I had intended to use LOF as a supplement to Saxon unless we decide to make it a stand-alone, not sure yet so I don't have a long-term plan. I mostly just fell in love with the product, know my son will love it, and thought it would be a fun thing to start over the summer. I got a response from Stanley (how great is that?) and he suggested starting at the beginning as ds is young. I think I'll take that advice and start with Fractions - ds wanted to do that book as it looked like fun, even if he knew some of it. Thank you! Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling grades 1, 3, 3 and 6

My ds11 loves math and loves to read. After learning about the LOF books on this forum, we found samples and he is so excited to start. My question is placement. He is nearly done with Saxon 7/6 and is entering 6th grade. He thought he knew most of the things mentioned in the contents of LOF Fractions, but some were unfamiliar. I don't know if I should start him there, or go to Decimals. Has anyone had experience with placement in this series? I emailed the writer of the books but so far haven't had a response. Thank you! Aimee Mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling 1, 3, 3 and 6

:iagree: We tried to do everything the first year and it was WAAAAY too much. Be gentle with yourself and try to pick and choose. You will enjoy it much more that way! Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling grades 1, 3, 3 and 6

We have Children Just Like Me, and we pull it out whenever our reading, either history or read-alouds, take us into other countries or cultures. It's great for the kids to be able to see how children live in the places we're studying, and they spend a lot of time looking at the pictures. Another fun resource we've enjoyed is "Extending the Table, A World Community Cookbook." It has "Recipes and stories of people from Argentina to Zambia in the spirit of More with Less." There is an index by country in the back, which has allowed us to find recipes to prepare as we study a particular country. It's also shown us how great meals can be prepared with very simple real foods and lots of spices. I know that's not what this post was about but I thought I'd throw that out there! Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling grades 1, 3, 3 and 6

I'd say PLL is a very nice placement for a third-grader; you could skip the first half of the book and move into the second if you'd prefer. ILL was a very appropriate placement for my ds when he was in 4th grade; he used the second part this year and will finish it this year in 6th grade. I believe at that time we may use Analytical Grammar so I haven't thought about a transition to R&S, sorry I can't help with that part. Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling grades 1, 3, 3 and 6

"I love these photos! These are amazing and inspiring, but a bit overwhelming.... Thank you so much for sharing them." I just wanted to share, for anyone overwhelmed by these GORGEOUS schoolrooms, that it's possible to take the inspiration and use these great ideas even if you don't have a designated schoolroom. We've tried to be creative with the space we have and it's fun to see the ideas others have used! We do most of our seatwork at the 9-foot farm table where we also eat our meals, do art projects and have afternoon tea. The children have bins for their seatwork that we tuck in the pantry, and the art supplies are in a restored old cabinet that probably graced a country store years ago. I have a bookshelf in this room (dining room off of the kitchen that was probably a family room originally), wallmaps of the USA and the world, several blackboards (one up high and one mounted on the back of the sink cabinet, for little hands to reach), and a laminated poster of common feeder birds of North America. This room is also our favorite space to display the kids' artwork - everywhere LOL! It works for me because I can be preparing meals or doing kitchen work while they do seatwork within my view. When it's time to do history, reading lessons or storytime, we cuddle up on the sofa in front of the fireplace. We keep our history and reading time books in the shelves surrounding the fireplace. Our library books are nearby in an old peach crate, next to the nature table which was probably a night stand years ago, before I repurposed it, covered it with a seasonal cloth, and filled the shelf below with our nature books. Just wanted to share and reassure any who might not have one of the beautiful rooms pictured. Thank you to all who shared, I have new inspiration now. I'd like to go on vacation in the schoolroom with the wicker furniture. :) Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling grades 1, 3, 3 and 6

I did use the AG when I did SOTW 1 with Biblioplan. The narration and review questions after each chapter were terrific to check what they'd learned and practice narration skills, and the coloring pages were fun for my wiggly guy who had trouble listening without something in his hands. He'd color while I read. We also made some fun recipes we found in the AG. We didn't do the crafts - that year I ordered Hands & Hearts activity kits which were terrific with the Ancients study - we made mosaics, frescos, etc. I didn't love the mapwork though - I think I like what I see of the Biblioplan maps better. Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling grades 1, 3, 3 and 6

We used Biblioplan Ancients with MOH, with SOTW as our main spine. I remember being frustrated at times that the scheduled MOH readings skipped around so much, and left out a number of chapters. That said, I did find Ancients to be a very rich year with Biblioplan. You will read the Bible a lot, and lots of great historical fiction. Tirzah is a read-aloud the kids loved. That year I tried to do everything - all the MOH readings, all the read-alouds - and it just seemed we were doing too much history. This year I learned to pick and choose much more, stretching a read-aloud a week or two longer than scheduled, giving some of the read-alouds to ds 11 as readers, taking rabbit trails if interests led. It felt more balanced and still substantial - please give yourself permission to do that. Biblioplan schedules many great resources but even if you don't get to them all you will have a wonderful study. FYI, I liked the way Biblioplan scheduled MOH II in the Middle Ages study, I felt it flowed nicely. Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids, ages 6-18, schooling grades 1, 3, 3 and 6

Thank you all for your responses. Jennie, I'm sorry I didn't see your reply earlier. Ok, based on everyone's suggestions, I think I'll try math 301 for the ds who "almost" placed into it - I really do think he'd be ok with it but might need a few holes filled where CLE differs from Horizons - and 201 for my other ds. I understand that in LA diagramming starts in 209 so maybe I could back up to that unit. I still haven't decided for sure what to go with for LA so maybe if I order a unit to work on over the summer, that'd help me decide. An older ds worked through English for the Thoughtful Child 2 in 3rd grade, followed by ILL with grammar workbooks, and he is SUCH a good writer now going into 6th grade - I don't know if I should mess with something that worked so well - or if he's just a naturally good writer! In any case, I really appreciate the input. I think I'll order some LUs today. Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling 1, 3, 3 and 6

I love the idea of MFW. However, for the past two years we've used Biblioplan, which also incorporates SOTW, a choice of history encyclopedias (including the one you own) and other resources for a core history study, as well as scheduling readers and read-alouds. The fact that it's all laid out has been a God-send (I struggle with organization), and it's very affordable - the guide itself is reasonable, and you can buy the spines and borrow the other materials, buy a few key books or whatever works for you. You might want to check out out the site, there are samples: http://www.biblioplan.net/ FYI, even with it scheduled out (history readings 3 times a week), we sometimes stretched a week to last longer, or doubled up on readings on a light week. Because it wasn't tied into our other studies, we had a bit of freedom to do that. We bought the books I really wanted to be sure we had, and borrowed the rest through interlibrary loan. Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling grades 1, 3, 3 and 6

We've used Biblioplan rather than HO, but it's similar in that we've had to choose between buying and borrowing books. Year one I relied on the library and consequently (due to multiple ages, family and health issues, etc), we missed out on some books I'd hoped to read. The following year I longed for the convenience of a package but wanted to stick to BP, so I went through the schedule and noted which books would be used throughout, which for more than a week or two, and which I just wanted to own and thought would make good additions to our home library. I also checked our interlibrary loan system to find out what books I could borrow, and found several older, out of print books I really wanted to include. I rationalized (justly, I think), that we will be repeating the history cycle several more times and regardless of what program we use, good, classic materials won't go to waste. So those books, I ordered. I found many on Amazon, often used and quite reasonable in cost, and some older books on ebay much more cheaply than I'd expected. We used the library a lot for the others, and ack, our fines were still outrageous. Maybe this year I should buy more! Again, I know it's a different program, but that was my logic. Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling grades 1, 3, 3 and 6

I have worried every year about whether my ds 11 is getting "enough" using ILL and this year, going into 6th, I am finally ready to trust that what we're doing with him is working. I love ILL but out of concern regarding the lack of formal grammer, I've added in an Evan Moore grammar workbook for the past two years. This year ds scored in at least the 98th percentile in LA on his standardized tests so it seems to be working well. He also reads voraciously and we have always done narration/dictation/copywork when ILL seems light. It is partly his natural bent but I attribute his excellent writing skills in part to ILL. In 6th grade ILL begins formal grammar instruction so I don't plan to supplement. Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling K, 2, 2 and 5

We bought the book and flashcards and mostly just used the book, reading through it together and reviewing each day during snack time. You could get by with one or the other though. I think (not positive though) that the book includes more information than the cards. Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling K, 2, 2 and 5

