That's pretty much what we do. I read a chapter out loud to everyone (dd13, ds10, dd7). We find locations on a map and globe. We answer the activity guide questions and do an oral narration together. My dd13 reads and does outlining from the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia. Dd7, ds10 and I read related books together. I assign additional reading to ds10 and dd13. We have been spending extra time this year on American history when it shows up in SOTW. We read, listened, watched a lot more about the pilgrims, Jamestown, the American Revolution, the U.S. Constitution, Lewis and Clark, westward expansion, etc. I feel that we are doing a good job covering both world history and highlighting American history. We always have some kind of history/classics related assigned reading and read aloud. For the assigned reading I have dd13 and ds10 write a summary of the book. Dd7 reads with me and we discuss as we read. Our read aloud is also much talked about as we listen.

This book is one that we read, the kids loved and still remember. "Pinkerton" is a code word at our house and everyone knows exactly what it means. The book is just the right mix of fun and serious to get the point across that first is not always best. Being a graceful second or third is a tough lesson but having a code word makes it a bit easier to deal with in public situations.

We use the globe and a world map for our map work. My dc aren't interested in the worksheets at all. We read many of the books suggested. We pick and choose activities. I think the more you do the more they remember but you've got three times through to get it all. No sense in burning out on the first round.

I think AG is very thorough and, yes, it is a program that could be used by someone with no grammar experience. The program begins at the beginning and builds, providing enough reinforcement to master each new concept. My dc have especially liked that the sentences for identifying parts of speech and diagramming are taken from literature rather than stilted, pointless sentences. As a bonus, my dd13 has read several books she might not have been interested in otherwise.

What a huge accomplishment! My dd7 has clothes issues. A few weeks ago she ended up wearing something to soccer practice that she was really unhappy with because she waited until the last minute to get dressed. On the way to practice she said, "Mom, I'm trying really hard to get over this outfit but it's tough when it's on my BODY!" Like your daughter, she rose above the outfit and had a great practice.

Breakfast? biscuits or toast, eggs and bacon Lunch? popcorn Dinner? salad, beer bread, steak, pototoes (mashed and sweet), carrot cheesecake What are you doing today? a little school, a little house work, a little yard work, coloring eggs, going to church Have you done your taxes yet? Taxes done in February, refund received and distributed.

The Mysterious Benedict Society books would be worth a try. My dc love them. Also, most of the books by Roald Dahl have a normal kid/abnormal situation aspect. Huge hits at our house as well. ETA: My dd13 suggested the Chronicles of Narnia in addition to the books I listed above.

We had a really weird week but got most things done. You can read the highs and lows here.

I'd be on a beach with a fabulous book and a cabana boy to make sure I don't need anything.

:iagree:

Painting something - furniture, a building or a room Using the grill Building a fire pit Starting a fire in a fire pit Digging, planting and keeping a garden Basic landscaping - edging, lawn moving, weed eating, leaf blowing, sweeping, raking Hang clothes on a line - fold clothes Build a teepee or tree house

Dinner on Good Friday will be our "fancy" Easter meal. We are having steak, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, salad, french bread, and carrot cheesecake. On Sunday, we are going on a picnic. The menu is currently roast chicken, macaroni and cheese, deviled eggs, and candy.

I wear my ring all the time. Dh has lost/broken at least six rings in 22+ years. I've suggested that he just get it tattooed on.

I'm making a carrot cheesecake for our Easter dinner. We'll be having s'mores made with Peeps sometime during the weekend.

I picked two. If it's someone I enjoy, I open the door and invite them in. If it's someone I don't want to spend time with, I greet them at the door and don't open it too wide. I don't know that I've ever not invited someone into my house because of the way the house looked. I have failed to invite people into my house because I felt uncomfortable with them.

I don't know anything about Easy Grammar but can say that Analytical Grammar is a wonderful program for covering grammar usage completely in three sessions. You can do two sessions in one year and finish the third up in the next year. It would be just right for starting in 10th grade. I feel confident that my dc know how and why words work the way they do. They also find the program to be practically pain free.

I know this must have been very difficult but I love your attitude.:hurray:

B.A. in psychology, teaching certificate NK-8 M.A. in counseling with an emphasis in marriage and family taught for 5 years, school administration for 2 years SAHM for twelve years prior to beginning our homeschool adventure

He's in the director of reliability and mechanical integrity for a company that makes specialty plastics. He has a B.S. in mechanical engineering.

I prefer to think of it as a contribution rather than a fine. Our limit is $10. Our last library didn't have fines.

Sharing my March sewing projects.

:iagree:

I really enjoyed the Esther study. I'm trying to remember if there was anything objectionable. For my teens I'd say it would be fine. We are very comfortable discussing sexuality and moral values. If I remember correctly Beth does share some of her past in that study.

An unbreakable tea set or a doll house were big hits for my 2 year olds.

Our windows are similar and we put thick slatted blinds up on most of them rather than covering with curtains. For the remaining windows, the curtain rod was determined by the style of the curtain, not the window frame. Lighter/gauzy curtains, thinner rod. Drapery, heavier wooden rod.