I deliberately took it out of my signature line for this post, because I didn't want my son's struggles to reflect badly on the curriculum. I don't think the curriculum is lacking, I just am wondering if maybe it isn't the best fit for my son.

Where did you get the extra worksheets?

whose child is struggling with grammar. My ds11 took the Iowa test for the third year in a row, and once again, he bombed the capitalization and punctuation sections. Badly. He didn't even attempt half the questions because he ran out of time. And of the ones he did attempt, most were wrong. He only began studying grammar in 3rd grade, but still, after three years, I would think he would know basic things like capitalization and punctuation. So, I am wondering if it is time to change grammar curriculums? Or, should I give the one we are using one more year in hopes that things finally click? Or is there something else I could/should be doing to help him in this area? I really need some advice!

So far I haven't stayed ahead of my kids, I learn along side them. But, my oldest is in his second go-round of the history cycle, and by the time he hits the third, I feel I need to be ahead of him, so we can have these great Socratic discussions ala TOG (all though I know TOG isn't the curriculum for me either). SWB is writing a series of history books for adults. So far she has published "The History of the Ancient World". I plan to read each of those as a starting point for myself. I'm hoping to make notes as I go of topics/people to research further. If I do that the summer before we study each of those time periods, hopefully I will be well prepared to guide him through the third history cycle.

I thought a larger desk was the answer, so I bought a huge honking one at Office Depot, and I still can't find the top of it! But, there are fewer papers piled on my kitchen counter now. ;)

I just checked their calendar and the last week of daily operation is the week of the 18th of August. School probably starts the week of August 25th.

We take our boys to Kings Island every year, and do everything we want to do in one day, but we don't go to the waterpark. If you wanted to do that as well, I would recommend two days. We went once in May, before school was out for the year, and half the rides were closed because their teen employees were still in school. You definitely want to go before the kids go back to school. Don't wait til late August.

You know, as homeschoooling moms, our brains get a pretty good workout. I think vegging out sometiems is necessary for our mental health. Glad you got some down-time. :001_smile:

My boys have enjoyed the "Real Wheels" series with Dave and Becky. It's all about various types of vehicles and modes of transportation. They are pretty funny and educational too, and each DVD has three episodes on it. For example, "Land, Sea, and Air Adventures" contains these episodes: There Goes a Boat, There Goes the Mail, and There Goes a Helicopter. On our recent vacation, I packed a duffel bag full of books on cd, as well as cd players and headphones for each child, and extra batteries. My kids kept themselves entertained solely with that for 16 hours. Your girls may be a little young for that yet, but maybe a favorite story book played on the car cd player would entertain them for an hour or two.

Oh, I'm jealous! I won't get mine til at least Monday.

I'm pretty sure there are quick start directions either on their web site, or in the Loom.

We didn't like Writing Strands. My son had a very positive experience this year with IEW used in a co-op class of 30 kids, of varying ages and writing abilities. I think IEW would give you more flexibility to tailor the lessons to your students' abilities. Just my 2 cents.

I am having the same problem with my navy blue towels and can't figure out the source either! I thought maybe my bathroom cleaner was accidentally getting on the towels when I clean the counter tops or shower, but I can't figure out how. I'm hoping someone can solve this mystery for both of us.

Thanks for the idea! I'd hate to have to replace the whole set for one missing cd.

I would definitely go with the lighter schedule and save Latin for later. Then, if you find you have time for it, you could add Latin in and you would feel good about accomplishing something "extra", instead of planning to teach it this fall, and then being stressed when you find you don't have the time.

Not the original poster, but I am having the same problem with my ds11. Thanks for all the great advice ladies! :thumbup:

I taught my kids to make their own lunch. :D

I would sleep in, read one of the books that's been on my "to read" pile for 6 months, treat myself to a meal at a favorite restaurant, and do some homeschool planning for fall. How did you get your husband to take your kids out of the house for more than one day??? If I want more than one day away from the kids, I have to go to a homeschool convention. ;)

We have 1500 sq ft for 4 of us, plus a two car garage and a large basement, partially finished. So that's 375 sq. ft per person. I have been wishing for a larger house with a different layout for awhile. I'd like to trade my ranch house for a two story, and I really want a dedicated school room on the main level of the house. I'd also like some acreage where we didn't have neighbors right on top of us. But, reading some of your posts is making me appreciate how much we do have. I should count my blessings, right? :)

:iagree:

Praying for you and for all your difficult days ahead.:grouphug:

Oh, I'm sure they are headed for years of therapy. But on the up-side, you can sell all that scrapbooking stuff on ebay to pay for it. :D

:iagree:

Actually, there is a show called "Wife Swap" where moms switch houses for two weeks. They don't actually sleep with their temporary husbands though.

Praying for baby Joe and your entire family.:grouphug: