You should be able to right click the message that says download blocked, then select temporarily allow...and then it should start downloading and then you can open and/or save to your harddrive.

My third child does this as well! :001_huh: He would gag easily as a baby, but it got especially bad when he was 1 year old. The incidences do seem to go in waves...he just recently got over a bunch....I have heard that they eventually grow out of it...I'm thinking I have at least another year of it! When he is angry or crying he especially is vulnerable to throwing-up! I always get the nearest bucket ready, but then again when he sees the bucket then he actually does throw-up!:glare: Sometimes though, I can calm him down enough and tell him not to throw-up!

We are Christian and love SOTW! Living books inspired, IMO, is the way to go! We don't do tests...the children narrating back is the test! Also the AG makes it extra fun!

I was in a similar position last year with my DD. ;) It will be okay...really! To answer one of your big questions...FLL is grammar. This is what we did: We did SOTW 1 and activity guide. (She will be going into 3rd and starting SOTW 2 Language Arts: Reading, Grammar, Penmanship, Writing, Spelling 1.Reading-I used a little bit of phonics review (Alphaphonics) and listened to her read aloud each day (about 10-15 min.). (She also had independent reading aside from this for about 1 hour each day--usually at quiet time and at bedtime.) 2.Grammar-We did both FLL 1/2 (which can easily be done since so much of it is reciting from previous lessons and lessons are quite short...a little bit of copywork doesn't start until at least mid-way through Level 1) It didn't take long FLL can be done 3 days/week for about 10-15/each day...we did it every day of the week so that we could catch-up. 3.Penmanship-Started Cursive using a little of my own and A Reason for Handwriting Book T. Penmanship is done daily for about 5-10 min./day 4.Writing-WWE 2-Writing With Ease (This uses narration and copywork. If your child is already accustomed to this...starting at level 2 will work out, just fine...it is soooo gentle I think she would be ready for this already...it eventually goes into dictation.) This is done 4 days/week...about 10 min/day. 5.Spelling-I would suggest starting one sometime very soon...many people use SWO (Spelling Workout)...I've tried a few different programs, but Sequential Spelling seems to work best for my DD. This was all very manageable for my DD and I.

If you do choose the Gallileoscope...the price increases to $20 this Monday! I'm taking advantage of the $15 price tag now...since we also studied about Gallileo in depth! I'm interested to know more about the binoculars though! I've read this elsewhere, as well!:bigear: To add: I found a website about binoculars for astronomy including finding good ones and recommendations http://www.universetoday.com/2008/04/15/binoculars-for-astronomy/

I am teaching my children. I play only a little, but also play clarinet. We are using Alfred's All-in-One coarse. Though, while researching self-teaching piano programs, I noticed that Sonlight recommends the Bastien Piano Basics for students to teach themselves.

I don't think The Outdoor Hour (nature study) and a science curriculum would be too much...just remember to make it fun and follow your child's interests! We use Barb's The Outdoor Hour now, as well. Prior to that, we just did nature study when we got to it. When we did get to it, we did it on our "art" day, while at the same time doing other science on other days of the week...reading Parables from Nature, James Herriot's stories for children, etc... This year we are using Noeo Bio 1, a combo of Charlotte Mason & Classical approach. We are looking forward to studying weather, animals, plants (using Apologia Botany), and the human body. Barb's blog is the perfect fit! I love Barb's ideas and now my Comstock book isn't just sitting on the shelf waiting for us! We do science twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday) and nature study once a week (Thursday).

Though you probably don't need more recommendations. You could also go with Alphaphonics and skip the initial few pages going over sounds. A very inexpensive ($29), nonconsumable, all-in-one phonics program that works!

Thanks for the post. I didn't know SWB had her other child leave the room either. My oldest two complain, when narrating, saying the other "took" their answer! Now I know what to do! I think I'll have the younger one narrate first while the other one goes to her room...possibly starting to write her narration down sometime in the next few months (she is only just starting 3rd).;)

For writing I would suggest Writing With Ease Level 2. A very gentle approach! FLL 1 you will find yourself going through quite quickly...my DD just completed Level 1&2 together this year. This is easily done since there is no writing until at least 1/2 way through Level 1 and many of the lessons are short that you can do two in one day!

