I need to stock up on ERASERS, pencils, and spiral notebooks. Did I mention ERASERS? My son loves to draw on them and after that they are pretty useless. I can't even begin to count the number of erasers I ave found artistically altered. Note to self: Stock up on Tylenol with those erasers.

I require 45 minutes to an hour 5 days a week. 3 days a week is not an option in our home. Math is a core subject that I feel should be done daily. However, if it were I would require a good solid hour in the AM and honestly after 5th grade another half hour in the PM.

Is it possible to do a subject or two on the weekends and a couple on Monday and Friday in the evenings? Or maybe have your children bring independent work with them on scouting days to be do when it isn't their turn. It might be a little more manageable to spread it out a little each day rather than cram in on 3 days. We school a little each weekend and DS really doesn't seem to mind as it is generally only an hour in the AM and MAYBE an hour in the PM. The rest of the day he can do as he pleases.

We use spelling for spelling. However, the later books in our program, SWO, seems to turn the focus more towards vocabulary.

We school year round taking breaks as needed. We usually only take a few days here and there for appointments, field trips, or holidays but never anything really big. However, this year we took 2 big breaks (2 weeks each) one in September and one in June. DS informed me at the beginning of PS summer break he felt sorry for the kids because they will forget 2/3 of what they learned. He had read that somewhere. He even tried to convince me to let him bring his school work on vacation. :)

We use Streams of Civilization with MFW and my almost 10yo DS loves it and always wants to read more than what is assigned. History is DS favorite subject. He actually read CHOW as a "fun read" when he was 8. I can't comment on how much use you will get from it using TOG but feel it is an excellent resource to have.

We have used Saxon Math for the last 2 years. I loved the format and teaching guide of Saxon 3 but when we hit Saxon 54 that all changed. My complaints about 54 and higher levels are: There is no teaching guide at these levels and the way Saxon explains concepts (breaking them up into tiny pieces) confuses my son rather than clarfies. I feel like I am having to show my son the "easy way" to complete the problem almost EVERY lesson. I feel like I am using Saxon more as a guide of what to teach rather than an actual math program. Also I don't feel there are enough word problems. What I like about Saxon is the fact it covers a wide variety of problems and that it continually reinforces concepts through practice problems. I have recently discovered CLE math and it looks wonderful. I've looked at the samples online but can't really tell how much teaching help is available. I am very good at math but I can't always explain how to get the answers and need a little guidance in that aspect. I also want to know how you feel the two of these programs compare. What level would I need if my son is in the beggining of Saxon 65? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I really just want to find a good fit for us and stick with it. Thanks in advance.

The companies that make tampons and pads are more pofitable and therefore can afford more advertisement. The cup companies only sell you a cup every 5-10 years. Also, young women are made to feel menstration is a dirty and gross thing rather than a natural process. (Look at the title of this thread) I personally use the Ladycup and like it. I do experience minor leaks occasionally but it is still better than the tampons I once used.

:iagree:You said this much nicer than I could have. Personally, if I even thought that this family was going through some kind of hardship I would not have compounded it by calling the authorities on them. I think this probably could have been dealt with better.

You are not alone I have allowed my DS to read the entire series. We really enjoy Harry Potter in our home.

I feel it is very important for kids to learn proper technique. My biggest concern wouldn't be the pool but the ocean in my area. We spend a great deal of time in the water and even when there is a light chop or current the water can quickly take a tool. By knowing the proper technique DS doesn't wear out as fast and can safely make it to the boat. I can't imagine not teaching DS proper technique. I personally would continue lesson to ensure both your children become strong swimmers.

Although I am not excited about the new charges I understand it is business. I personally would not lie about a purchase being a gift because I think that would forfeit paypal's protection. Although I always try to reconcile a bad transaction with the the seller directly sometimes I appreciate the fact paypal will step in. I've had multiple questionable transactions both with homeschoolers and ebayers. I am thankful paypal has such services even if they are charging.

Personally my child would no longer be on the team. I do NOT allow other adults to raise their voice to my child. Had this been me in the situation I would have very quickly stepped in and let him know he had no right to speak to my child in that manner. I would then take my child and leave. I have a huge problem with people who disrespect children. I would then find out my son's side of the story and proceed from there. RESPECT is just as important as sportsmanship. I'm sorry you are having to deal with this.

