(no subject)

I'm spending way too much time researching this stuff...

Okay, so now I'm intrigued by some new ideas. I found this: http://webs.integrity.com/backhome/BHI_Catalog.html. Spell to Write and Read. It is supposed to be the Spalding Method (aka The Writing Road to Reading) specifically designed for homeschoolers. I love the concept of the Spalding method, but was totally overwhelmed by how to implement it in a home setting. Anyone know if Spell to Write and Read is any good? If it is I'm wondering if it takes care of reading, spelling, AND grammar, or if I need a supplement, especially for grammar. I can't find any reviews of it that aren't sponsored by the creators.

I also a looking closer at Math U See. I read about Miquon Math and I think it wouldn't be good for Mari...maybe Zoe, but I'm not so sure about Mari. I'm reading more and more reviews that are not very favorable about Saxon, but I'm finding very few negatives about Math U See. I don't know...I'm confusing myself. I guess I should just pick something and go for it until it doesn't work, right?

So my entire plan is shifting...
I need more info on the History Portfolio series, but if Spell to Write and Read is what I think it is and does what I think it does then my plan is looking more like this now:

Phonic/Spelling/Grammar?: Spell to Write and Read
Reading/Literature: Any one of the many "great books" lists out there and a library will provide this, along with beginning readers books.
History: History Portfolio with SOTW and/or Kingfisher History Encyclopedia and lots of library supplements (I don't know what I actually need to own here, what the History Portfolios include)
Science:Kingfisher First Animals, My Body, and Green Thumbs
Math: Saxon or Math U See
Religion/History: the new Bible Storybook by the GOA, daily readings and saints/feasts of the day readings.
Art: Draw Write Now and/or Lamb's Book of Art 1 for a more sequential study of art and art history (I could use some suggestions here...justamy, have any ideas for an "art" curriculum of K/1st grade?)
Music: I need a book or something that will help me introduce the girls to composers and music history. Mari WILL be taking violin lessons as soon as possible and I'm starting the girls on the recorder to learn some music basics.

Obviously we wouldnt do all of this everyday. "Religion" and Reading/Literature everyday, Phonics/Spelling/Grammar four to five days a week, Math and History two to four days a week depending, Science, Art, and Music probably only once a week, though recorder "lessons" may happen more often. It doesn't seem too overwhelming that way.