sbgrace
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Posts posted by sbgrace
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My husband is a leftie and I couldn't figure out why my left handed child's cutting was so horrible. He told me it was the "left/right..ha ha" scissors. We got the left handed fiskars and it made a huge difference immediately. He likes to cut now and his pages aren't demolished.
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You can buy "green, nontoxic" white board markers but they are pricey. We use the crayola white board crayons and I've been really happy with them. In addition to no odor they don't rub off easily/stain clothes. If my kids do a lot of heavy dark colors in one spot I've used a wet paper towel on the white board but the crayons come off well here.
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I put my pans on top of ours as well. I never noticed any impact on cooking times.
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I'm not finding the switch to wheat free difficult. Eat non processed meats, fruits, and veggies, and use potatoes or rice for occasional starch.
I think the problem is people get caught up in alternative flours or g/f prepackaged products. If you want pancakes, make a potato pancake, you don't need to use 4 different types of hard to find and expensive flours.
Well, if you're truly gluten free you're looking at trace in everything and the average family isn't used to that. Those of us with lots of allergies may have an easier adjustment in that respect. We're dealing with other allergies as well (like you) and we have to have carbs because one kiddo has a metabolic condition. We don't do GF baking either. We just eat whole foods. But I've had a real struggle to find nut safe gluten free grains. I've got one rice source (plain, not cereal or etc.), one buckwheat source, one teff source, etc. When you look at wheat cross and nut cross anyway it's pretty overwhelming for me.
Because you share our allergies I'd love to know what your kids eat for calories. I really struggled to find enough calories with those restrictions for the kids. I'm doing ok now but would love more ideas. The only calorie heavy stuff in the list is fruit (well, unless you're high fat which we can't be due to a metabolic condition).
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I can't imagine going GF for no reason. It's more expensive to eat GF generally and can be empty starch heavy if a person doesn't essentially just switch to eating naturally gluten free stuff rather than baking and bread subs. That said, a pretty significant portion of the population don't handle gluten well and feel better without. Gluten is hard for all of us to digest unless it's prepared as sourdough or similar. GF can be healthy as well if whole foods are eaten.
But in short it's complicated to go gluten free especially at first and I wouldn't do it without a reason and can't imagine many people sticking with it without a reason.
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If they came up and stayed in the same place and are not itchy I think it's less likely hives. Hives tend to come and go ("effervescent" is often the way they are described) and they are typically very itchy.
Erythema Multiforme is another possiblity. Looks very similar to hives and is often mistaken for hives but tends to stay in one place, not respond to Benadryl and not be as itchy. Can be from an allergen exposure, a virus or an unknown cause. These aren't the best pictures but the best I could quickly find online. http://www.dermnet.com/Erythema-Multiforme
Either way if he's feeling fine and not bothered by it, it's probably fine to wait until your appointment next week.
That's the name I couldn't remember--my son had a reaction to latex that was Erythema Multiforme. It itched a bit but nothing like hives and after a time not at all. It did not respond to his zyrtec like hives. The doctor told us to expect it to last for a while but in his case it lasted for about four days.
Ok--this is what he got from latex and it was dx'd Erythema Multiforme and this was on day three so almost done for us at this point.
it had been 12 spots that became one big one essentially but you could see the smaller parts still though not in this picture. This is on day 3 so at the end of the whole mess. Not itchy except for the first day and mild compared to his hive reactions. This did not respond to either benadryl or zyrtec like his hives do but that might have helped itching possibly. The doctor said he could prescribe atarax if it was itchy. I have no clue what Atarax is and we didn't need it because it really wasn't bothering my son too much at that point. We were told this would take a long time to disappear and might keep growing but in our case it didn't.As she said above hives move around and come and go typically. Ours would disappear and appear in different spaces even while sitting in an allergists office for example. This "thing" was in the same location the entire time though it did get bigger.
