Things have been so hectic here that I barely have time to breathe.

Since I'm not busy enough already, we started school on July 17th. We eased into it by doing only a few subjects for the first 2-3 days. This week is our first week of complete school days-meaning doing all the main subjects.

Over the years we have used many methods and curriculums-A.C.E, Christian Light (Mennonite), ABEKA, Alpha-Omega; plus piecemeal of misc. textbooks from secular and christian publishers. This is our 3rd year using LANDMARK FREEDOM Baptist curriculum  http://www.landmarkbaptistchurch.org/modules/lfbc/htmls/

The price is comparable to ACE and A/O. It is self-instructional as well. Each subject is divided into weekly lessons which a clearly noted, and there are weekly and quarterly tests. My children feel very happy when they do 2 days lessons in one. But the big benefit for anyone with children of differing ages and grade levels is there is no lesson planning for Mom or Dad to do. It is all there for you. Of course you can skip or modify as you like, we do. 

 

SPANISH-LANDMARK has an excellent spanish course which is different from others we looked at.  The goal of theirs is to teach you to WITNESS-PRESENT THE GOSPEL in spanish. The first lesson begins with learning verses in Romans in spanish.  I'd recommend this to adults living in areas with many spanish speaking people. There is no better way to get someone's attention than to speak to them in their native tongue when they don't expect it.

Sometimes we've bought or sold books on the biggie auction empire site, but with recent changes in policies, again, more and more we have looked for an alternative. This is when I found www.homeschoolbid.com  (Please tell them that Bobsruby20 sent you.)

Home-school bid allows you to sell teachers editions/keys, plus the texts. They also allow the sale of other items, non-school things. Check them out if you are looking for a specific item. It's anotherchoice at least in the auction site scene.

In the future I hope to clear my shelves of books we don't need/use. Not sure if I'll do that here or on an auction or what.

Oh, as for the LANDMARK, this yr. we are using the books with the younger ones, but doing 3-4 weeks in the books, and 1-2 Unit studies to break up the monotony.

That is a big problem for me last yr. We tried so hard to "FINISH the book" that that became our focus instead of truly learning the material and enjoying the journey-like when you travel and have to be there by _____________ time, and you didn't really allow enough time in the first place. You get so caught up in speeding to your destination you miss the scenery and majestic beauty along the way.

 

Our children grow so quickly. And I am learnign the hardway that I have already missed alot, and I dont' want to miss too much more. So if I am absent from posting here, that is why. I'm slowing down and enjoying the trip, taking in the scenery, and enjoying the photo-ops. 

 

Please don't miss the golden opportunities set before you each day.