Does your family do something special to celebrate the first day of school? Does your support group do a 'Not Back to School Party' on the day your local public schools start back? I'd love to hear (especially from those with high school age students) some ideas on how you make these days special.

I am looking for rubric samples to help me develop one to use when evaluating projects for a high school coop class.

I'm considering copywork and dictation to help my rising 9th grader with spelling. We've used several spelling programs over the years. Spelling rules mean **nothing** to her. In hindsight, I'm thinking copywork and dictation may have helped. I recently found a resource where the student copies a same paragraph/quote/literary work for a few days then is "tested" by dictation but I cannot recall the title. Any suggestions?

Sent you a PM :)

Have you explored Math-U-See? It is very hands on and mastery. I do know they have added some review since we tried it *many* years ago but am not sure how much. I do understand what you are saying about needing mastery and review. That would be ideal for my daughter, too. Some times TT does not have enough practice in a unit and it is not until she does the review in the following unit that she gets it. I've though of using Saxon for this reason but TT is working well enough for her that we're just going to stay on that path through high school.

My daughter, who is finishing 8th grade and TT pre-algebra, has been using TT for three years. The sequence, progression and visual lessons on the computer are great for her. I often sit with her through the lessons to help as needed ... especially for new concepts. Although it would be great for it to be totally independent for her, like it is for her 7th grade sister who is also doing TT pre-algebra, it is worth my time to help her solidify the concepts.

I'm exploring spelling options for a 9th grader with auditory processing and dyslexic challenges. She has come a *LONG* way in this area, however, spelling is still quite a challenge...mainly because she has trouble hearing sounds in some words. We tried all the "best" and Orton Gillingham phonics based programs. She finally *started* to read in 3rd grade using Pathway Readers which are more whole word focused. We did not abandon phonics however have learned that phonics rules are often *not* helpful to her. Spell check is definitely a needed and used tool but I see that technology will not always be on hand. It is embarrassing and frustrating for her when she has to ask others how to spell words when writing something. We've learned that rules focused programs are not helpful. Over the years, some of the resources we have used included: traditional spelling programs (which were memorized by pattern for the test and often forgotten), Barton level 1 &2, All About Spelling, Reading Horizon (computer program), and Spelling Power. We used Spelling Power for a few years. It was most effective of all we've tried but she needs more practice and review. This year we went through two Megawords books. I am considering sticking with that program but the spelling portion is not really enough and the rules tend not to be helpful. I am also considering Sequential Spelling. Are there any other ideas for programs and tools like ipod or computer apps, etc...? Her weakest areas are multi-syllable words and words with unusual/unpredictable spelling. I understand we will not fix her challenges. I do think though that we can improve her spelling skills more before she graduates.

I'm having a bit of a debate with someone about who can join some possible classes/activities being offered next year. She only wants to offer there activities by invite ...she has to know the person or the person joining be a friend of a friend and be recommended. She is on the board of our local support group where the criteria for new members is stated as open to 'friends and family' of members. I've always been more open to posting an invite to local homeschool yahoo loops to see who God brings that has the same need, like mindedness, etc... Are the classes, support group, etc... your family is involved with by invite only or open to families you may not yet know? Which do you prefer?

I'm curious to hear if the area where you live has traditional co-ops at the high school level (where a parent for each family must stay and help or teach) or drop off co-ops. We moved from an area that had many traditional co-ops. Our new area is has several large drop-off co-ops (100++ students). Parents pay an enrollment fee of $60-$80 per family and $45-$300 per class, per semester, per student plus supply fees. They drop their children off for 1-4 hours of classes. Parents tend not to know the person teaching their children. **I am not saying this model is wrong.** I just have observed a significant difference in homeschool community and support because of it. I've also heard from teachers and group leaders of these types of co-ops of many issues arising from this model ...i.e. parents totally not involved, students not prepared for class, a co-op handbook that reads like rules found in a public school even including criteria for expulsion and fines, ... I have also observed that most of the drop-off co-ops in our area offer core classes for high school students. **Certainly I understand those classes fit the needs of some families.** I prefer to do our core subject at home. I am looking instead for elective type classes. I've been proactive in trying to start a traditional co-op. Few people know what that is. Many have expressed interest until I explain that a commit from them is required. For my children to be involved with peers, I almost feel forced to enroll them in a core class at a drop-off co-op. We did participate in one the first semester we lived here. The quality of teaching was hit or miss and we made no connections. **I appreciate the many options available to homeschoolers.** However, because of these options, I am feeling the pressure that I'm failing my children academically and socially if we HOMEschool through high school. Is the drop off co-op a national trend? Is anyone still doing a majority of their high school instruction at home taught by mom/dad?

Last month I attended a workshop at The Great Homeschool Convention with a man who had been an admissions person at three universities. He said they are looking for grades, SAT/ACT scores, and involvement (community service, leadership, clubs, jobs, ...). Not once did he mention anything about enrichments camps/programs.

Conference season is upon us. What are some ideas you have for saving money and eating healthy meals while at a multi-day conference? Do you bring a crockpot for the hotel room? Do you eat sandwiches for most meals?

We are hiring a teen who lives a few minutes from us to come once a day to feed our two cats and clean out the litter box while we are at a homeschool conference. What is the going rate these days to pay a teen for this type of work?

During the high school years, do you use a Bible curriculum? We've used various Bible/worldview curriculum over the years. Next year my oldest with be 9th grade. I have been considering programs/guides to take her through the entire Bible in 3 or 4 years. However, we are in a family Bible study at church where we study through one book of the Bible at a time. In addition we study through a different book during church services. (One hour church service + one hour Bible study + one hour of homework = 3 hours of Bible each week). I am thinking of using what we are doing at Bible study and church service as the core of her Bible "course" ... adding in related reading/study and some worldview and/or study of other religions. Does anyone count their church service/Bible study class time toward a Bible credit?

I'm curious if anyone on this board lives near Red Lodge or Bearcreek, MT. We're heading to those areas in July with others from our church for a mission trip.

Thanks for offering this information. My understanding is the parents pulled their oldest out of public school last year after mom happened to be in the hallway and observed the teacher treating her son poorly. They were staying with a family member but very recently were forced by the landlord to move since they were not on the lease. They were homeschooling prior to this move. There are many challenges facing this family.