lol:D thank you! Anyone have any opinions on the cd?

If I am teaching multiple children in one of the programs, is it possible to buy just an additional workbook? I only see the student packs? I think they could share the textbook. Maybe I'm wrong?:001_huh: Also, I am looking over the additon/skip counting dvd. Anyone get this? Did you/your childrent like it? thanks!

I can't compare the two. Sorry. I have used BJU 5 this year and it's the best my son has done in math so far. He enjoys it. However, we just finished the chapter on fractions and I've decided that it's not enough. He's not getting it and I just can't continue to move forward. I've been researching MUS all morning. ;) I've decided to just go ahead and make the switch. I can see the wisdom in this program NOW that I have a 5th grader! :glare: I am seeing gaps in my other boys too. So, I'm just pulling the plug and buying this program. The more I think about it; the more it makes sense. Hopefully, if we use this program and try to get some of the past concepts under his belt, he will do well in the future. He's struggled with large numbers in multplication, division and now, fractions. So, it's time for a BIG change. I hope in some way this helps you. I don't know. BJU is a good program. I planned (until this wk) to purchase it for next year. But, my gut is telling me to back up and rethink. Good luck!

I may have overlooked it, but I didn't see a math listed for the 5th grader? Everything else, looks great. I'm not familiar enough with many of the programs, but I'm sure they are great!

My son has LOVED BJU5 Science this year. It's so easy. I assign the reading, he does the workbook- DONE. We discuss (whenever I have time during the week) and then, we test. BJU has been GREAT! If you want a textbook approach, I think this might be what you are looking for. It's completely independent at this age! HTH, Bethany

Sounds like I should definitely get something with DVD's. Do you think Lively Latin is pricey? Will this work all the way thru? Thanks

I will investigate the other programs mentioned and in the mean time, try to inforce shorter lessons w/PL. I find the lessons rather long. I guess that's why I'm not getting them done. But, I could just break them up into shorter sections?? Thanks for the suggestions....

I've owned Prima Latina for almost three years now and never successfully completed the program. Honestly, we haven't got past lesson2! Shameful! So....I am thinking two things. 1. I should probably buy the dvd set so that I do not have to teach the class. Clearly, that is NOT going to happen! ;)IT could be one less thing on me as I am already teaching three diff. kids/three diff levels 2. I should investigate other curriculum that might be a better fit. I'm not sure what the problem is. I think I am just too busy teaching core subjects that Latin just never seems to get done. Anyone have a suggestion for a new product or method? Latin is really important to me, but I just can't seem to fit it in! thanks everyone!!!

I am so thankful for them. :001_smile:

As a mom that doesn't have a mom to give me pep talks or even participate in my life, I need the advice and wisdom of other women. It's something I've realized that I TRULY need. It makes me sad that she isn't involved, but I can't make that happen. I'm at peace with that, but it does make life difficult at times. I've thoughtfully read each comment/post and just want to say THANK YOU. I've really gathered some great advice. I do realize that everyone is very different. But, I also realize we are all human, and I need a 'point of reference' to gage myself at times. This is one of those times. I just wasn't all that sure what I should be doing with a family that is now 4 strong! :) I now fully realize that I do need to focus on group/family activies. We are blessed w/a once a wk PE class. It's wonderful! I will investigate 4H next year as well. Other than that, it will all just have to wait. My eldest is taking Soccer right now and he is enjoying it. We do a LOT of family activities. My kids are super, duper creative. They just made latex masks last month. This month my son is working on a film. They just have loads of fun. So, I am feeling good about those things. I really do appreciate your help today. I had a major panic attack yesterday and I think it just knocked me down. I feel so much better today and feeling sure of myself. Thank you so much for your help! You ladies are lifesavers! :)