Thank you, Shannon! ☺️

Sweet!! Welcome to Texas! :) Feel free to ask questions if you have any.

That's a good question! I have not had a problem with moisture and haven't done that. But it's one of those things that couldn't hurt and might help, so it would be worth trying if the environment in which they're stored calls for that. I'd worry a little about the packet possibly breaking the flowers, but that's only if it's bumped around a lot, which isn't likely. (Or maybe they should be put it in the container, but not the bags, if breakage is a concern.) That's a good thing to consider!

Hi! I really like how short, sweet, and to the point it is. It starts with really simple prompts and builds from there, and it’s extra helpful for getting past perfectionism or writer’s block - because he’s so good at reminding everyone that your first composition won’t be great, and that’s fine! Even if you start with something “okay” - that is still a step in the ‘write’ direction (pun intended). ;) So, the goal is to start with “okay,” then turn it into something good; and finish with something great. Taking the “must be perfect the first time” pressure off, helped my oldest get over not wanting to write at all. It was hard for her to get through the course, because it was counterintuitive for her to not think everything she wrote down had to be perfect, but AFTER going through it, she took off writing and hasn’t stopped! With my 2nd and 3rd children, we started it and didn’t finish… but one of them writes like it’s going out of style, and the other still does a lot of copywork. It would be good for us to get the Writing Course out again soon. It’s different from typical writing curriculum because it isn’t grammar focused. But I found that aspect refreshing and not a hindrance at all.

@@heartsandmindsathome thank you SO much for your insight! This sounds like just what we need ❤️ can’t wait to give it a try!

You’re very welcome; I’m glad you found it helpful!

I’m glad to know it encouraged you, too!

Yes! The books on the Robinson Curriculum are printable (in addition to several reference books and other resources that aren't on the reading list). The math text books are the only books NOT included that must be purchased separately. When we got our curriculum, I received all of it on discs and it had directions how to install it on the computer. There is tech support if any issues come up, but I haven't had any. Also, now there is the option to have an online account once the curriculum is purchased, and all that requires is a log-in, and everything would be printable straight from the website! That's what I do now, instead of using the discs :) The first 2 years of online access are included in the curriculum cost of $195 (which covers all kids for all 12 years). After that, you can continue the online access for $36 per year, if you choose. I hope that helps!

I'm so glad to hear that!

That's wonderful! Every now and then, I'll ask my husband about getting goats and he keeps saying no! 😆Are they for milk or meat or both?

@@heartsandmindsathomefor milk and also we breed and sell the babies and let the kids keep the proceeds of the sales. I am not sure how practical they are but its very fun and educational!

Hi! It's so fun hearing from other RC families! And same here... 11 years in and we are hit-or-miss with the exams and vocab (better at vocab though). It gives me some relief to know the 'original' Robinson family did not incorporate those into their own home education (they were added later by others) and the children raised without those aspects still grew to be intelligent adults. For the vocabulary, my children spend the first 15 minutes of their reading time studying the set they're on, and I quiz them verbally when they feel confident enough to do so. And then they get another set (It's random for us - not matching the vocab set with the book they're in). For the exams, I put an "E" next to book title on the book list I printed, so as we go, I know without having to get on the computer if there is an exam available for that book. We don't do every one though... I have a speed-reader who got through Tom Sawyer suspiciously quickly, and just to help slow her down to pay more attention, I had her re-read it along with the exam as an open-book test. I don't expect a perfect score right now, but see the value in introducing what those tests are like (way more difficult than public school level, no doubt). It just occurred to me that I could print one of each exam and offer them dry-erase style. Maybe I'll do that, so that I don't get hung up on not being able to jump onto the computer to print them at random moments in the day! Another way to use the tests could be to verbally ask a question or two from them, to spark some narration on what they've read. I hope that makes sense; sorry this comment got so long!

Thanks so much for your ideas and info!

Oh, this is a wonderful question! I could probably go on and on, so I'll try and do a video soon with the long answer! But the short answer is: yes and no, lol! I wouldn't say I've *had* to make any changes out of necessity; but I *have* chosen to remove and add some things, mainly due to personal preference! I love the flexibility, and choosing books to add that I'd love for my family to learn from. :)

That’s awesome! Can’t wait to hear more!

