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Getting ready to order Preparing. I'm positive this has been asked but a search just pulled up too much. Trying desperately to economize and wondering if I really need the TM for R&S 3. We've done just fine in 2 without one. I will spend the money if I truly need to.

Also, I already own or have at my library *most* of the books from the Basic AND the Deluxe packages. Do I really need the few books remaining that I don't have, or can I find suitable substitutes? i know many people have said to get Draw and Write Through History. And maybe True Story of Noah's Ark? I can't find an acceptable substitute for Tirzah or Little Miriam - should I buy those? $$$$$ My dollars are squeaking!!!

I enjoy having the teacher manual b/c of the oral review it provides for each lesson that you don't get in the text. It also has answers which can be helpful as the grammar gets a little more indepth...I'm pretty rusty so it's come in handy! You can certainly do without it, but I've found it to be worth it if you are able to get it. I found it used on the Well Trained Mind Forums and on Alibris, AbeBooks, Amazon, etc. Don't feel you are missing out if you don't have it though-- the text is excellent! I'd say around R&S 4 it becomes a pretty useful, and for sure in 5 IMHO!

I agree that the oral review is very beneficial. We went the first 1/4 of the year not using it. After that we have used it and I've noticed a marked improvement in my dd's retention and understanding. I think I found the TM on paperbackswap.

I think the oral review in the TM will be very beneficial. I was happy to discover that the optional extra practice worksheets and tests are also included in the back of the TM in a reduced format, along with answer keys for those. So we're set for plenty of review and extra practice, if needed. You might want to check out homeschoolclassifieds.com for a used copy. I bought the student text and TM together for $15, plus about $3 postage.

I remember reading in one of the posts that the TM is not necessary for R&S 2 but is recommended for 3 and up as the material is more difficult.

We have just started Preparing (this week!)- I bought most of the things we would need for the first 12-15 weeks. I already had The True Story of Noah's Ark, so I didn't have to make a decision about that one - but it's not a cheap book. It's beautiful, but you use it four days.... so if funds are tight, maybe it's one to leave out (that's so hard to say, because all the books are great ). I would definitely get the Draw and Write Through History - this is for many of the Independent History Study assignments... not that ds has done it independently - we have all tried our hand at drawing the pictures with him, even my art-adverse 7yo ds. It's a must-have, imho. Tirzah is used from Unit5 day 4 until unit 8 day 2 (storytime box) and Miriam is used in Indepedent History Study from Unit 16 day 4 until Unit 20 Day 1. I'm waiting to buy Miriam until later just because it will be awhile before we will get to it.

I don't know if that helps any!

Blessings,
Lynn