OK guys....no one gave me any input comparing Saxon 5/4 and SOS 4 .  I've tentatively decided to go with Saxon for now; and I have another question for you.  Can anyone tell me if there are any big differences in the old and newer versions of Saxon Math? 

I have a Math 5/4 textbook that was a freebie, and unless there are big advantages to buying the newer homeschool set, I think I'll just use what I have on the shelf and use that money to buy....more books!  I know I don't have the drill pages or tests; but I'm not sure we would use those much anyway. 

Anyone have input for this math challenged Mom???

Blessings,

Catherine

I'm attempting to force myself back into  homeschooling reality , and get the last of this year's curriculum ordered.  As usual, I've got everything lined up except Math for my oldest dd . 

I'm trying to choose between Saxon 5/4 and SOS 4.  I think the constant review in Saxon is something she needs, judging from an incident last week.   Although, she enjoys the computer, and worked diligently through the Reader Rabbit Math cd; of course those were just games to her!  And, considering all the issues we've had with computers in the last year or so, I'm not convinced that's the way to go.........HELP!!!

Thoughts, opinions, volunteers to teach Math to my drama queen ?  Actually, Daddy becomes the teacher on Drama Days~ my how quickly this child recovers her senses and ability to do Math when Daddy gets home! 

My children never cease to amaze me... I sometimes wonder how they learn all they do; and just where I am when all this learning takes place!  I am now the proud mommy of 3 little readers!  Sarah who will be 9 in just a few days has been reading for a while.  Though just recently she has really "taken off" and began to read on her own and for fun.  Yea!!!  I got up one morning last week and she was cuddled up on the couch with a book.  I often find her in her room with a book these days.  Warms my heart! 

The 2 Little Loves, ages 4 & 5 are learning to read, too.  Yesterday we got the first set of Bob Books from the library and Hannah read the first 3 to me on the way home!  Cana, not to be outdone by big sister, demanded her turn and read the first one.  I do believe these children learned to read by osmosis!  We have done almost no "formal reading lessons".  I did get out Phonics Pathways a few times, but they didn't seem too interested.   Of course, they are surrounded by words in our home, books everywhere, scripture and other writings hung on the walls, lots and lots of read alouds, many letter games and manipulatives, Leap pads, Jumpstart cd's... things to read everywhere.  And, they learned to read, seemingly effortlessly and really without instruction.  Amazing.  Now I know that reading a Bob Book is just the beginning of reading, but I think this is a great accomplishment for a 4 or 5 year old. 

Now, if they'll just learn Math the same way......

Here's a fun for the kiddos craft for you.  We made these on Saturday, and now our apartment smells soooooo good!

You will need:

small firm apples

sprigs of greenery- we used  the tips of Juniper branches

a wooden skewer

ribbon or yarn

First, either tie the ribbon around the apple with a loop at the top for hanging; or take a very large needle and thread the ribbon on it, then push it all the way through the apple- tying a knot in the ribbon on the bottom of the apple, then cut the needle off and tie a loop on top to hang. 

Now, poke a hole in the apple with the skewer and push a stem of the greenery firmly into the hole.  Do this all over the apple to make a pretty "ball" of greenery.  The juice from the apple is supposed to keep the greens fresh.  You can use a variety of evergreens and decorate with berries, pinecones, etc. to your hearts desire!  Hang up and enjoy the fragrance and greenery.

 NOTE:  little ones will have to have help with the skewer, but think it is great fun to do! 

Do watch out for poky branches if you use Juniper, too!

Don't you just love getting new school supplies?  We certainly do!  I went to Wal-Mart yesterday and came home with 2 bags of "goodies" for the girls.  Nothing extra special, just a couple of wipe off practice books for handwriting and drawing, a wipe off math facts practice book- with a cool timer attached, cute little counting bears and cups, rulers, paper, sketch pads, pencils, markers, pretty folders with kittens on them... you know, just "stuff".  You would have thought it was Christmas around here!  The girls were begging to get "back to school" last night at bedtime.  They were up and ready for breakfast super early, brushed their teeth, dressed and straightened the bedroom without the usual dawdling and moaning, and were back at the kitchen table waiting, waiting, waiting on me to get my cup of coffee drank and my eyes open enough to "let" them do their work this morning!  Amazing.  I think I'll plan a new supply shopping trip about every 3 months or so!