I have the same problem, in reverse though. Old AG, newer edition book! Do you want to trade? Just kidding! ;) My understanding, from previous posts and my own questions, about it is that it is compatible...mostly newer (better) maps, more professional illustrations in the new AG! Have fun!

For Art (Picture) Study: We used to follow AO and SimplyCharlotteMason.com and finding living books about artists at our local libraries, but now we use library books and this free program manual (that you can download and save), it is called Meet the Masters http://www.getinvolvedineducation.com/pdfs/For-Program-Managers/Meet-the-Masters-Program-Manual.pdf or the same program that you pay money for at: http://www.meetthemasters.com/homeschool/index.html For Art: We use the Art Basics for Children: ABCs of Art by Visual Manna, it is recommended at www.livingbookscurriculum.com in their Charlotte Mason curriculum. or another option we be to use the ideas/videos/techniques taught by Harmony Arts Mom on her blog http://harmonyartmom.blogspot.com/ or better yet the actual curriculum packets at Harmony Fine Arts. Most importantly, have fun!

THAT IS IT! Thank you!

Thanks for the idea Corraleno! :D

I thought I would add, it is similar to Noeo.:confused:

I'm looking for a website, but can't remember it: -science curriculum, using mostly living books, CM in approach -divided into classical model/stages -has options to add for older students -I remember Apologia Elementary Science books to be a part of it Any ideas? Thanks a bunch...I'm not looking into it this year, as I already have a curriculum selected, but wanted to bookmark it for next year while the idea is in my head.;)

Looks great! You'll have a great year and following your child's lead for other interests is HUGE. When you look back, you will give yourself a pat on the back for this wise decision! We did AO for Year 1 and we didn't finish all the reading (some just went over my DC's head), the few we finished they still talk about. Looking back, we simplified it and did copywork and narrations...which lead the way to us now using WWE and FLL. I just had to chuckle! We also do piano lessons right away in the morning, otherwise it wouldn't get done (and plus baby is less likely to be sleeping then)!

I was contemplating buying this product, but now I definitely won't. I'm sorry for your experience. This is not the typical service from the homeschool community.:grouphug:

We are doing Stories of the Great Composers. Otherwise, we followed Simply Charlotte Mason's suggestions and AO's suggestions in the past. Also, some like the recommendations at http://www.harmonyfinearts.com/index.php.

:lurk5:

coralloyd, that looks extremely appealing. Thank you for the link!!:D

I second delaying the spelling until phonics is reviewed. (Spelling takes the place of phonics. If you decide to do Spelling Wisdom, that is usually not started until 3rd or 4th grade.) Also, I don't see a penmanship/handwriting program. Are you a Christian, if so consider a Bible Reading/Study. Otherwise continue with great character building books! Aside from that, looks great to me! Enjoy the time with him! Remember, also that according to Fred Rogers, "Play is the real work of childhood!" My 2nd grader enjoys his free afternoons!;)

Two that I can think of are SWO (Spelling Workout) and R&S Spelling. R&S is definitely more $ friendly and I've heard others say it actual incorporates spelling rules more than SWO. We are only a few lessons into it ourselves.

I would recommend Phonics Pathway. You sound like you are uncertain/frustrated in his/your ability to learn/teach phonics. I know you have probably heard this a dozen times, but everything will be alright. I was in your boat about 1.5 years ago. We started with ETC, tried McGuffey's, tried Ruth Beechick's recommendations, but finally found Alphaphonics (which, IMO, is quite similar to Phonics Pathway). We stuck with it, in the beginning on certains days I wanted to pull all of my hair out...however, once I made up my mind that this was it I was at peace and my children were too and they started to flourish. Just take a deep breath, be consistent, short lessons, and patience is vital!!!!!! Read, read, read to your DS...he will eventually get it. Let him read easy, easy stuff at times to show him how far he has come. Let him read on an exercise ball, squirm in his seat while he reads...this is what my DS had to do. (It was annoying to me, but once I accepted this as his way to learn...he just absorbed his lessons like a sponge!) :grouphug:

What are WTM's suggestions? I found this suggestion on AO: Oral Narration of various subjects. (This continues to be an important part of "composition.") Written Narration begun around age 10-11. (Handwritten or typed narrations are fine. You should accept most written narrations without attempting to correct all the mistakes. Becoming proficient with written narration will take a couple of years. Begin with one written narration per week, and increase to 2, then 3, as your child is ready to do more writing. Once a month, perhaps, you may want to edit and correct one narration.)

When do you have your child write their narrations? How much? How often? Does spelling count? I own the WTM, but my allergies are annoying me today and I don't have the energy to really dig into it.:glare: I've tried looking for the info. in the past. Thank you in advance!

Thanks for the encouragement and suggestions. I think I'll refrain and stick with R & S...(incorporating dictation with the words). I'll also see how it goes further into the year. My DS flourishes with most of the programs (he seems to be a natural speller); whereas my DD needs more attention.

My dd8 would love a pen-pal if you are interested. Please respond.

Interesting..this program has always intrigued me...yet another reason to look into it!

Great idea to make up sentences with the words in R&S. So are you using R&S list words w/ dictation.?

Interesting. I agree, liberating indeed...and very CM in philosophy! I'm using DITHOR, which is great for character study. I wonder what SWB thinks of it?

I've tried Natural Speller didn't work.:thumbdown: Then read Charlotte Mason's thoughts on spelling and dropped the list method. In particular, read posts on the Higher Up and Further In blog. I was all go for the CM way-copywork then moving into dictation!:driving: Decided to do Sequential Spelling last year, after I thought I was neglecting my children's needs for spelling...the program worked quite well for us...it just takes forever to get through a book and I don't want to do spelling twice a day like is suggested, if you want to catch-up! Then read WTM's ideas...didn't want to spend the $ on the Spelling Workout series, so I bought Rod and Staff spelling, works okay...the children like the worksheets (even though we lean toward the CM method). Now read Charlotte Mason ideas again.....in particular looking into Spelling Wisdom (which, if I broke down the cost would only be $2.50/year per child...so a GREAT deal) or Dictation/Spelling book on Google Books. Then started thinking, if I use dictation for spelling, why not change SWB's approach to dictation and implement it into WWE. :confused: AHHHHHH, HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:willy_nilly:WHAT SHOULD I DO? I know staying with one is best and not be tempted would be the solution!

I know that they have some free modules on their site. Here it is...only Module 1 (47 pgs.) is free: http://site.knowledgeboxcentral.com/Samples/GenSci1Mod1Complete.pdf

We were doing this a couple of years ago, but stopped for some reason. Will have to implement again. Thanks for the reminder!:D Oh, and just to make sure...you are talking about the Simply Charlotte Mason website regarding their Memory System...correct?

:lurk5: I'm interested, as well. I own the WTM, but am confused about the plans ahead.