We have used Biblioplan with MOH for the past two years. The first year I tried to do both as scheduled, and I just felt we were doing history twice, it took too long and some of the material was repetetive. This year I used MOH as a commentary, skimming the material before teaching, and using the parts that weren't redundant. I did find the commentary and some of the information to be a great addition. My one big frustration with using MOH with Biblioplan: not working through MOH in chronological order, and missing some of the material that isn't scheduled. I'd love to work all the way through MOH another year. FYI, many of the books scheduled in Biblioplan have a Biblical/Christian focus, particularly during the Nation of Israel study and in year two, during the reformation - we have learned so much! Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling K, 2, 2 and 5

Thank you, Jennie, for your thoughts. I am considering switching for two reasons: one, I think the spiral approach in math and LA might be good for ds D; I have heard such great things about CLE that it's made me consider it. R&S is nice, and MCP has been ok (though he struggles a bit), but the fact that CLE LA combines so much makes it appealing. Ds I is doing well with Horizons but it doesn't go past 6th grade (if I'm not mistaken) so I was considering switching him to Saxon next year as I did with an older ds, but again, CLE caught my attention with all the raves it gets on this board. Thanks for sharing your experiences, it's good to think of the numbers as levels rather than grades, and it helps to hear how it's worked for your dd. Thanks so much; Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling K, 2, 2 and 5

I have been reading the great reviews of CLE math and LA here and in the past week have given my two second graders (third in the Fall) the pretests for both. I am completely boggled :confused: and would appreciate any insight as to proper placement or whether this program is even appropriate for them. I used a totally different approach with my older ds and dd, and so this program is all new to me. I know this is a lot of info but if you feel led I'd love some input please! Math: ds D, who struggles with math, placed into level 200. He is using MCP 2 and will be working on it over the summer unless we switch gears; we took a detour into Developmental Math when he was having trouble with place value, so he's still not finished his second grade text. Should I really start him at the beginning of the second grade year? Also, in the samples I notice that the spiral approach covers many things briefly, but are new topics adequately introduced for slower learners? ds I, who is much more a natural in math and is completing Horizons 2nd grade program, scored 49 on the placement test for level 200. According to the instructions, he should be placed in level 200 if he scored less than 55 - I just am not sure level 200 won't be too repetitive for him, he's a quick learn and I think some of the terms are different from what's familiar with and tripped him up on the test. Not to mention that he feels very good about his math skills and will be upset to be in a second grade program in third grade. Sorry if that sounds trite, but it all comes into play, you know? I am thinking if we don't use CLE I'd switch him to Saxon (though I don't know what level) for the coming year. LA: Both boys tested into level 300, one slightly below but when I asked CLE, was told they'd both be fine in 300. My question: neither boy has had cursive, which begins in level 240. Also, we are a little over half-way through R&S and I'm not sure whether they'll be prepared for the grammar terms they've not met yet. R&S works well for my slower learner in terms of really drilling the grammar terms, but I'm not sure he'll remember them without the spiral approach. I am so boggled by the tests and wondering about correct placement, I'm wondering if I should just stay with what we're using! I've loved to hear from anyone who's switched into CLE and can share how they made a placement, as well as anyone else who might have some input. Thanks so much; Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling K, 2, 2 and 5

For what it's worth, we tried MFW K during a busy year and I didn't find it open and go at all. There were books to be found at the library, supplies to be assembled and sadly for my two little guys that year, not a lot of MFW K got done. So then I had to plan for the next little guy in line. For ds 11, I'd used Sonlight K which was great for him, but I felt the read-alouds were too advanced for this next one. I ended up choosing Sonlight 4/5 with Sonlight K LA, which has been a nice combination. All the books are on my shelf, I open the guide and it tells me what to do. I think HOD would be similar and I'm considering one of their programs for ds 6 for 1st grade next year. Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling k, 2, 2 and 5

:iagree:We have used Spectrum Test Prep books for years here. We usually start pulling them out in January and working through them in the months before the test. The books give me an idea of any "holes" there might be in the kids' knowledge, different words the tester might use to describe mathematics or LA things than we've taught, and it gives the kids a chance to become very familiar and comfortable with the format. And they love it, go figure! They are available on Amazon, Rainbow Resources and maybe CBD. Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids, ages 6-18, schooling K, 2, 2 and 5

