This is the name of the disc. http://www.epinions.com/review/13_Junior_Disc_o_Sit_Balance_Cushion/content_168598605444 DS7 can't sit still for homeschool either. We use a small exercise ball. We have school tables in the classroom. We have to lower the legs of the table to adjust to the height of the ball. The ball does help him to focus. I also do not require him to sit. He can sit on the ball at the table. He sometimes lean on his tummy on the ball to read. The ball gives him some alternatives and allows him to move around while focusing on school works.

I have heard this is a good program. I am thinking about using it next year with my child. http://www.dynamicliteracy.com/

I am planning on doing this one with my child. It is free. It just give you online resources to make a lapbook. http://www.squidoo.com/humanbodylapbook

I think a student who is a native speaker would be enough.

I found a sample test somewhere on the internet. Here it is: http://legacysupport.nwea.org/assessments/ritcharts.asp There are 2 different MAP tests now. One is K-1, the other is 2nd grade and up. The sample test items on that site is only for the 2nd grade and up. I hope that's what you are looking for.

I am using Chinese Made Easy for kids http://www.childbook.com/Chinese-Made-Easy-Simplified-Characters-Level-1-p/lcmekst01.htm However, I have some Chinese language background. This program has many levels and a CD to go with it. DS has also used Muzzy Chinese program before this one to get him used to the tone.

I like this site: http://www.dr-mikes-math-games-for-kids.com/

I got a student microscope from homesciencetools.com. The rechargeable battery had some problem, but they have good customer service and the problem was resolved. It was about $100. It works pretty well and can probably last ds until middle school level. However, I don't think it is available anymore.

Thank you! I really appreciate your suggestions.

I am trying to stick some thin cardboard like paper on the wall, you know, the ABC posters, Periodic table etc. I used to use some putty like material by Elmer, but overtime the putty kind of melted and the poster would fall down. I also got this glue dots thing for the wall. Everything fell down after a few hours. Is there anything better on the market?

I got 3 school tables for $2 each and 3 student chairs for $1 each at the local school district surplus department. You have to clean them up a little bit. I repainted the chairs. They have all different kinds of tables and chairs that they no longer use. Some of them are still in good shape. You may want to try calling your local school district. Previously I got a school table and 4 chairs from a school supply store and I spent about $400 on all.

My son (7YO) is a reluctant writer. He has a lot of ideas, but when it's time to put them down on paper, it will take him forever because he would have forgotten all about his ideas. So I just tried him out on a kid's writing class last week and he loved it. His teacher was able to make him write by reminding him of his ideas and told him to put all his ideas in an imagined theatre.

I have asked the same exact question on the Singapore Math Forum. If you go to the forum --> Math (Pre-Purchase Questions) --> look for date 6/7/09. Jenny said it's OK to use IP US ed with SE text, but there will be topics in SE text that won't be in IP US ed.

I have ordered a few things from Home Science Tools. Their prices are pretty reasonable and the customer service is pretty good. One time, I had ordered a microscope set with them and the battery did not work right so they replaced the whole thing as soon as they can.

We are going to use Lively Latin next year. I am pretty sure it is secular.