Somewhere in the ethernet you can find the Pizzazz workbooks. Those are not work texts like MM, though. My kids like to work through a page once in a while for variety. The series covers a range of math topics, but I think a few are specifically pre-algebra.

We have a large box hardware store that carries a lot of "food" and I feel the same about that place. Sort of "huh? No."

LOL!!! In addition you would be laughing at the confused look on my face as I tried to figure out the "Head of Homeland Security" reference AND the whole humping weirdness. Great name! If we ever get a pet....

Trader Joe's sells a deodorant I like. Occasionally, when the deodorant seems to be failing, I spritz the area with vinegar. The smell fades quickly and seems to "reset" the flora. So, you might try that before changing and sees if it helps.

Aww, that sounds really rough! Can you hire a babysitter for a couple hours? You could fill out visa paperwork, or take a nap in your car. It is surprisingly refreshing. ((Hugs))

For the summer, our lighter schedule includes the things that need practice for retention. Math-4x(once is logic-focused), Spanish-2x, Latin-2x, writing at least once "officially", I also try to schedule art, because that often gets skipped during the school year because it is not a priority for me. Those are my basics. I schedule some writing to keep ds from getting too rusty. I don't schedule reading because that happens organically, but I do strew and limit the number of graphic novels I want out at a time.

I don't know of a generic name. However, Mindware sells books of those to practice arithmetic. We happen to have one sitting around for addition.

I would start by separating out "things that can be done away from the house" like spelling, grammar and history, with things that are "easier at home" perhaps science and math? Then, Ice you know the exact schedule, you can plan it which things you carry on what days. Another thing to consider, can you do science, say, Saturday morning altogether? In return you could designate a busy weekday for minimal school and errands.

Swear jar worked for dh. Mostly because I didn't want to deal with the fallout of toddlers using various words in inappropriate settings. I can't imagine it would be very successful with kids. I had a discussion about swear words this morning. When I used them all the time they lost their potency, so I started limiting their use and got pretty thoroughly out of the habit. I did tell them I would willingly tell them about any words they wanted/needed to know. I remember feeling a bit behind trying to pick up actual meanings from context of use. In our house it has never been terribly necessary, but I have used the "potty words being in the potty" (and had it said to me). Also, I use the super-long-winded explanation approach. Nobody wants to hear that any more than they have to!

Sometimes for iced coffee I add a bit of hummingbird food from the refrigerator, haha. They don't mind sharing as long as I keep the feeder full, and this gives me some vested interest in keeping a supply on hand "for them".

Psshht. Even as a student I didn't like spending class time on movies. I think it is idiotic, but done, and I would valiantly try to limit my comments on the whole thing.

I've read a lot about Minimus and thought it might be fun for summer variety, so I ordered it. Received an email from the seller that it was damaged so badly by the shipper that it was returned, and they could no longer sell it, so I got a refund. Bummer, but okay. I went back to Amazon and ordered another used copy. I checked yesterday and tracking showed a vague-sounding entry two weeks ago and nothing since. The seller issued me a refund today saying that since the window of reasonable shipping time has closed I didn't need to pay, and if it ever shows up I am to keep it with their compliments. Soooo, should I order it a third time?? Is it that good? Should I just carry on with the latin we have and see if it shows up? If I order it again, the lost copy will definitely arrive, any reason I would need two copies? Have I offended the Higher Powers of Used Books, do you think?

Forgot about the Black Cauldron series. I was glad I didn't have to try to figure out pronunciation myself. We all enjoyed the voice actress for The True Meaning of Smekday (we liked the book, too).

One thing I try to teach them is to have an end time or event before they get started. "How long are you going to play? How will you know when to stop?" We also have a minimal list of things that need to be completed before starting, like school, piano, and done independent project work. Take it with a grain of salt, though, my kids are still young!

Don't know how old your dc are, but there is a YouTube video of Daniel Redcliffe (Harry Potter) singing the Tom Lehrer song...

If you search by specific SOTW volume, or by time period, you may be able to find threads where people have listed favorite books for their families. That might be another way to come up with a "to buy" list. Otherwise I suggest going through the lists in the activity book and picking out ones that appeal to you. Sorry!

Thanks for the laugh. Maybe she will offer your family a group rate! I did something very similar in high school.

My dh's response is to mutter "sweet honey mustard!" under his breath. We read it in the comics 25 years ago. I've had occasion to use it in him, too!

Summer might be a time to "test-drive" a few teachers without having to commit. From the boys' perspective you could take the summer off from lessons, and then find 3 or 4 teachers to meet and try out. Then you can tell everyone that you will be making a decision in the fall and leave it there. I know what you mean about overscheduling. How do you decide if piano lessons are more or less important than, say, Latin or Spanish or scheduling regular time for art or a fun, supplemental logic day for math.The times don't match exactly, the skills don't match exactly, it's all good, and we could probably do it all... It does sound like you could use a new teacher, though.

Thank you! I find that very reassuring. I have been having difficulty expressing my concerns about this.

Wow, that's great, thanks! I'm a little surprised it was ds and not dd. Probably cemented an unwarranted, negative stereotype in her head. Glass half full, glass half empty, huh?

I got an email that says ds "placed nationally" can anyone with experience with the contest explain what that means?

You should bring it up. I was so clueless about weddings when I got married, I could have used a little more of "hey, here's what to expect", "often people do this", "have you thought about", and particularly "you don't have to empty your wine glass every time they fill it"

You don't have to leave your dentist even if you take the kids elsewhere, do you?

I just finished The Country of Ice Cream Star by Sandra Newman. Set in a post-apocalyptic America, Ice Cream Star wants to save her brother from the plague that kills everyone when they reach 18. The author has allowed the spoken language to evolve also, which I found so amazing.