We used Prima Latina last year and really enjoyed it.

I used it this year, but I won't continue with it. I like most of the book choices, but some are--in my opinion--very dry and boring, especially in the upper levels. I consider myself to be an excellent reader, but I couldn't even understand some of the books used in middle and high school.:tongue_smilie: Also, since most of the books are older and out of print, they can be difficult to find. Many are available to read online, but not all of them...so that's a problem. I did like the schedule, yet flexibility that comes with AO. We could schedule weekly readings in a way that fit us best. Some days we read more, some less, depending on what was going on in our lives that day. I will continue to use AO's composer, art, and nature study schedules. Those really "clicked" with us. That is one big positive.:) Another problem I had is that there is no way I can read all the books with my children, especially when they're in different years. Of course they are expected to read many books on their own; however, if I'm not familiar with the book, then I don't know if my child's narration is on target or not. In other words, unless I read all the books myself, then I'm not sure if my children are "getting it" or not. (I've chosen to go with another curriculum for this upcoming school year that will help me in this area.) I used Year 1 for my ds7 and Year 3 for my dd9. I recommend going at least one year below your child's grade level. The reading in AO is very challenging. My dc enjoyed most of the books we read this year, with the exception of only a few. Overall, I would give AO a positive review. It just wasn't the right fit for us.

could you give me a peek into your day? How do you do it? I have a lower elementary age child and an upper elementary age child that will be using 2 different cores. I also have a toddler, so any insight will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

One concern I have is that, if I place my 8yo in Core 3+4, then he'll be doing Core 5 when he's only 9. Also, for the remaining cores, he'll end up being one year below the suggested "used by" ages. I just don't want to slight him. ETA: I didn't really think Core K would be an option for my 10yo. I just wondered what others thought about it. :)

I have Core K & Core 3+4. I won't be able to purchase anything else at this time.

If your only options were Core K and Core 3+4 (not sure what letters they are now) for a recently turned 8yo & an almost 11yo, what would you do?

I'm still wating on mine...very impatiently!:tongue_smilie: I'm glad to hear that someone likes it. I've heard so many negative things about this year's catalog.

I've requested to join the Yahoo group, but I would also love to hear from you here. How does it look in your home?

http://heartofwisdom.com/ Do any of you use this? I've looked at the site & samples, but I'm just wondering how it works in real life. I'm still confused by it. Is it just a method with some ideas, or is there a set schedule & plans? Thanks.

Anyone?

http://www.edmegastore.com/ Anyone order from this company? Thanks.

Have your children make shapes on the board using the bands. Give them rules for the shape: must be 4-sided, must have at least 2 right angles, etc. Also, you make a shape on the board & have them make a congruent shape & vice versa. Here are a few more ideas: http://eclectichomeschool.org/articles/article.asp?articleid=236

As the mom of a soldier, I pray that I never have to face his funeral. If I do, though, then I pray that these people will stay far away. While I believe in free speech, I am sickened at the thought of this church group showing up & tarnishing what would be my last tribute to my son.

Also agreeing with pp about Five in a Row & Galloping the Globe.:) I used both in the past & highly recommend them as well.

Math: Rightstart Mathematics--I've never used this...we use Saxon, but I think Rightstart uses an abacus Narration: Simply have your child retell what was just read, either oral or written History & Science: I would simply read books in the early years. Here are a few sites with booklists: http://www.amblesideonline.org/ (We use this curriculum) http://www.bethlehembooks.com/fb_list_1.pdf http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/history.htm http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/sciencebooks.htm Bible: I think your plan here is excellent. Memorization: I have my children memorize Bible verses & poetry. Hope this helps!

My youngest child is adopted from China. I have several books about China...both fiction & non-fiction. Here's a list: The Seven Chinese Brothers A Grain of Rice Granny Han's Breakfast Little Pear Shen of the Sea China's Son (Growing up in the Cultural Revolution) Count Your Way through China Chinese Fairy Tales The Story of Mu-Lan Ruby's Wish The Bellerophon Ancient Book of China The Great Wall of China A Taste of China When You Were Born in China Ms. Frizzle's Adventures: Imperial China Moonbeams, Dumplings, and Dragon Boats (Kingfisher) Beijing: Through Time

Great ideas, ladies. My little one was adopted from China, so it's important to me to celebrate her culture. Thanks for your suggestions.:)

My baby girl is turning 3 next month & I'm doing a theme for her party based on this book: http://www.amazon.com/Yeh-Shen-Cinderella-Story-Ai-Ling-Louie/dp/0698113888 Do any of you have any ideas for food, games, decorations, etc. Thanks!

I, too, felt overwhelmed until I actually started using AO. We are doing all of AO right now, with the exception of the artist & composer studies. We are going to add those in this coming week, during "tea" time in the afternoons. Just start, take it slowly, and add to it as time goes by.

AO is quite advanced. For my ds(almost)8 I'm using Year 1 and for my dd10 I'm using Year 3. Also, be sure to read about Charlotte Mason. It's important to understand her philosophy before starting AO.:001_smile:

The AO site has lots of help for these questions. I joined the AO Yahoo group as well. There is also an AO Yahoo group for schedules, which is very helpful. Several sample schedules are available to download. In our family, I have the children orally narrate each reading. Then I have them do a written narration twice a week. As they get older, I'll have them write more. I think it's really based on what's best for you & your children.:)

That sounds like a great combination. I've also looked at SCM and Old Fashioned Education. We've always been Charlotte Mason homeschoolers, but I'm currently reading For the Children's Sake and it has renewed my passion for CM.

We started this week with Year 1 for ds8 and Year 3 for dd10. We are loving it!:) I am impressed at the richness and depth of this curriculum. Just curious to know if anyone else is using this.

:iagree: We have this book & follow this blog as well. It's wonderful & my children enjoy it & have learned a great deal, as have I.:)

:) I have! We're finally going to take the plunge & use what I've always been led to use: Ambleside Online! In fact, we might even start "next" year later this month.:tongue_smilie: