So I am trying Connect the Thoughts, we are going to give that a whirl. And I am also investigating TOG. Is TOG going to go DE for everything? Because that would be a deciding factor for us. Right now, we are printing several pages from CTT, and I cannot imagine printing out pages from TOG. And my daughter hates reading and doing schoolwork on a computer. Writing papers, yes. But not doing a whole curriculum. Sonlight was another one I had considered. But it is awful expensive JUST for a History, Lit and Bible program. Abd you would need to add in your own hands on. I gave WP a look as well, but again, the price, and only covers certain subjects.

Peela-I just recently joined the yahoo group. There does not seem to be many peiople using this, and I am not sure if it is because homeschoolers do not know about it, or because it is not religious? We just started on the How To Do course. We would like to see how that goes, and then do the other basics, and see. I am a little confused about two things: His reading courses. Or Extensions. I am used to Lit. Guides. Now, he says one of his courses covers about 40 or so books. But, does the guide just talk about the authors, and give a brief backfround on the book, then your child reads that book, and that is the end of it? Is there any required writing about the book itself? I know once you get into high school, Literature is one on the main focuses of Language Arts, as is Writing. I may end up emailing you privately as well. Thank you.

:lurk5:

No, I never really looked at it or considered it, because I was told it was very expensive, and it is very confusing to use. Now, I am not sure if this is true or not. We have never done a unit study before. I am NOT a fan of any curriclulum heavy in Grammar, and do not believe in diagramming. I am a firm believer that the more a child writes, the better their grammar becomes. And this has worked well for us, and just using a supplemental grammar course. What makes TOG different then any other unit studies?(HOD, MFW, AWOA,WP, Sonlight............etc) I do want something that is going to prepare, or surpass her high school peers, should she return to school for Grade 9. I will take a close look at TOG. Thank you!:D

I think I am in a curriculum rut. I am going into my 6th year of homeschooling and my soon to be 6th grader is BORED out of her mind. (I think I might be as well) I guess that is why I was asking what was out there that was new on the market. It seems that I see the same thing year after year. Which is a good thing, becuase that means these companies are doing well!!!! But I want more then just a read and answer curriculum, more then redundant grammar, learning facts, memorizing dates, rote learning, and "Write 50 words on President Bush" type stuff. What about something that really sparks a love for learning? What about something that really challenges your child, makes them think, investigate, have them form opinions? Hands on to cement things in? Thoughts? Opinions?

This was a great thread, I loved seeing all the new things that have come out. If anyone else has something to share, please add to the list. I appreciate all the input:D

:lurk5: Anyone?

I posted before asking if anyone used this www.connectthethoughts.net, and it doesn't seem that anyone has. There are samples of this on www.currclick.com, and they are available in downloads. History is is done chronologically. The author, believes that students should be able to form their own opinions and ideas, there are no right or wrong answers, only making sure the student grasps the material. Currently, they offer Creative Writing, History, Science, Electives. Pretty much everything except Math. They have a 1st step school, ages 4-8, then lower school ages 9-10, and upper school 11-adult. According to the author, the 11 and up courses are college level material, meant to be understood by a younger age group, as the material is presented in such a way that kids this age can and want to expand their learning. Since this is high school/college level material in the upper school, the author claims high school credit can be given, and studies of his curriculum take about 5 years. Longer or shorter depending on the students pace. It is the goal that the student take charge of their own education. So graduation could effectively happen by age 16 or earlier. I am dying to know what others think of this. The yahoo group, has about 225 members, and started in 2008. But the author claims his curriculum has been around for 8 years, with the exception of the Writing, which has been around for 11 years. If anyone has a chance to look at this curriculum, I would really like to hear your honest opinions.:001_smile:

Amy, thank you for sharing the link for your science program. Are you coming out with more guides in the future?

Anything new come on the market this year for curriculums? Seems as if I have seen the same things on the market for a while. I guess I like to drool over new things:D. Okay, and maybe it is time to make a change...;) Looking in the middle school market.

I am intrigued by this program for my accelerated learner. If anyone has used this, I would love to hear your thoughts.:001_smile: