bttrflyvld Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 It could be curriculum, favorite books (ie science activity or art books), or really anything that you loved to educate your children. I thought this would be a fun way to share our favorites. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Hmmm...favorites? That's tough! Right now, we are loving AoPs and younger is finally beginning to appreciate the genius of BA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomsintheGarden Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 There are lots of things! I guess, besides the WTM forums, I would have to say Pentel Click Erase pencils. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrdinaryTime Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Andrew Kern's mantra to "teach at rest." I repeat that phrase to myself daily. If I teach from a place of anxiety and worry and chaos, all that my kids pick up is the strain of work, not the beauty of the truth. If I teach from a place of rest, a place of peaceful, confident focus on where I am hoping to lead my children, our days are not just "productive," but actually ones of joyful discovery. Some tools that have helped me teach certain subjects better: Miquon: It made me approach math in a way I would not have done naturally. The Sentence Family: Wonderful combination of grammar, art, and story-telling! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JOHNNABONNA Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Sonlight <3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Mom Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 (edited) Right Start Math and Explode the Code My daughter has some learning issues but RS got her from not being able to count individual objects at age 5.5 to adding large numbers in her head, beginning multiplying, etc. one year later. And she knows she is capable and good at math, her confidence awesome! ETC is fun and cheap enough so I don't worry about her repeating the books several times for fluency and fun enough so she doesn't hate me for making her... at least not very much. Edited October 3, 2012 by Papillon Mom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frugalmama Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Sonlight <3 :iagree: I really wish I'd tried Sonlight earlier - we absolutely LOVE it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momma2Luke Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 My library card.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkermamaof4 Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 We don't use Sonlight, but own lots of cores and love the book choices. Loved Rightstart math more than any other. If I only had one child, I'd still be using it! Sentence Family was a blast. I agree - I love Click Erase pencils. Every child and I each have a "color" so we all know which belongs to whom. We loved our study of American History using Beautiful Feet's Primary guide. We enjoyed History Pockets for fun extras. Draw and Write through History at the right age is fun. I really like the way Heart of Dakota schedules it such that one day we draw, the next day we color. That way we don't feel like it takes too much time. IEW's Linguistic Approach to Poetry Memorization My huge whiteboard and expo dry erase markers This is our first year with Heart of Dakota and we are on week 6 and love it more every day. It took a while for me to see the big picture of how it works. Now it seems lovely to me. Nature study Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StartingOver Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Miquon Singapore Lively Latin Elemental Science OPGTR Love Love Love these ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blondeviolin Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 The Internet. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dina in Oklahoma Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 (edited) Andrew Kern's mantra to "teach at rest." I repeat that phrase to myself daily. If I teach from a place of anxiety and worry and chaos, all that my kids pick up is the strain of work, not the beauty of the truth. If I teach from a place of rest, a place of peaceful, confident focus on where I am hoping to lead my children, our days are not just "productive," but actually ones of joyful discovery. Some tools that have helped me teach certain subjects better: Miquon: It made me approach math in a way I would not have done naturally. The Sentence Family: Wonderful combination of grammar, art, and story-telling! Great advice!:001_smile: Thanks!!! Favs: TWTM Forum Rod and Staff Math & English Abeka Phonics & Handwriting Christian Liberty Press Nature Readers Elson Readers Yesterday's Classics 101 Series- Biology, Chem Lyrical Science Oxford University Press: The World In ...Times Series World History:Perspectives on the Past(Krieger, Jantzen, Neill) Audio Memory Amazon Christian Book Distributors Home Science Tools Our GIANT blow-up Globe Our almost complete school room! ***So much for 1 favorite thing.:001_smile: ETA: The Potter's School!!! Edited October 3, 2012 by Dina in Oklahoma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 http://www.xacto.com/products/office-solutions/paper-cutters/paper-cutters/Heavy-Duty-Wood-Guillotine-Trimmers.aspx My x-acto paper cutter. I use it ALL the time and have for, what 8 1/2 years now? Punches and good staplers are right behind that. Curriculum can come and go, but good tools, good supplies make your life better. Good bins that don't snag your books. Good binders that last and are easy to open and close. Punches for each size of binder you use. Duplicates of things like staplers and tape so you never lose your mind looking for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Element Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 I hate to be sappy, but for me it's a toss up between TWTM (book) and TWTM (forums.) The book gave me a concise plan, the forums give me confidence, support, and... socialization. ;) Singapore Math has been a total game-changer for ds. If I had to choose one specific program, it would probably be Singapore. I *really* love Ambleside Online too, though we don't follow it. I just love the recommendations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 FIAR was absolutely magical for dd. I only wish that it had that magic for ds4. :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Can't pick just one! WTM WTM forums CLE math MFW Hah, yes, the internet too. Where would I be without it? A PS mom, that's what! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diviya Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Art of Problem Solving Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama2Many4 Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Catholic Heritage Curricula's Little Stories for Little Folks. I taught 2 of my kids to read using that and waiting on the third to be ready. It's the best reading program I've EVER come across. It's just so well fitted to teaching reading. The kids love it! It's *very* Catholic though, so if you aren't Catholic it may not be for you (general). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama2Many4 Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 (edited) DP. Edited October 3, 2012 by 3Blessings4Me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkermamaof4 Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Hey, look: that paper cutter is just $38 at Walmart. I think I neeeeed one.:auto: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2cents Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 #1 Fave thing is the computer and hook up to the big TV. We love being able to dial up videos and see them on the big screen. We also do some virtual classes this way. It is so nice! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momtoamiracle Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 One inch colored blocks, K12phonics, and the Internet! Oh and my chalkboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samiam Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Homeschool Tracker +. Hands down. I used the free version for several years, and that was fine. But HST+ just does EVERYTHING I need. And when I use it...which I'm on fire now using it...it keeps me so on track, life is just easy. I print out schedule grids just like Sonlight/MFW offer (which was always appealing to me.) I can plan WEEKS and MONTHS in advance ( if life allows me to sit there long enough to do it. This school year I was able to plan 9 weeks in...we are getting close to that, so in the next week or two, I'm going to need to sit down and plan some more) but with a click of the mouse, I can easily reschedule and change things. I actually only put my lesson plans into the schedule one week at a time, in case we need to adjust. Love it, love it, love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs. Lilac Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 (edited) Window on the World Hero Tales Christian Heroes Then and Now series Children Just Like Me Edited October 3, 2012 by Mrs. Lilac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs. Lilac Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Window on the World Hero Tales Christian Heroes Then and Now series Children Just Like Me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 DH says coffee. :lol: For me or Rebecca? :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmrich Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Story of the World Sadly we finished it last year. I miss it so much. Also the discovery of Chinese food delivery for lunch - so fun. Sharp pencils, good white erasers, scented candles, coffee, hot blueberry tea... It really is the little things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justme824 Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 My library card & amazon.com (especially with Prime :D) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockey Mom Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Lakeshorelearning.com Homesciencetools.com amazon.com I have spent WAY too much time and money on those sites. Evan Moore pockets. We're using those for our Reading right now (non fiction pockets), and to my surprise they have been a HUGE hit with my boys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebacabunch Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 SOTW activity guide and cd's, netflix, and Life of Fred. I also love Singapore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohio12 Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 no doubt about it: Story of the World Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymilkies Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 I would say amazon.com or these boards, but they both cost me so much pocket money. :lol: Other than those: Ipad Apples & Pears (not perfect, but my dyslexics LOVE spelling now!) SM HIGs My huge cheap whiteboard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skeeterbug Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Mini-whiteboards have been one of the best tools for us! We use them for spelling practice, stick figuring for Grapevine, math problems, drawing. Magnetic ones to stick letters on. I just ordered more with lines on them to use for handwriting practice. Kumon workbooks have also served us well. They don't feel like school so the kids love to do them, any time of the day. Cutting practice, cursive writing, craft books, telling time, etc. Pipsqueak Skinnies markers have been great for my 5yo correcting his handwriting grip. They are short and skinny. I bought him a set in a case and they are 'his' markers, he's thrilled. I also got mini-coloured pencils and regular pencils, but the markers have been the best. Also love these forums, I have learned so much here. And my new iPad. :001_wub: Love having everything at my fingertips (literally!