Well, I've been thinking of doing this for some time but just never made the time for it.  Seems funny when I think of all the silly things I do make time for!  I've never done anything like this before and I'm not really sure what it is all about so I'm hoping for some help in figuring this blog thing out.  I decided to start a blog to get my thoughts out and to also get some suggestions from other homeschool moms and dads out there.  I am wife to Gary and mom to Sarah (11), Hannah (9), Emma (5) and Hope(3).  We are in our third year of homeschool and each year I get more nervous about how we are doing!  I guess you would say our homeschool is relaxed and textbook oriented, we use Alph Omega Lifepacs, Mystery of History, Daily Grams and Easy Grammar.  It seems like a lot sometimes and I get overwhelmed trying to do it all!  Quite honestly, I'm not an organized teacher and I am a terrible at grading papers!  I have a hard time making everything work together and getting everything done. 

A few things I am struggling with right now and hoping for some advice on are:  Which curriculum(s) to use for Math, we used Saxon in the beginning then Switched on Schoolhouse and now Lifepac.  I have considered going back to Saxon but have read mixed reviews on the course for 4th grades and up.  I am researching Singapore Math right now and would appreciate some input from others who use it.  Really I would appreciate it if you would let me know what you use and why.  Does anyone use Math Mammoth for the 5th and 6th grades, how do you make it a complete curriculum?

I am also weak in Language Arts and am looking for a good program for my kids in this area.

My other concern is teaching my K - 1st grader how to read!  My older girls went to public school until they completed 2nd and 3rd grades, so I didn't teach them phonics and such.  I would really appreciate help here.  Has anyone used the Lifepacs for 1st grade?  It is an expensive program, money is always a factor!!:)

I have one area that I am comfortable with, I really think we have found something to stick with and that is the Mystery of History!  The kids are really responding to it and I love that it is History based on the Bible!  Does anyone know of a good timeline for reference?

I guess you can see by now that I just need HELP!!  I would really appreciate some advice and encouragement! 

Thanks for reading and sharing!

Wendy

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