I generally will pay around 50% of new cost. However, there are certain books that I tend to pay MUCH less. I bought a science book on Amazon for .09 + shipping in like new condition. The book sold new for $20. If the used cost is too close to the new price I'll just purchase new. I would rather spend a few more dollars for new then get burnt buying used. I have learned my lesson after numerous used items came with writing and seperating from the spine that wasn't mentioned. Sorry but used doesn't mean falling apart.:glare: I don't mind buying certain things in "well loved" condition but I want to know what I'm getting and pay accordingly.

I posted other because although we do school year round I have specific goals I want to achieve at certain times throughout the year. If I didn't set these goal and force us to "catch up" certain subjects would fall through the cracks. It is my way of getting us back on track rather than puhing or punishing DS for moving slow. If it was a cognitive thing rather than a time thing I would just follow DS's abilities rather than a set schedule.

DS was studying tables and graphs in Saxon math last week and I almost died laughing when I saw one of his answers. The picture was of a Growth Chart that graphed a child's growth from birth until about 10. The question was asking something about the slant of the graph and the fact in the beginning it quickly inclined and then it slowed down. It asked why this happened. His answer: Because his body's growth is slowing until puberty I don't think that is what the Math book answer was but I marked it correct for critical thinking. Sometimes DS is too smart for his own good.:lol:

The q&a flow made a huge diference in DS comprehension; The jingles also helped. For example, if he is making a mistake now I ask him what are the adverb questions. He knows that an adverb answers the questions how, when, and where. Shurley has made him confident in knowing parts of speech. Although we are on break and using Rod and Staff, we still refer back to Shurley when he gets stuck.

We usually bring lunch boxes that have an ice pack in them. If I didn't have an ice pack I would pack sandwhiches, fruit, carrot sticks, trail mix, chips, fruit roll ups, and possibly cookies.

I would probably consider somewhere around $1 a load. If that does not add up to enough for the canteen maybe you can add on extra tasks.

I always smile and answer we homeschool but this is always in my mind. I had a guy at a restaurant the other day say VERY LOUDLY, "We never got to go to XYZ when I was in school." I ignored him because he seemed drunk and it was only noon. Guess it wouldn't have mattered if his parents kept him at home or not. He was clearly not using his education.

I had a book that was advertised in like new condition arrive with a one inch tear where the spine and front cover meet. I had purchased from a seller with a large number of positive feedback so I was surprised. When I emailed the seller I received what seemed like a genuine apology that acknowledged that particular book should have never been posted in like new condition. They refunded my money, including shipping, and I was able to keep the book. I was so impressed that I didn't leave negative feedback and actually would buy from this person again based on the honesty and resolution. I personally would wait to see wait the seller has to say before I made any decisions. We are all human and sometime we make honest mistakes. Hopefully the person you purchased from will do the right thing.

I wear dresses very often. Depending on the dress and occassion, I will wear it with flip flops, sandals, espadrills sp?, kitten heels, or high heels. I use to own a few dresses that I could wear with a pair of loafers or clogs, but I don't think any of mine now could pull that off. I am not a fan of sneakers except when I am heading for the gym. I love dresses because they hide figure flaws.

I certainly hope that the school has a policy banning all sporting events too. The half naked cheerleaders dancing are far more risky then a bunch of teenage girls at prom. Honestly, the dress of some of the general public can bring about lustful situations. I think what one does in the situation is more important than the actual situation.

The forced gift giving and pressure to be together often makes me miserable any holiday. I hate being pulled from one family to the next. I seem to be the only one who feels we don't HAVE TO celebrate on the assigned day some random person bestowed upon us. Last year I was pressured into going to brunch with DH's family even though I had just worked for 12 hours and been up for over 24. Sadly, my situation will probably never change because I am a people pleaser and hate to make waves. Sorry for the rant.

DS seems to SCREAM everything. Loud doesn't even begin to describe him. I have had his hearing checked numerous times and that is not the problem. He does have ADHD but not sure if it plays a role in this. Even when I ask him to whisper he yells. He literally gives me a headache. He has always been loud. I don't know what to do because he honestly can't help it. I have had to send him to his room for quiet time just to get a little peace. My mother said when I was younger I was extremely loud as well. I guess I grew out of it. I pray DS grows out of it. In the mean time I keep a bottle of tylenol handy.