Aww, hi Samantha! 😁 That’s awesome. And I think copywork is great and beneficial no matter the age! It’s nice to be able to do what’s best for them, and writing can be eased into over time :)

Great question! I'll have to do a video on that soon. At first my kids didn't like it; but with the way their writing took off after going through the course, I would definitely recommend it! I think it's especially good for perfectionist-types who struggle with even starting or wanting to write, out of fear they won't do it 'correctly' (if that makes sense).

Thank you! That's encouraging and sweet ~ and I hope so, too! I've been wanting to, and just haven't made the time. So I appreciate your input :)

Thanks for your question! If you have the curriculum, there is a file included on the first RC disc that is printable (or via online subscription if you go that route). I eventually broke down and purchased the pre-printed ones from the RC site, though! It's a lot to buy all at once, but they are also offered in smaller sets so they can be purchased some at a time. The entire set includes 6,464 words!

Hi, Julie! I’ve actually never used the Alpha Phonics material! I’ve got 5 readers now, and 2 to go. I know the Alpha Phonics program is highly recommended by many, and I’ve been curious to check it out (I think it’s included in the RC discs? Or maybe I’m wrong on that; I need to check), but we just haven’t had a need for anything beyond phonics flash cards and reading together, then easing our way into McGuffey’s Eclectic Primer :) ~Karly If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

Hi! I would love to. Please let me know if there is a particular RC related topic that would be most helpful. I hope to share more from the course of study on how each subject is approached, along with what that looks like for us (because not all RC users go about it exactly the same!) I really appreciate the interest ~ thank you so much for reaching out!

Of course I am trying to transition and don’t wanna change math. Bc we love our math. Transitioning tips please

There def needs to be more RC talk on KZfaq and blogs. I am reading to jump in RC lol. I’m over all the curriculum anxiety

Is it okay if I email or message with questions on RC? Do you have Facebook ? I can message you there it would easier

@@samanthagraveswalters8443 I'm not on Facebook anymore. I am on MeWe, and email is also fine! It's [email protected]

Hi!! Yay! That is so fun 😁💛🤗

Hey! I saw your comment again recently and wanted to come back to it to share that Durenda Wilson - a mainstream homeschool mom/podcaster - has a recent interview with her pastor about them being preterists now! I think the title of it is “Are We Living in the Last Days?” in case you want to look it up. It’s worth the listen! I only disagreed with one little point they made at the very end (about the great commission) but besides that, it was a really good conversation!

Great idea! We got a bunch of those packets to pack books for a recent move. I will use some for the flowers now, just in case. Thank you!

Hi! Yes, we're still doing the Robinson Curriculum and still liking it! I really appreciate the fact that my older ones can work independently, so I can focus on getting the younger ones on the path to reading and learning math facts. With a solid foundation, it's so fun to see them take off! That doesn't happen at exactly the same time for all children, of course. But it's freeing to be able to help each one just as they need. When kids learn that they can learn, and what a reward that is in itself, it's a powerful thing!

@@heartsandmindsathome Thanks so much for sharing your updates. It is awesome to know that your children are thriving with the program. How old are your children? How do you use the program with your younger children? How do you get your children to memorize math facts? Do you just use the cards or add supplements? I have a 7yo, 5yo, and 3yo twins. Thanks for sharing your journey, tips, and wisdom.

@@juzanne My children are currently 12, 10, 9, 7, 6, 4, and 16 months. I do use xtramath to keep track of which math facts they know well enough to move on, because it's free and I don't have to give last names or any personal info to use the program, and it quizzes them for me, basically - which is a huge load off when you have a lot of little ones at that stage! (xtramath.org) I also have the math Wrap-Ups and the FlashMaster to supplement, but we don't use them as much and they aren't necessary. You really can use just flash cards and it still works! (I show what Wrap-Ups and the FlashMaster are in my math flash card organization video, if you haven't seen it and want to - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h8poY7h3ztuthH0.html) The RC program technically begins once a child knows their math facts for each operation through 12, and can read. So what I do with the younger ones is simply geared toward that end. Once the child is old enough to understand the process, I have them sit with a portion of flash cards, and they study through them by reading the answer side first. Then, once they are ready, they transition to quizzing themselves on the side without the answer (I do this with them the first few rounds, until I have watched them do it themselves enough to know they can do it without me). When quizzing, they make 2 piles - one for the cards they answered correctly and quickly, and one for the cards the didn't know, or didn't know well enough (if they have to think about it a while or try to figure it out on their fingers, I know they haven't memorized it and it goes in the incorrect pile). After doing this for their whole stack, they pick up the incorrect pile to study and quiz again, repeating the process until all the cards end up in the correctly answered pile. For reading, we use a phonics-only approach. I have not updated my blog site in quite a long time, but I do share the reasons we don't do "sight words" in the following post. It also includes more details on how we do phonics, which is really simple! (I have to keep things simple or I'd go crazy, ha! There is also a lot of value in focusing on building a strong foundation, and not cluttering life up with a bunch of busy work.) I'm about to start phonics with my 6th child, and I have taught the others this way - with no sight words - and the older ones read very well. I hope this helps! Thank you for your questions! heartsandmindsathome.weebly.com/homeeducation/our-rc-reading-plan