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewelma Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 AoPS WWS Art of Argument Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momling Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Ellen McHenry's materials Hakim's Story of Science Horrible History/maths/science etc... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Crown Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Half Price Books nearby large university dh the math god Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maus Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Don't laugh. A date stamper. I didn't buy it for homeschooling; I had it leftover from my independent contracting days. The thing is surprisingly motivating for my kids. They'll even hurry to finish math first so they can be the one who chooses whether we use the red or the black cartridge. And all I have to do to check whether we are doing math consistently is to flip to the last page and see how long it's been since we last did it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txmommyofboys Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 internet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daffodil Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 RightStart/Singapore. I've learned so much about math. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Honey Bee Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Don't laugh. A date stamper. I didn't buy it for homeschooling; I had it leftover from my independent contracting days. The thing is surprisingly motivating for my kids. They'll even hurry to finish math first so they can be the one who chooses whether we use the red or the black cartridge. And all I have to do to check whether we are doing math consistently is to flip to the last page and see how long it's been since we last did it. I am loving it!!! I think my kids would really have fun with this too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momtoamiracle Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Mini-whiteboards have been one of the best tools for us! We use them for spelling practice, stick figuring for Grapevine, math problems, drawing. Magnetic ones to stick letters on. I just ordered more with lines on them to use for handwriting practice. Kumon workbooks have also served us well. They don't feel like school so the kids love to do them, any time of the day. Cutting practice, cursive writing, craft books, telling time, etc. Pipsqueak Skinnies markers have been great for my 5yo correcting his handwriting grip. They are short and skinny. I bought him a set in a case and they are 'his' markers, he's thrilled. I also got mini-coloured pencils and regular pencils, but the markers have been the best. Also love these forums, I have learned so much here. And my new iPad. :001_wub: Love having everything at my fingertips (literally!). Ah yes, the IPAD! How could I forget that! Now I can look at curriculum while laying in bed!:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mathnmusic Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Doing CC at home. It's lots of work but kids are learning just as much as when we were in a CC community last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Living books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mergath Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 We haven't been doing it for too long, obviously, but so far we love Jolly Phonics, TWTM, and the big worktable I set up for dd in front of the window. Such a bright, calming place for her to do stuff. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruthie in MS Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 My favorite resources: Five in a Row- just a curriculum that gives me the warm fuzzies. :001_wub: I'm just sad I didn't discover it sooner. The internet- Lots and lots of free resources Homeschool Share Pinterest My library Living Math- ok, not a curriculum or resource but a method and we LOVE IT! Notebooking- another method we have come to love in our homeschool This forum/board- I can't tell you how many times this has been such a help and encouragement to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esse Quam Videri Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 The one thing we've stuck with since the beginning is Singapore Math. My kids have very different learning styles and abilities and all have thrived with this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SorrelZG Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Wow, there are so many things to choose from and I'm so thankful for that. Right now I am going to say that The Core is my #1. It only just edges out The Latin Centered Curriculum for the sole reason that reading it gave me the confidence (and a couple of priceless ideas) to stick with LCC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JESSICAinMD Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Sonlight NOEO Science AAS I finally found a combination that works well for our family. Now I need something else to obsess about. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deeinfl Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 After 13 years of homeschooling, IEW :lol: and Florida Virtual School. I wish I had discovered both of these sooner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsMe Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 My 4x8 sheet of whiteboard from Home Depot for $12.98. Totally cheap, totally awesome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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