I don't know where the guilt comes from...maybe it's a self worth issue? I always give more than I should. I know that, but I often don't 'see' it until it's too late. Does that make sense? Anyway, my children are 12 (june), 9, 7 and 5mos. :) I have managed my anxiety/panic thru the whole preg. without meds. I was doing really well until I got pregnant. I realize lots happens to our bodies. I did bring the piano lessons at home. That was good, but the teacher/method hasn't worked out so well. So, now, we are looking into going 'out' again for that. I might be able to find someone else to come in...don't know. We have a physical fitness class that we all do too. I think I'm just feeling a little pressure from finishing a 'not so complete' year of school, planning next year, and adding more into our lives. I also feel like I should have it together by now. I know it won't be long and ppl are going to expect more of me. That realllly scares me. Just need deep breaths, I guess!

I am the queen of guilt. I feel very guilty if my kids aren't doing what other kids are doing. This year we just added #4 to the family. I had the wisdom to slow down and not do too much. He is now 5mos old. I am slowly adding things into our schedule and feeling very overwhelmed. I suffer with panic/anxiety anyway. I was just curious...how much is 'me' and how much is reasonable? In other words, should I be running around with the four kids, or should I be at home? I never know. I dont have family to help out so I am use to doing it alone. I think that's my problem. I am always on my own. So, I never know what is reasonable b/c I've always HAD to do it ALL. Are you guys running to do things with your kids during the week or are you staying home? Thanks!

I've not ever used this program, but I am beginning to wonder (with all the math issues we've had this year) if that might have been a better fit! I might just look into this! Thanks, Bethany

JUMP IN by Apologia

Writing- IEW or Jump IN! from Apologia How about Logic?

It's so funny that I saw this post today b/c I was going to post the EXACT same thing! I am schooling three- 1st, 3rd, and 5th graders this year. And, I just had a baby! This year has been REALLY hard. I think it's hit me more at this very moment, or week, as I am planning for next year and just feeling like there is so much more to still be done this year and...don't even get me thinking about next! ack! To answer your question about TOG. :) I used TOG last year with all three, and by far, it was our BEST year ever. I did have a co-op which made it lots of fun. :) My kids are very crafty and social. So, they really thrived in that element. It was wonderful to teach Bible, History, Lit, etc...all at one time. It also disciplined us in our other subjects. This year with the pregnancy/birth I decided not to do it, or I would be a mess. It would be too much for me. However, i can't say the year has been easy. Maybe it wouldnt' be anyway- with the new baby. Anyway, I am in desperate need of advice for anything to make life easier too. How on earth do mom's teach more than two kids?! Next year, we are switching to MFW. I am very excited, but I have no idea how I am going to do it! :tongue_smilie:I look at Middle school and my head spins. We are barely getting by right now...I need deep cleansing breaths! I am so interested in hearing from other moms too...I wish I could be more helpful, but I feel just like you! :) Hopefully, we will both get great advice from this thread! Bethany

Thanks everyone! These suggestions are very helpful and I am researching each of them. I feel better knowing we are not alone with this concept! Bethany

I haven't, but I will now. :001_smile: Would this make a good 'practice' curriculum? i don't want to switch math programs. I just want to review this concept! thanks, Bethany

Jump In! It's Apologia.

Hi all, My son is doing BJU math 5. We've just finished the Chapter/lessons on Fractions. It was painful. :001_huh: He just finished the chapter test today, and I can tell he is not understanding it. Well, I should rephrase that. He is getting very confused b/c it's moving so fast. In other words, when he is reducing fractions, and the next section is comparing fractions, he is getting his LCM confused w/the GCF. I feel bad for him, but I do see the 'why's' of his confusion. I think if he was spending a bit more time 'practicing' each math concept it would be less confusing. But, as is, he is just understanding one concept (say reducing fractions) and the next day, he is moving into comparing fractions ( mixed numbers and fractions) and his little head is spinning b/c he can't remember what he should be dividing/ multiplying. We've spent HOURS going over and over these concepts and I just feel so bad for him b/c he took his test today and did really bad! I don't blame him, really. He is trying. I can tell he just didn't have enough review. So, my question is: What program would you recommend for him? Or, should I just move on and pick up the concept in next years math? My instinct says we should continue to practice until mastered. What do you all think? What would be a good resource for practice? Thanks so much! Bethany

I prefer the TM's w/ BJU. So, I will be using BJU for 2, 4, and 6th grade next year. :) HTH, Bethany

I've been on the donnayoung website most of the morning printing planner pages! I am so excited. I figure if I start now I MIGHT get this done by next year! lol! I am doing everything- menu planning, daily school schedules, house projects- everything! I am so siked b/c I can actually see the reason for this and I think I can make it work! Before- lesson planning just didn't make sense to me. I think b/c I never really stuck with a real schedule and so it just didn't make sense to write it down if I knew we probably weren't going to do it! lol... But, now, my children are older and they really have to get their work done. We need to meet deadlines, etc. So, it's very important to me. Anyway, thanks for this thread. It's given me hope!:D

When do you all find the time to ACTUALLY plan! Sheesh! I'm a hopeless failure in this dept! I love to be organized, but I just had little man #4 and I've just given up! I do manage to get school done b/c I use a wkly lesson plan form from donnayoung.org, but half the time, I dont' know what is expected of me (or dc) b/c I just DO NOT have time to prepare anymore ahead of time. any thoughts??

:lurk5:

In an effort to get ideas and see what I might be missing, would you pls share your schedule for 6th grade? I love seeing what everyone else is doing! Thanks, Bethany

Once I purchase the MFW program, I will get a better feel for what we will be reading. I have no idea what books are recommended for us next year. I have the suggested Lit books that are posted, but I am unsure of the book basket suggestions. So, I guess when I get that I will be able to make a better decision for him. He's really enjoyed the BJU reading this year. He's learned a lot about various topics. I do hesitate to drop it, but he can learn just as much if not more thru great lit. So, I will look over that! I am also thankful that MFW used dictation/narration. I had no idea. How wonderful! Thanks again for your input! Anyone have any ideas for art? I was looking at the MFW art set....anyone like it, used it? Just curious if I should get it? Thanks! Bethany

assignments in MFW? Hmmm....And, not do the Eng. either? Ok, if I drop the BJU reading, what will he miss out in the workbook material? Is there a lot of coverage in that? We've found that they cover lots of important info. in the workbooks that I might not think to teach him. Also, do you feel CLE would be a good subsitute for the BJU Eng. if I do not want to do the writing in BJU? In answer to a previous poster, he is a grade level reader and has very good comprehension. I've never really given him a book list and had him read them on his own though. That would be new for me if I did that next year.

Yes, I am having HIM do the BJU reading for reinforcement and comprehension. Most of the Lit. will be read alouds b/c I have two others in the same program. Question about the English BJU. So, I just love BJU and wanted to just go ahead and do the Eng. but, I am curious how much of the English is also writing? I know BJU is a bit more than CLE. Would that be a waste of money if I do not do the writing portion? Would CLE be a better fit for him for just the LA part? thanks!!!!!

Well, funny thing about the dictation- I've never done it with him!:001_huh: I was thinking it might help him w/his writing skills?? I don't know. He is really bad at spelling/writing/composition. He's excellent w/the creative aspect. He just can't transfer it to paper!!!

Did I forget something? I realize I have nothing down for the dictation/narration. I was hoping for some ideas with this subject area?? Thanks for looking! Reading- BJU6 Spelling- SWR/Spelling City English/LA-BJU6 Writing- Jump In! Math- BJU6 Science- BJU6 Dictation/Narration- Logic- Fallacy Detective Critical thinking books (various math, etc) History- MFW RtoR Bible- MFW RtoR Literature- MFW RtoR

I am going to purchase it for next year. I can't wait!!!! Thanks ladies!!! Bethany

Thank you so much for responding.I have learned that I love BJU Math, Reading and Science. I have my sons currently using CLE LA and I have my youngest in CLE math and Reading. I really do prefer the BJU TM and instructions better than CLE. So, though I have no real complaints about CLE LA, I was thinking that BJU *might* be better! ;) I appreciate your insight and I think I might just give BJU English a try! Just out of curiosity, what is CQLA??? Thanks, bethany

I had decided on CLE la for next year, but I am enjoying so many different aspects of BJU that I am really considering using more and more of their curriculum. Does anyone have any experience w/both CLE and BJU Language arts? I currently have been using the CLE and have really enjoyed it. But, I do not use their writing or spelling. So, it's not really a complete program for us. I guess what I am saying is that BJU doesn't have to be strong in writing or spelling either. I'm mostly interested in the grammar aspect. Any thoughts?This is for 6th, 4th, and 2nd grades. Thanks!!! Bethany

My friend bought this and I looked over it and was VERY impressed, but I just wasn't sure. I haven't heard that much, well anything really, about this program. I'm glad to see that you bought it and are as impressed and excited to use the program as I am!!! Thanks again! Bethany

If so, could you give me your opinion of it? I have browsed over it and really like it. I would be wanting to use it for a 6th grader and 4th grader? Anyone have any thoughts about it? Like is or dislike it? And why? Thank you! Bethany