On ones that are just writing, I have them do it over on regular paper. If it requires coloring or math problems, etc, I use a transparency sheet. Of course when I sent the MUS text w/ a friend from church who was thinking about helping w/ some math issues my oldest has, it really freaked her out that none of the pages in the book were worked LOL. I had to explain that we do them with transparency so they can be worked repeatedly as needed. We use either the crayola dry erase crayons (awesome invention) or fine tip dry erase markers for doing the work.

I find that not everything needs to be done on a workbook page and those I just have my girls do in a composition book instead of on the "real" page. Other things I photocopy or print out something I can find online close enough.

It's something we're working on with our occupational therapy. My daughter will turn 8 this month and still writes thisclosetothenextword and randomly inserts capitals into words or writes random words all caps. It does make things hard to read! It's a fine motor skill and while her drawing is fantastic, her handwriting is horrible because it is part of her perfectionist streak she hates making things the same every time and since she can't get it, she just doesn't try.

Thanks! That's a lot of help :)

I've never heard of anger and aggression being linked to gluten intolerance. Do you know of a good resource that explains all that? Is it something that a doctor can do a test for or is it something you just have to try cutting out on your own to see if it helps. :bigear: I've never really known where to look for good information about that in relation to behaviors, just physical symptoms like skin color and bowel movements.

Yes to put it lightly :lol: Her best "friendships" are with 3 others in our homeschooling group on base who are also on the spectrum and likewise obsessed with dinos and drawing (Grace loves drawing dinos nonstop).

I don't know, but if you find something that works, please let me know! My 7 yo DD is in the same pattern and it is driving me nuts

Freecycle is my friend :)

It's set at 78, I would prefer 76 and I lower it to that a number of days because it gets sweaty in my house (they only put in two ceiling fans and they're fairly useless w/ their locations.

I find Father's Day difficult, too. I looked for a card for my dad and they all were gushy and saying "Oh you were such a great dad and always there for me", but mine wasn't (alcoholic abusive situation). I am on civil terms, but certainly not close terms with my dad at this point, and still rather resentful of the situation he has continued to put my family like my mom and brother in with his recklessness. I didn't end up calling him yesterday, and I feel bad about that, but at the same time, I can't hold a conversation with him because it generates so many bad feelings in me and resent.

The HSLDA site has a page that shows what each state offers to homeschool students under IDEA. Unfortunately, the way IDEA is written it allows states to spend money on services on homeschoolers and private school students, but doesn't REQUIRE it. It was then up to each state to legislate how they would distribute the funds. Some states (like New Mexico where we are) don't allow any of the funds to be spent on private or homeschooled students. It's unfortunate because with that type of legislation, it then makes it that even if we wanted to enroll our oldest in a private school that had a smaller classroom size which would be easier to handle her needs, then they don't have to offer services and don't have to do an IEP to be sure her needs are being met. *sigh* In most states, if you homeschool you give up your right to FAPE.

I've added it to my queue for Netflix... trying to get my kids interested in it :)

OMG I hate open classrooms in schools! I did classroom assistance/observation in college in a class that had an open classroom setting. For third graders. 3 different classes and a resource center with computers set up in the middle, it was a nightmare. The kids in the back of the class couldn't hear because the class behind them was doing a different topic, the teacher couldn't correct it by talking louder because then the kids in the other class couldn't hear their teacher, when their class would get up to go do something, the other classes would be disturbed by it. It was just an overall bad setup!

I have used most types of cloth diapers (wool being the only thing I didn't try because I wanted my husband to not have to separate things so it wouldn't end up ruined). After a lot of trial and error and using whatever I could get cheaply or free for a while when really necessary, I finally settled on mostly pocket diapers (using fitteds for the tiny newborn stage), primarily Fuzzi Bunz with a microfiber insert or chinese prefold. It washes easily, dries quickly, and I assembled them out of the dryer so they are quick to grab. I like the snaps so my child isn't removing the diaper on her own while crawling around (and so it holds better for active toddlers). I've used them on 4 kids now! I'd say their one-size version is the equivalent of the small and mediums, after that IMO either petite toddler or larges would need bought depending on the shape of the child, but it's a good deal overall!

OT, but hi! I'm down at Kirtland :)