@@heartsandmindsathome wow this was super helpful! Wow your quiver is so blessed too😍 Thanks so much for taking time to breakdown the math facts Memorization. I crave simplicity now that I have multiples lol. Your blog is great too. I really appreciate your help and I'm excited to start RC soon. My 7yo is just starting his journey on math facts and we started Saxon 3 last year without knowing about RC. He skipped over Saxon 1 &2. But I will wrap up Saxon and just focus on math facts so he can be ready for Saxon 5/4. I will also start math facts with my daughter because she is 5yo and starting reading fairly well all last year, I'm so happy for her. She loves to read. Keep being the amazing and blessing mother that you are and thank you dearly for sharing your journey and experience to help me in my journey. You are appreciated. Hugs:)

Hi! Yes! The vocabulary exercises are on Disc 1 (book list # 501)... probably at the very end!

@@heartsandmindsathome Thank you! I'll look again!

Hi, Aliah! That's a great question. The ones you see in this video, for the most part, were not pressed by me, but by greetingsofgrace.com. If I'm looking for a specific type of plant or color to use in a project, I like going to that site for pressed flowers. A lot of my personal pressing has been done by trial and error! I would try to use perfect specimens and place them face-down, carefully, in the phone book or flower press, and upon checking them a few weeks later, would find that some turn out beautifully, and others - not so much! It is fun but I have only done it as a hobbyist and not a professional. I'm sorry I can't share more on how the pros package them so neatly!

Oh, sweet! It's good to hear from you! I'm so grateful for how much you've helped us in the RC group! 💛~Karly

We were given an older Brother monochrome printer a couple of years ago, and it has held up well! Brother laser printers and Epson EcoTanks are typically the ones I see mentioned most in conversations about printing books as economically-friendly as possible. Of course, there are several models of each, about which one would have to read the specifications to choose which one best suits the family's usage needs, budget, etc. I'm sorry my answer isn't specific, but hope that helps give some guidance for a good place to begin browsing!

Thank you for the kind encouragement! 🤗

I do not, but it depends... I have a small flower press that has paper between the cardboard layers, and I have also used large books and phone books for pressing flowers. I have seen blank newspaper sold for this purpose as well, so tissue paper could be worth a try! I would only use a barrier between the flower and pressing medium if the paper type in a book was slick/glossy or might be ruined, or if I had a wooden press that was on the rougher side (to protect the flower). Maybe we'll try tissue paper and see, so I can come back with a shorter reply, ha! 😆

@@heartsandmindsathome Thank you for your response!! I appreciate the tips! =) I have some flowers in my yard that only have a few days left to them and thought I'd give them a new purpose if possible!

Yes! I remember that part from when I recited it at a poetry tea! 🤦‍♀️ I never realized that I skipped over it for this. Haha, I guess that shows I'm human. 😅 Thank you again for your input and pointing that out. The Ladder of St. Augustine is another by Longfellow that I love. Maybe I'll do that one next if I get around to it (and double check before uploading)! I'm not a hardcore youtuber but enjoy sharing when I can. Thanks again!

Thank you! I'd love to know what they are - either I blanked out in the recitation or the copy I memorized didn't include it. I'm curious but have got to run for now. I will definitely look at it later, and consult various versions of others should I do more. :) Thank you so much!

So great to find them on clearance! Have fun organizing! And yes, it's just regular gift-wrap tissue paper that I used. :)

@@heartsandmindsathome Thank you. Have a great day!

Yay! I'm so glad you found it helpful. 😊

My pleasure! It's so much fun to get them organized to where you can just cruise! (For the most part anyway, haha.) Hope your homeschooling is going well!