I have SOOOO many binders of "stuff" I was worried about getting the print version. I bought the DE.... but I might try and get the print version used as well. I LOVE the DE version at the moment though (as a completely new user) - I LOVE having everything linked right there and it being constantly updated (I'll never be out of date!)....

Right now DS is using an older version of Earth Science from Abeka through Seton. I like it because he gets it - does the review questions at the end, takes a test - boom done. Now I am looking at him for next year and debating if I should move him into Biology.... or go with Physical Science. Then which one? I LIKE the current Abeka book - but the Physical Science one looks new and I don't know if it follows the same format (read....answer questions.... be done kinda). They don't give you a huge preview on their site for the unit..... He's not HUGE into science and he understands a lot of the biology stuff just from living on the farm and developing his own mini breeding program for specific traits. But I'm not sure if he's ready for Biology as a class just yet (he'll be 13/14).... Any opinions??

If you want the DE version - I suggest the MapAids & Evals.... but you can find the writing aids for 1/2 or better shipped used and it works fine. I was able to find it over on homeschoolclassifieds for $25 shipped brand new...

Have you looked into CLE for LA? Reason is that my dd couldn't DO R&S - it didn't click with her..... but CLE seems to be similar but in workbook format (has diagramming etc) and she likes the workbook - go figure...

I wish they would allow printing to PDF - then I would be able to save paper and upload it to my son's ipod touch. I understand why they don't for security - but boy would it be helpful!!

DS thought it was boring and slow so he would lose interest with it VERY quickly. DD could have done ok with it... but she would daydream and then not be able to work with my on any of the questions - I was getting too many "I duh nos" from both kids. That in the end drove ME nuts. It's also why we couldn't do SOTW by itself - sure we can use it with other stuff but not as the main text. Some days I think my kids are just from another planet ;) Here's the thing though - DD is super excited about the Usborne book of the Ancient World - its colorful and engaging. DS likes that some of his books LOOK like textbooks (no kidding - he's from another planet I tell you!)... He also like GA Henty - and for the 1st 3 weeks he gets to read one that he already has - so he's actually excited about it. BTW - the CORE History book for Year 1 Unit 1 for weeks 4-9 for both UG & D is the Bible. It's a historical reference about Moses so they use that as a main source.

I printed 9 pages (the reading list) double-sided and in color (I am spoiled with an auto-duplex laser printer), the maps for both kids (6 I think for this week) b&w.... and 5 pages for the kids to use - but I'm not sure if I will need to print all of those again as I don't think they need those. DS will want the questions to answer so I will print those for him..... but dd and I can work together of the computer. Oh - I printed the schedule page for them....but I might just make my own because it doesn't have all the subjects we do on it....

My kids and I lasted 3 weeks with MOH 1 last year - they couldn't stand it! We did the same thing with making it up for the rest of the year. Do you use the transparencies for the maps with TOG? I'm thinking of just putting them in sheet protectors for each child and have them draw with the dry erase markers so they can erase and practice etc. I HAVE sheet protectors - but I don't have transparencies..... I see though for year 1 week 2 it has it for level D.

Here is what I found this week - Year 1 Unit 1 of TOG. I have 1 in UG and 1 in D. I was able to get ~90% of the books at the library - some where the alternate books - some I just WANTED to buy ;) I spent $45 on the downloadable..... but I have seen the ENTIRE year for as low as $85 in print used. The included writing program is ehhhh - very basic..... BUT I found the entire writing aids CD for $25 shipped instead of the $50 retail - that'll work :) Right now though we are going to use Writing Strands because I have it. My kids each spent 30 minutes with me going over next week when we start the unit (this is snow study week). They each found that they could spread it out and work it into a REASONABLE schedule and probably have most of Friday off (which they would like since they go to a homeschool PE class if their work is done). What did I notice? I found I was able to read the teacher notes - and by being able to talk to them about what they were able to learn, get them excited about it. For us - I think this might be what I have been looking for at this stage of the "game". It has good literature - and good thought questions. The expense? I guess it depends on how much you WANT to spend. If you are willing to head out to the library once in awhile - I think it can be kept down. I don't see why you wouldn't be able to use different books if you can't find the exact one listed. The lit books I would keep the same - but then in 4 years I see my daughter using them again. I like the DE version - I can bring my laptop to the library and look up the books I need there - or I can print out the list (which is what I already did) and mark it up as to what I have, what I need etc. I don't see how it is much more than other programs out there - as it really does seem pretty complete!

I think it depends on the TYPE of bread you are making. I can mix up a 3-4 loaf batch of "the master recipe" from Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day in just minutes with my kitchen aid pro and it handles it can cleans like a breeze in no time! During certain times of the year I make about 50 dozen cookies for 3 days straight and it does just fine - never over heats and cleans up quickly between batches! I've had mine now - 10 years? I don't use it every day - but 3-4 times per week (then some weeks I'm really lazy and it will just sit).... I've only asked for the next size up (mine is 5 qt) but I don't have a problem without it!

