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We've always had a hard time finding something we really liked for science. When the children reach 7th grade math we do plan to use www.highschoolscience.com However, until then I didn't want a program that required lots of time. I tried the paces program but it was very watered down and didn't make me happy.
Eventually I stumbled upon http://www.clp.org/ Christian Light Publishers who publish Christian Light Education. After much discussion we decided this would probably be a good choice for us next year when the children are 6th, 4th, 2nd, preK, 2, & baby. But, with my college and other things we opted to start it this year.
The girls cheered the idea of getting to read the Sonlight books as desired, instead of following the plan. James loved the idea of a simple school day.
The whole program was relatively inexpensive. There are some textbooks. For instance, the 5th grade social studies book is $19. This is a high quality book and should last through many children! The light units (workbooks) are relatively inexpensive, 2.70/ea and so are the teacher guides ($9/yr). I believe I spent around $170 to start the 3 years of schooling. I will need to buy the remainder of the light units to finish the three grades.
I really wish I would have started this earlier! I'm loving the way each child progresses at their own level. It has simplified our day, but it is most definitely not an easy curriculum. It is rigorous and complete.
Currently our school day is:
5th & 3rd grades: Math U See (their level) for math. CQLA for Language Arts. Christian Light Education for Science, Reading, Bible, and Social Studies. Generally we work a steady 3 hours and sometimes they have some extra schoolwork after lunch. Each girl meets with me for a "Mom Meeting" where we check their schoolwork, talk about any problems, and plan the work for the day. For most subjects they simply do one lesson. For CQLA they're following the 4 day week plan. The science does have a "kit" available through www.hometrainingtools.com
1st grade: Math U See for math. Christian Light Education for science, reading, Bible, social studies, and language arts. Some of the reading isn't quite a match because we used Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons for reading. So a few of the phonics rules go right over his head. Overall, he's very happy with this plan because it's more streamlined compared to Sonlight. I think he's also enjoying the challenge of the program.
I'm so happy we switched. I know it is extremely uncool for a veteran homeschool Mom to use a boxed curriculum, but I'm okay with being uncool.
The best part? The children get their afternoons FREE. Bethany has started doing Bible lessons with James and Joseph -- and they love it. Charlotte has more time for the violin. I have more time to enjoy being mom. I also know they're still getting a challenging education and I'm not shortchanging them. This is a nice program to use for moms who are busy, but still want a great solid Christian curriculum.
Baby News! I had the ultrasound and it showed a healthy baby with no problems. Praise God. Baby was curled up around the placenta, s/he looked like a little mouse on top of a mushroom. We will announce gender in April.. or whenever baby is born. :)
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