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My son got hives from exposure to a food allergen several years ago that hung on for an impossibly long time that would be discouraging to your son. My father had a similar experience with exposure to a medication allergen. My son has also had hive reactions that went away much faster. But there is something the doctor explained about hives in that your body can just keep going with the cycle long after initial exposure.
General information about hives beyond that they can last and last: Zyrtec controls hives much better than benadryl because it isn't dosed continually/stays in the body longer. We had to do it for a very long time as did my dad. On another serious reaction with my son we had to do oral steroids and that knocked the hives right out I felt. Most hives are actual of unknown cause and not likely allergic but given they arrived with exposure to latex does make a person think allergic.
And now I'm going to say that I'm entirely stumped by allergy related hives that don't respond to benadryl. That the itching was helped sounds correct but that they remained is really strange. And then that they are still there and not itching is also extremely strange. Hives that don't respond to benadryl would be really, really unusual I would think.
My son had a pretty significant allergy skin reaction to we think latex not long ago. The doctor diagnosed a specific name of a skin related allergic reaction that wasn't hives and could take a long time to disappear but I think they were single spots and would grow or something. His went away within a few days which I was told not to expect. This reaction had to do with the body sending immune cells to the area or something like that. I wish I could remember the name. I can't remember for anything--it started with an E! I wonder if your son is experiencing something like that. Is the area swollen under the skin? Ringed at all?
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If you've got storage space splitting things into groups and rotating them might be nice. I don't have the space to do it with toys. But I do rotations with books and I love it. Less daily clutter, things that are out get used (read in this case), and rotating makes the "old" stuff seem new. Rotation day is so fun here.
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I decided to just wait. It's really not worth the power struggle. Our pediatrician told me most kids are trained by age 4 but many aren't at age 3 and with one kiddo I thought we would hit 4. But he did it. She will too. I'd back off for now.
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I've got friends whose kids love books but who utilize the library almost exclusively and regularly. I'm really glad I've got two who love books as their dad and I love to read and I would have been sad if one of them wasn't a book kid. But I don't think we have as much control over that as we might think--some kids are born one way or the other regardless the home I think. Anyway, due to a generous grandma we are absolutely over-run with kid books. I feel blessed and overwhelmed at the same time.
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My son is a visual-spatial learner and McRuffy would be too overstimulating for him. The different colors would actually be distracting. For this kind of learner, I would play games, use phonogram cards and something like ETC that can be done with colored pencils. Videos also work wonderfully. In fact, someone posted this link recently. The videos look wonderful.
http://funwithphonograms.com/?page_id=147
Of course, this is what I found with one my kids. McRuffy is well-loved, though, and does have tons of games. Not many worksheets at all. ;)
The videos do look wonderful. They have a spelling rules DVD that is really great but their Phonogram Circus DVD is in process (sample episode up online) and they haven't moved to Phonogram Zoo yet. We use their Phonogram Circus and Phonogram Zoo CD's (music/story) and picture books for each. They have workbooks too for those though I've not seen them. When they finish their DVD's I think they will be wonderful choices if their spelling DVD is any indication. But, unfortunately, they aren't ready yet. I do use them in our program and my kids like them.
OP, you can look at Explode the Code samples via CBD.com if I remember right. My visual learner can be overstimulated too by too much but he does love video clips and needs to see whatever. So we use the plans outlined above which use multi-sensory stuff but not in an overwhelming way. OP, if you like the looks of those school plans but want it in book form I believe their system is very much like Recipe for Reading which is a reasonably priced book.
My kiddo does do well with computer stuff but, as I said, I wasn't impressed with the content of Headsprout though he enjoyed it. Lexia Reading computer program might be an option and I'm sure it's solid and complete (I looked at content and research on it) if it looks like it might appeal. They have a homeschool version.
I hope you find something that works well!
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I imagine you've started or will soon! Saying a prayer for you today!
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Thanks everyone! I will take some time to think this over. Anyone else want to add anything?
About McRuffy~is this program heavy on worksheets?
McRuffy is really generous with their samples to preview--I think you'll get a good feel for the workbook and other phonics material style from the site. http://www.mcruffy.com/KP.htm#KPSE
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I have been a Kindergarten and Pre/K teacher for the past 8 years. I am going to hs my dd-5/05, dd-8/07...
We are going to follow different Kindergarten programs for my dd whom is 5 and watering down the programs for my little wiggly dd whom is about to be 3...
ELA/Phonics-Mcruffy???, Dr. Jean for sure!!
Math-Like the idea of Singapore, but think that dds learning styles would better fit Mcruffy or Horizon, Everyday counts calendar
Writing-Lucy Calkins
Handwriting-following a curriculum from a school district that I loved
Biblical-Funshine Express, Daily Devotions
Science-Mcruffy??, Sonlight??, From mudpies to magnets
any thoughts?:confused:
Your kids will benefit from your experience! My kids are getting a first year teacher! :tongue_smilie:
I feel silly making suggestions for someone who probably has a much better idea of where she wants to go and what will work than I did starting with mine! I'm not sure what learning styles they have that fit McRuffy but if you like the conceptual math/Asian math of Singapore but they need more hands on, manipulatives, games, etc. you might check out RightStart. I really love it for beginning math because it's solid/conceptual and fun. We're enjoying MEP math too which is free for printing, conceptual, and colorful at least at the Reception (K) year I'm using. McRuffy looks fun and active too! But if you want conceptual math like Singapore there are other options as well. I'm not sure what to suggest on science because I didn't find anything I've loved but I think active and experiential is what you want at these ages.
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I've got about six months under my belt here but I still feel new. That said, I've learned a lot in the past months for sure! We're in K material (started in January, year round schooling) and moving toward 1st grade this coming year.
Our curriculum:
Phonogram based Phonics (Orton Gillingham w/some Spalding style from free resources and BRI readers) leading to Phonics Road I when we can.
Handwriting Without Tears K is completed and we're doing copywork now though I may get the 1st grade workbook for one child who needs a lot of work in this area.
RightStart A and MEP math.
Salsa Spanish
Heart of Dakota--Little Hearts for His Glory K and will move on in that I think in 1st. I've got Karen Henley bible materials and Grapevine studies too we use and/or will use in 1st. I also purchased How to Teach Art to Children way back when which we're going to do in 1st I think.
Lots of read alouds, video treats like Liberty Kids and Magic Schoolbus and youtube clips of all sorts, play together, exploring, etc. I'm working on some specific learning differences and special needs areas with one kiddo so that takes a significant amount of time/energy on my part.
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I've linked free and thorough phonics lesson plans I found (Orton Gillingham based, very solid and multi-sensory) that appeal to my visual learner.
Here are the plans--K, 1st, 2nd grade. http://learningsharingcaring.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-found-these-materials-to-do-complete.html
Then I found free resources that added even more for my visual learner. Here are videos and printable options that he has loved. Most of these are linked for specific sounds we were working on at the time I put the links together but in most cases there are tons of options for almost anything you're working with at the time. http://learningsharingcaring.blogspot.com/2010/08/great-resources-to-target-specific.html
I've got links to printable board games, free phonetic readers, activities, and also purchase type materials I've added to our program. Basically, we use those plans linked above and then I add games, readers, videos, activities, etc. that I've linked on the blog though you don't really need any extras at all as the plans really are complete. It's been fun and it's working well. For bossy R sounds (or/ar/er/ir/ur/ear/wor) for example I printed a "bossy r" poster from online resources, we watched I think 7 video clips from Between the Lions and the Electric Company and others on Youtube that were so cute with the bossy R sounds (not all at once--watch a clip, play a game, watch a clip and write the sounds, watch a clip and read them, etc.), we had flash cards and jumped on them as we said them, I did Fun With Phonograms Phonogram Zoo story and book (the only purchased thing I used), we played games with the gameboards I printed, we did (free) readers, etc. We had fun, they have them solidly frontwards and backwards, and it cost me almost nothing. For other sounds we've followed the plans alone. I realized as I typed all that out that it sounds involved and maybe confusing--it's not, it's been so easy--but the plans I linked above all on their own are absolutely wonderful and lay each lesson out for you clearly.
If you're not past initial letter sounds Leapfrog Letter Factory is wonderful for visual (and any really) learners.
I really think you can put together a program to appeal to a visual learner that would rival anything you could purchase. I put together that blog because I was so impressed with what's out there I wanted to share it.
But if you've got money set aside for an expensive program Go Phonics looks fun, visual, and extremely solid. My visual son loved Headsprout but I didn't. It's expensive, covers few of the phonograms I believe a child needs to decode and spell well, and the second level particularly is too sight word oriented for me. I really wish I'd done something like Go Phonics instead for the money I spent for two kids in Headsprout. But lots of people love it and it definitely appeals to visual kids I think as it did here. What it does in the first level it does solidly. I just don't think it does enough for what it costs! Homeschool Reviews.com is good (along with opinions here) for researching curriculums but now I know some of the best reading programs aren't listed there and some of them that have great reviews might now be what you in particular want (like Headsprout for myself).
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I was going to mention the Letter Factory video as well. Most kids get the letter sounds pretty easily with that video!
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The level of anxiety, has to apologize, increasingly consuming all make me think this may be a manifestation of OCD. It's hard to describe OCD thoughts and rituals when you're 8. The earlier you can intervene appropriately (cognitive behavioral therapy) with OCD the better outcomes. Can you see someone who does CBT for OCD with children? The OCD foundation has provider lists and I believe you can look for those who work with kids. Who you see is important with OCD.
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I'll miss your contribution here and personally but I'm excited for you as you change your financial picture!
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Endometriosis is consistent with those symptoms and they now know it can occur even in young teens. I mention it even though it's been mentioned because some doctors still falsely believe this is a disease of the 20's or 30's or older and that's not the case so make sure that is considered if there isn't another explanation.
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Thank you!
Ok, I'm going to get the handiwriter and also have him write on a thee ring binder. I'll look for thick pencils-I think that might help. Ellie, he has been writing in notebooks so I'll take the paper out. It hadn't occured to me that it was an issue. Yllek, thank you so much for all those links--I've been looking through and they will be so helpful for us--thank you for taking the time to do that. He is weak in torso (slightly hypotonic actually) and I didn't know that was connected. I'll target that area with him. Thank you so much!
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I think most people are pretty upfront in their sigs or posts if they are representing a curriculum and I believe and assume most who gush just love the curriculum in question.
There was a thread about this not long ago and some felt compelled to say they were just loving and not representing curriculum on that thread. I dislike this sort of speculation because if I were a person who loved a curriculum it would make me feel like people were thinking these things when I gush about it. I don't want people to feel constrained in responding or talking about things that worked well for them because others might assume something like this. Regardless, I think anyone who would read one person's post and then go buy a curriculum without looking for both sides, reading lots of threads, previewing, etc. only has themselves to blame. We're smarter than that aren't we?
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I've got a child with absolutely horrible pencil grip issues. He hooks his wrist like a left hand child might tend toward even though he's right handed. I really don't get it but it looks extremely awkward. He also has a thumb cross pencil grip. I've been trying to work on both but it's overwhelming for both of us. I tried the cross over grip but he can hardly write with it on--his writing with it is almost illegible and very light pressure wise as well. So I've just been reminding him of the proper grip. I bought a "thing" that holds his pencil in the webspace but it's not quite working the way I expected though it helps some and prevents the extreme hooking he does without it.
He's six. Which is worse for him/which should I address or do I keep trying to fix both grip and wrist position? Any hints?
Favorite board games for 5 year-olds?
in General Education Discussion Board
Posted
Orchard by Haba is a really great game for that age range (and beyond too). It was more fun for me than the other games as well.
Zingo
Cariboo
One of mine really loved Hiss and Sequence. His twin didn't have the attention span for those at five but I think he's unusual in that respect. All are quick.