First, I would suggest that you refrain from coaching him directly. Just tell him, every time he swims, how much you enjoy watching him and that you appreciate his effort. Times at this age really don't matter. He should only be competing against himself and striving to improve. Many things impact times that have nothing to do with your child: water temperature, lane width, gutter design, ambient temperature, depth of pool, lighting, etc. Kids this age are growing and changing so rapidly that they can be low on energy for no apparent reason. Also, makes sure he is carb loaded before the meet and eats small snacks throughout the day. I'm interested in what you mean by "good". Is he having fun? Is he willing to participate? Is he respectful of his coach and teammates? Those should be the priorities at this age. Swimming is a beast of a sport. If they don't enjoy it, they won't participate long term. I wouldn't force him to swim events he hates. There is lots of time for him to grow into all the strokes. My youngest (16) swims for his high school team and lettered as a freshman. He will be one of the top swimmers as a sophomore. He hasn't always loved the sport or had great times. He has enjoyed the process, however. You sound like a great swim mom. Just relax - it's a long haul:)

The Red Rising Trilogy kept my reluctant reader up until very late! http://www.redrisingbook.com/book.php

We switched to Canvas. It's quite nice.

Lee Binz has some amazing stuff. Go through her site - you'll feel much less stressed:) http://www.thehomescholar.com/

I showed my boys this video to help explain consent. It does a pretty good job. It does contain some strong language.

Thank you!

We really enjoyed the Holt text: http://www.hmhco.com/shop/k12/Holt-Science--Technology/9780547353760 There is a parent CD-Rom that has all the worksheets, quizzes, tests, lab sheets, etc. I don't have the ISBN # at the moment, but can get it for you if you are interested.

The Great Turkey Walk - if you can still find it. Awesome story AND very funny.

We buy almost everything there except: coffee, butter, eggs, and non-food items like laundry soap, ibuprofen, and feminine products. Those things are just cheaper at Costco. WinCo has excellent prices on organics, and they carry some Udi's gluten-free products. Costco also usually has better prices on meat and chicken, but I have purchased those things at WinCo occasionally.

The link works for me, but if it still isn't working for you - try searching "Ben and Me 175 Free Kindle Books". Holly

Not sure if this has already been posted. I try to keep up on free Kindle books, and somehow still missed most of these:) Holly http://benandme.com/2012/01/free-kindle-books-for-your-kids.html

My DS is loving Holt McDougal World Geography! If you can find a way to buy the premium on-line content - do it. He loves the extras and he can take quizzes on line with automatic feedback. You just need the student on-line content - it includes the teacher stuff (assessments, answers, etc.) It's the Middle School text, by the way. http://www.amazon.com/World-Geography-Student-Edition-Survey/dp/0547484798 Holly

Thanks!!

Engrade.com Easy to use. I grade all my co-op classes with it.

Goodreads is a great resource. I have discovered books there that otherwise would not have ever read: https://www.goodreads.com/ Holly