If you want something "general" and fun - take a look at http://www.the-simple-homeschool.com/ My 4th grader LOVES the stuff there and I just signed up for the interactive classroom so she can pick and choose the rest of the year. I can use it for the older one too (he'll want to do forensic science once it's online)...

Also - if your child is older (7th grade+) - the Challenge program has a tuition of over $1000 itself. I LOVE the sound of the program - but my schedule is probably going to say 'no' because the 2 closest ones to me are on Fridays and that's just a tough day for us.

I hope this helps a little bit :)

I can see where you are coming from Julie as I am looking at it. BUT - it looks like you can cut a lot out and still teach A TON! It show that you will need something for a certain # of weeks - so that gives you an idea. You can also go and get a list from TOG's website and it will give you can idea. Some of the Alternate books SEEM to be longer (but that might be me)..... I'm still browsing (and getting lost in it - but in a good way).....I think it depends on the level you are doing. We are going to start Upper Grammar & Dialectic next week. Some of it - I can or will replace with things such as videos (we'll cover archeology with Bill Nye the Science Guy).... I'm also looking to see if any of the books are downloadable through Librivox or even our library as audio books. Some I noticed are on kindle - which is good as both my kids are totally spoiled and have iPod Touches which can handle Kindle books for free.

Let me know if it works!! I'd love to be able to play it in the car when we go without all the CD's :)

Ok - from what I downloaded and printed (I bought Unit 1 because I figured I can spend the $45 and SEE/PLAY/TOUCH/DECIDE - instead of the entire thing) my new favorite part is the weekly readings where it lists the dewy # for library look up! Yesterday after I did this I was able to reserve most all the books I don't already have to pick up - plus I added in some videos based on my library's recommendations (I like my library :) ) I also like that it tells me how many weeks I will need the book - so I can plan accordingly. This is actually very helpful. DOWNLOAD AND PLAY! I honestly was terrified of this curriculum 3 years ago when I saw it because it looked like SOOO MUCH ;) Now though, I see HOW it can work and how silly it was of me to be scared because it looked big.

Thanks! That actually helps me a lot. I think right now I will do TOG the first unit to finish off this year and see how it works....... then go from there for next year. I'm still debating about CC. I LIKE it.... but at the same time...... I can have ds take an IEW class and still spend less money. Decisions decisions decisions.......

I'm still playing with the DE version. I wish I could resell it - but then I was thinking that in 4 years I would be using it again with DD. I think you can get it on CD so you wouldn't lose it if your computer crashes!! :) I do suggest downloading it and playing with it. I am finding things that they say "don't work" DO work (my printer does auto-duplex and it DOES print that way). I like the planning aspect of it as well - you work WITH your child on how he/she will plan their day. I'm still playing with printing and setting up. I'm looking to start now..... and then maybe work into part of the summer.... I"m not sure yet. BUT - I do like the color coded pages!! ;)

ok - i downloaded the tog 1 DE sample and started looking at it and I am super impressed. I wasn't as impressed with biblioplan....it looks just like a book list divided up to me. I was 2 seconds from buying it because of the price.... but to ME it is a guide vs a complete program. Does that make sense?

Ok - here is the thing I noticed..... my son was using it for Algebra I, he cheated - plain and simple. It shows every step of every problem all the way through. So he would walk through and copy everything - but he wouldn't understand it at all. The results of this showed up on his tests. I found the 5/4 program to be pretty simple to teach so I'm not sure it would be needed at that level.

I am playing around with the TOG DE that they sample on the site. We aren't enrolled with Classical Conversations this year - but I am looking at it seriously for next year. I was wondering if anyone combines the 2 as it LOOKS like it can follow along with the plan. My son would be in he Challenge A program though while dd would be in Foundations & Essentials. I'm thinking of using TOG though to finish out this year with history to get ME somewhat on track.

I had a tubal reversal last March and so we will see what happens. I have a "tracking" ap on my iPhone and I find it hilarious that even with DH saying we need to use it so we DON'T get preg - he's always "ready" on the "green" days (which are fertile days) We have 4 kids in the house right now (2 are foster kids) and we might get their sisters and adopt all 4 at one point.... AND their bio-mom is due in March and will probably lose that one as well - and they want me to take him/her.... so I'm ready to have a "full house!"

I will tell you a 2 second story a friend of mine told me. She switched to IEW with a local teacher here (not just the DVD's).... her son comes out and looks at her with red eyes saying "WOW - that's a lot to learn about a PARAGRAPH!" - he's exhausted from the intensive study but his writing has never been better and he understands HOW to use words to the best of their ability without sounding "wordy".... she says his writing has changed from night to day using that program. Her words and excitement actually are causing me to look more into it and also to classical conversations which uses it for their program.

Can you just freeze them? I put mine on a cookie sheet freeze them for a few to 24 hours and then put them in a bag to use later.

It's still snowing here - that picture was from 6am Right now I have 30+ inches on the deck (kids tried to stick a yard stick in without actually WALKING on the deck because the snow is so heavy and got it to 30 and then couldn't reach anymore) We have light snow right now - but some of the drifts are above my waist (40" or so)