Miquon Math is a series of 6 math workbooks designed to be used in 1st through 3rd grade. They are named by color and not by grade level, so that an older child can use them without feeling they are "remedial". The workbooks are designed to be used with Cuisenaire Rods. I have had the books for a couple of years but have only started using them this year as a supplement for my 3rd and 4th graders. I hesitated using them before because they have an unusual format -- the pages don't necessarily have to be done in order, and are grouped by topic rather than in sequential chapters. Multiplication is introduced along with addition in first grade, and advanced concepts such as squared numbers and pre-algebra are introduced through use of concrete manipulatives. However, my 3rd grader now says she "loves this kind of math" and both the children have shown a better grasp of what numbers mean since they have started using the books. We've discovered that when the manipulatives come out and are used to illustrate concepts, the "littlies" want to join in. My 5yo was watching carefully as my 8yo tried to figure out the square of 4, and suddenly announced "It's 16!" He was so proud of himself!

I have ordered the Orange Book (the first one in the series) to start with my almost 6 year old. After completing the Miquon Series, a child can go straight into Saxon Math 54 or 65.
 

The author of the popular Miserly Moms, a guide for frugal family living, has done it again! Jonni McCoy has written a stand-alone but complementary book that helps families to enjoy well-prepared, nutritious meals while keeping their grocery expenditures under control. Most homeschooling families live on one income, and we need all the help that we can get in controlling our expenses; this cookbook can help us to do just that.

Each of the more than 200 recipes includes a full nutritional analysis, a cost-per-serving analysis, a "Kitchen Tip", and both preparation and cooking time estimates. Recipe categories include a full range of choices from Appetizers to Vegetarian Main Dishes to Slow Cooking to Desserts and Snacks. The recipes are easy to follow, instruction and ingredient lists are clear, and no special ingredients, appliances, or techniques are required. Why not serve Boston Chicken with Oven-Roasted Vegetables for $1.25 per person tonight? Or consider Ultra Chocolate Muffins with Raspberry Butter for $0.17 each in the morning? You can invite your dearest friend over for Lemon Cheesecake and Russian Tea for just $0.54 per serving. What possibilities!

Most people think that frugal meals must be high in carbohydrates and fat and low in protein, but that is not the case with the wonderful recipes in this book. My own family has several dietary restrictions, and there are numerous recipes that are tasty, nutritious, AND meet our needs. This new cookbook may be just what you need to bring some excitement back to family meals and meal preparation time. At the same time, you will be able to keep your food budget under control, leaving a little more to put into your book budget!