We have never used Extra practice or the tests. The IP gives extra practice, but at an elevated level. If a child is struggling with the concepts in the text and workbook, I'd probably go with the EP instead of the IP. Both would really be overkill in my opinion. Unless you do the IP later, like during the summer or something. So my kids do seven of the books each year. It's keeps us plenty busy!

CWP is all word problems, and lots of examples of how to do them. IP has word problems and regular calculation type stuff, but at a definite step up from the textbook and workbook. They can be interesting and tricky, usually requiring more thought than the workbook. We use them all. Text and workbook first. Then after a month or so, I slowly add in IP and CWP. But in the past we also used them a semester and sometimes even a year behind. I like them to get regular practice, but these two books tell me whether they really understand what they are doing and can apply it. I've tried to decide which one I've liked better so we could only do one, but four years later, I'm still using both.

I like these ideas. I really prefer regular gift giving. Thanks.

Yes, they are paying. It's a sandwich/deli kind of place. But big, with private room for catering. Yes, they do expect gifts. The wife had written the email with gift suggestions (in response to people asking for ideas she said). I guess it's a good thing she did; I would have never really considered gifts for an adult otherwise. We only do kids in our family generally. But it was just asking for gift cards. Trying to get a feel for how much and other options. I personally hate gift cards. It feels just like giving money.

My two 9yo boys are doing great with IEW. I went with the SWI A so they can watch Pudewa do the lesson. I think it was worth the money to do it that way, rather than teach it on my own. My sparse, reluctant writers are doing great with it, up to three nice paragraphs with good descriptions, and even seem to really like it. And Pudewa reminds the parents to be helpful and encouraging. It's good to watch how he deals with students in such a gentle humor filled way.

We are going to do epsilon this summer with my three kids. Are the fraction overlays something each would use while working on problems to solve? Do they need their own? Or is it a teaching tool only? And then off to buy some stuff! Thanks!

Bumping for more ideas! Thanks.

Thanks!

Thanks for the info on studies weekly. That looks perfect! And I forgot about our CC science cards. Have you tried them for other than state history? I see several other options as well that look tempting. My kids love reading magazines and newspapers.

I've been on auto pilot for several years, just continuing with our curriculum, but now may have to think about what to use! Some of them seem to be coming to an end. 4th grade sounds like a need a better plan! Here's what I know we will continue with Sonlight ( finish C and move into D) Singapore 5a/b, plus IP and CWP MUS Epsilon FLL 4 (finish) AAS 5 Finish Getting Started With Latin Miscellaneous workbooks like mind benders, geography stuff, grammar cop, grid perplexors, and critical thinking skills. Drawing Textbook And then the questions! We will have finished WWE 3 and not sure whether to continue. If not, what do we do? We will have finished IEW SWI A. Do we continue with SICC A or move to something else in the IEW line? What do we use after GSWL? It's simple, quick, no nonsense, no fluff. What else would be similar? We will have finished HWOT cursive? Do we just move to next level? Or drop it? What else should we do?! Seems like I need to ramp up on science or history. We do CC. we do monthly science classes. Have listened to SOTW for the past several years, and the kids all enjoy history and read books on it too. Do I need to do something formal? For science and history? I don't want to be lazy, nor waste our time if it's okay to just learn through books, CC experiments, and a monthly science class. If I need more, what do I need? Not a specific curriculum, but a description of what we should be doing.

We are invited to a friends 50th birthday party that they are having at a casual restaurant (private room). What would you bring? How much to spend if gift card? His wife sent out an email saying he doesn't need anything but gift cards to things/places he like would appreciated. She sent this out to the invite list, apparently because some people asked what to bring. Dh and I are invited, no kids. Reminds me I still need a get a sitter!

Good grief. No!

There are two narration/summary passages per week. They are letting go of all the questions and asking straight out for a summary. But they provide one question to ask so they know what to focus on in the passage. Other questions are provided if the student has trouble knowing what to include, but they are optional. She talks about what kind of passage and summary would be pertinent. Narrative storylike or central theme with supporting details etc. no copy work. Two provided dictations per week with grammar questions/explanations on a few parts.

We do the portfolio eval. It's simple, easy, and inexpensive.

My three kids share a birthday. This past year it was 12 kids, gingerbread houses ($10 each), a piñata ($20), and some snacks and decorations ($20-25). The houses and candy from the piñata were the 'goody bag'. So I guess about $150 for three kids.

Viewing seems more informal and relaxed than funerals, and a place where you definitely get a chance to say something, mingle or leave when you want without it being awkward. Either is appropriate to attend though, and appreciated. Or both if you can make it.

Vacuuming bothers my neck and gives me headaches too from the tightness. I turned the job over to the kids. One of them takes on the vacuuming, once a week, for a month. We have hardwoods and rugs, but use the vacuum on both.

We just listened to the red fern grows too. Along with the incredible journey, call of the wild and Tom Sawyer. Kids loved all.

We've been to two birthday parties where collections for animal shelters have been done. And included on the invite. I was not in the least offended, nor were my kids. I thought it was a lot better than having to buy toys for kids who probably didn't need anything. I don't remember the wording, but I doubt it was anything special. Perhaps a 'no gifts please. But dd will happily accept any donations such as cat food or old towels for the xyz animal shelter.'

We've been using getting started with Latin and it's going well.

My friends dd has something like this last year, when she was 8. However it progressed and affected more than just her speech. At the hospital they found out her brain was having seizures. As soon as they put her on anti seizure medicine she was fine. They don't know the cause; they thought possibly due to a virus. But she still takes the meds. I would probably have her checked out.

We made vanilla extract that way at a mops meetings years ago, but with smaller bottles. I was told to just keep topping it with vodka when it would start to run low, and let it sit for awhile again. I have a few bottles I rotate, but I still use it and it still smells like vanilla extract. I wonder when they do lose their flavor?

Interested too. Gswl is working so great for us! I would love the same thing, same style, format, next version. What else is very similar or identical even to gswl? Not really interested in pictures, games or puzzles.

Did anyone's contractor actually do a load sizing calculation to determinate the size of the unit? Two contractors so far are just going with the existing 5 ton size and seeming to base it on that and the sq footage. But it sounds like a good contractor would do a calculation. Apparently proper sizing helps with getting the humidity out of the air, along with efficiency. Just wondering.

Our hvac unit is going on 16 years old and I want to be prepared to replace it. We live in FL so A/C is a must. Though the heat is on this week. Our old unit is a 5 ton, air handler in attic, other part outside on a slab; all electric. It still works, and we've just been getting it maintained, but I think I'd rather have the time to replace it with what we want, instead of something on an emergency basis. Has anyone replaced their hvac unit recently? Or knows about hvac? Just wondering about what to look for besides size and seer ratings. One fellow told me today that the newer units, since they are all plastic, don't trap the mold that my old air handler does. True? Or sales pitch? I will still have the same duct work, but he says they will clean them as part of the installation and new mold won't appear. He also recommended a hepa filter. He was trying to sell a scratch and dent American Standard Platinum unit, two speed, 10 years parts and 1 year labor warranty. $7500 plus $400 hepa filter. I have other estimates coming out, but not sure how to tell the difference between a scam and real deal. He kept telling me it was a 20 seer unit, but then the paperwork says 17.5 I think with a 9 hspf. Apparently the seer isn't always 20 because of the two speeds? Any info or experience appreciated! Thanks.