Just a couple of weeks ago someone was asking the same question. Her info. and the ideas were invaluable! http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115338&highlight=binder+WTM

Also, someone a couple months back posted the following (I saved the suggestions to a word doc.): For spines I would use: Exploring American History American Pioneers and Patriots For the 50 states I would use: WP Kid's Learn America Scrambled States of America States (Time for Learning) The supplemental books would be: (I put an * next to books I already own) America in the Time of Pocahontas* America in the Time of George Washington* North American Indians Red, White, and Blue The Thanksgiving Story The Fourth of July Story* America * The Story of the Pilgrims * If You Were There in 1492 If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620* If You Lived in Colonial Times * If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution* If You Were There When They Signed the Constitution* If You Lived at the Time of the Civil War If You Traveled West in a Covered Wagon If You Lived 100 Years Ago If Your Name Was Changed at Ellis Island Read alouds (again marked books I own with an *) I know this list is super long - I'm sure we wouldn't get to all of them. Squanto Courage of Sarah Noble * On the Banks of Plum Creek Little House on the Prairie * Sarah Whitcher's Story In Grandma's Attic * Mountain Born * Farmer Boy Indian Captive * Tolivers Secret * Caddie Woodlawn * We'll Race You Henry Ford * Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie * What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin * George Washington's Mother * Abraham Lincoln (D'Aulaire) * George Washington (D'Aulaire) * Lief the Lucky (D'Aulaire) For hands-on ideas, you could use some of the things at the websites for various historic places Plimoth Plantation www.plimothplantation.org Colonial Williamsburg www.history.org Colonial activities from the Southern backcountry http://www.charlottemuseum.org/activities.htm Jefferson National Expansion Monument http://www.nps.gov/jeff/forteachers/...ity-guides.htm Has Lewis and Clark, Native Americans Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum kids' activities http://www.lauraingallswilderhome.com/kids.htm ideas for using national historic sites (many will have downloadable activities or information that can be used even if you cannot visit) http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/twhp/period.htm though it may be a bit advanced for a 2nd grader, it will give you ideas of parks/activities to look for. Since many of the national sites are part of the National Park Service (including things like the Statue of Liberty, various sites in Boston, etc), the Jr. Ranger webranger program can be of benefit http://www.nps.gov/webrangers/ It's free. There are activities related to George Washington, Paul Revere, War of 1812, Civil War, Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln, other various presidents, etc. Many of the birthplaces of presidents may have online activities.

:iagree: I love these books...thank you for the link...I live in ND, but was able to find my state under the guides. To find your state just click here: http://www.gale.cengage.com/DiscoverAmerica/guides/

FLL and, especially, WWE will definitely help him with his narration. SWB's method of narration is very gentle and assists children on their way to retell back...with prompting questions, if need be.....very well done. Generally a child at his skill level/age, reads/hears only one paragraph (according to SWB) and then the child retells the story in his own words...eventually by 2nd grade he will be able to narrate back 6 paragraphs or so. It sounds like your son is doing great, I think you will find he thrives with FLL and WWE!

Thanks for the review, I was just going to use Barb's blog. However, after reading your glowing review, I'm buying one!;) Google to see if there are coupon codes for Lulu.com....I believe there is a 10% off code that works right now. :D I don't think it lessens the actual price that Barb would get? Would it?

How about Easy Grammar/Daily Grams?

Thanks. Didn't know about this...will dig in to know for future use!:D

Just the other day, I saw someone post that http://www.typingweb.com/ worked for their children after Dance Mat!

You are more than welcome! Thanks to your question (and great idea by the way) it has helped me decide how to further implement the books next year. We have read a few of them and own most of Holling's books, but having a timeline is a great way to implement them!;) We also are starting DITHOR and I think I can place many of the Holling books within the categories!

Also, I saw Minn of the Mississippi at the library today and I wanted to confirm my previous idea about the dating of it....yes it is early 1800's....it mentions the year 1811 midway through...and since the book covers 25 years....starting it at 1800 seems perfect!

I was using it as a stand alone..all the way to 1st grade...Then started Alphaphonics just to try it out....boy did my kids explode in reading! My opinion, it shouldn't be used as a stand alone!

Yes, after FLL 4 they can go straight to R&S 5. What I understand, many of the people who transition to R&S after FLL1/2 do so because they already own part of the R&S from a previous child and purchased it prior to FLL3 & FLL4.

I just looked over the workbook and realized there is really nothing for world geography...a lot of focus on the states and reading maps! Sorry I couldn't help you more. How about some living books like a book about Marco Polo or A Child's Geography of the world?

How about The Complete Book of Maps and Geography? It is workbook style and can be done independently. It says 3-6th grade...but I think it is geared for 2nd-4th graders. I prefer whole books, but my children are loving this (and I personally love the independence)!

We alternate with our history and science, which works great for us. We school 4 days a week. Here is our schedule: http://ournatureoflivinglearning.blogspot.com/search/label/schedule