We used MOH along with SOTW for the past two years, as scheduled in Biblioplan. I know MOH is sold as a stand-alone curriculum, but I felt the information, particularly in the first volume, just wasn't enough to meet our needs as a whole history program. As a supplement it was great, I liked adding in the Biblical perspective and the kids and I both learned from it. We didn't do the activities because of all the other books we had scheduled, and we didn't follow it in order, because Biblioplan is topical rather than chronological. I'm considering using it more in chronological order the next go round, as I think we'd get more out of it. I liked the second volume better, much meatier readings. Differences between MOH and SOTW: MOH is dryer, more conversational and based on the Bible and the author's opinions, which I agree with so that was fine. SOTW is more of a story, which you know having read it, and tends to be pretty fact-based even if told in a fun way, without religious bias. Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling K, 2, 2 and 5

M 11-year-old loved this when we listened over the winter; one of my eight-year-olds sort of got it and the other was pretty lost. The 5-year-old absorbed none of it, which is good, because he'd have been pretty frightened if he had, I think. I'd wait a few years. Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling K, 2, 2 and 5

Thank you for your input, it does sound like CLE LA might be a good fit. I gave both ds, 8, the placement test earlier this week and they loved it and asked to do more, so funny. R&S math sounds like it also might be a good fit for "D," and I'm wondering if CLE math might be a good fit for my guy who's zipping through Horizons. I so appreciate hearing from people who've BTDT. Thanks! Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling K, 2, 2 and 5

I have two 8-year-olds who are six weeks apart in age - they joined us through adoption. They have very different learning styles so while they're in the same grade, I've had to work hard to meet their needs and make sure the competition is friendly. One ds, "I," is a quick learn at nearly everything, great at listening, has schoolwork done by 10 am most days. However, he struggles with reading comprehension. The other, "D," struggles a lot more with basic concepts in math and LA, but is an avid reader with great comprehension and an amazing little guitar player. We began in K together, but as reading lessons progressed in K-1, I'd have couch time with each child individually, to work on their reading skills. They progressed at different rates through their readers and phonics, and I just made sure to place each ds where he belonged ability-wise. We began math together, but by 1st grade split the boys into two different programs - one in Horizons which said 1st grade but was advanced, and the other in MCP and some help from Developmental Math mid-year. We do history, science and LA together. We do a lot of talking about how God gives each person different gifts and strengths and how we need to encourage and build each other up, and have needed to reiterate that at times when "I" has gotten a bit boastful about his abilities. At the same time, he wears prosthetic legs and can't always keep up with the others, so "D" makes sure he's encouraging his brother when he's trying something new. "D" was just fitted for a hearing aid so that gives it a whole new twist... Didn't mean to give too much information, just agreeing with others to treat them as individuals and enjoy their differences.:001_smile: Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling K, 2, 2 and 5

I am trying to choose LA for two of my ds, who'll be 9 and in 3rd grade in the Fall. One little guy breezes through everything, so I know whatever I choose will be fine for him. The other ds, "D," is a bright little guy but it really takes a while for things to stick with him, in both math and LA. I started out with FLL for them as it had been great for another ds, but after a year, I realized that "D" hadn't absorbed any of it - couldn't tell a noun from a verb to save his life, not to mention any of the other things. We also learned recently that he has a moderate hearing loss, so that surely made a mostly oral curriculum that much more frustrating for him to grasp. We've been working through R&S 2 this year for LA and both boys love it, and "D" is learning, but I'm intrigued by what I'm hearing about CLE and wondering if the spiral approach might be better than mastery for "D" - or not. He takes a longer time to grasp and remember a new idea, so mastery might be good - but he doesn't remember it without review, so spiral might be better. Sigh. Does anyone have experience with this type of learner and either of these two curriculums? I'm also considering these for math, for the same reasons. Thanks so much! Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling K, 2, 2 and 5

Thanks everyone for so much input about MFW, the science, the scheduling. Now I can get busy and start ordering curriculum! Blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling k, 2, 2 and 5

Well thank you all, I must say you should all get commission LOL, you are doing a great job selling me on MFW! I ever brought the catalogs to bed last night (my poor dear husband) and he suggested I find a program that includes information about how our government was formed, about the states, etc. Ummm, I think I did. :001_smile: One more question, do you like the science that is included? Thanks and blessings, Aimee mom to 6 great kids ages 6-18, schooling k, 2, 2 and 5