That would be so neat. I like ideas where the kids have to think and do, instead of sit and take in. We have decent weather in spring, so I'll keep that in mind!

Thank y'all so much! These are all great ideas. I"ll see what interests my son the most and pitch it to the group.

I hadn't thought of Latin/Greek roots. Thanks for the link. Imrich, could you tell me more about the STEM class without computers? What kind of things are you teaching?

I have a 7th grader who struggles with skills, social interaction, and being very bored and distracted (dx is HFA, ADD). We have joined a smallish true co-op this semester, and all of us are enjoying the interaction and day out. However, my 7th grader is bored and "failing" geography, bored with science but doing it, loves crochet but behind, and blossoming in cake decorating. Please give me ideas for classes I could teach in 12 Fridays that are fun, hands-on, and challenging, but not dependent on writing and math. Here are my thoughts. 1. Mini-society sounds neat! 2. Logic using The Great Chocolate Capers book and other logic puzzles. His logic ability is pretty good. 3. STEM that is doable with limited computer access? Ideas? 4. Some kind of craft that would appeal to middle school boys

I have a 7th grader who struggles with skills, social interaction, and being very bored and distracted. We have joined a smallish true co-op this semester, and all of us are enjoying the interaction and day out. However, my 7th grader is bored and "failing" geography, bored with science, loves crochet but can't really do it, and blossoming in cake decorating. Please give me ideas for classes I could teach in 12 Fridays that are fun, hands-on, and challenging, but not dependent on writing and math. Here are my thoughts. 1. Mini-society sounds neat! 2. Logic using The Great Chocolate Capers book and other logic puzzles. His logic ability is pretty good. 3. STEM that is doable with limited computer access? Ideas? 4. Some kind of craft that would appeal to middle school boys

I did those with my 3rd grader this year, who has no previous grammar. He was fine. It was enough. See what is covered in each sample of the workbooks online. It is made to be less since MP's POV is most Latin is learned through grammar, spend more time on Latin, etc. They did add the workbooks to most levels this year based on their teachers' requests. They are preparing their Highland Latin School students for tests and needed to cover some things not in EGR. I have EGRII on my shelf, and it ramps up and adds simple diagramming. I think if you are very worried about grammar, you could just use their R&S English plans. I am not very worried about it, it covered more than my 3rd grader cared to know (hyphens, semicolons). It does not cover all parts of speech in the first book. Each book has separate units for mechanics, parts of speech, and such, so some parts of speech are in the next books. We used Quizlet for the review parts. We liked it and will keep going.

Anyone know of or have a vertical alignment chart showing SWB recommendations for, mostly, the language arts, history, science and how each changes from K-12 or so? Like a chart showing writing recommendations for each grade from K up, then another chart for spelling/word study from K up.

Any reviews on this site? It's a bit hard to find info online, which makes me skeptical.

Looking for a general writing program (may include grammar) that has fillable PDF's or is online and student can type in. OR can someone tell me how to scan in papers and make them fillable PDF's?

Looking for a general writing program (may include grammar) that has fillable PDF's or is online and student can type in. OR can someone tell me how to scan in papers and make them fillable PDF's?

First, can someone suggest a starter math contest? There is nothing like this for homeschoolers here, so something that is easy to get into and run. Second, my DS8 is finishing Zaccaro's Primary Grades Challenge Math. I can't find samples of the Upper Elementary Challenge Math. Would you suggest that or another such book? Also, maybe a book with puzzles, logic, etc. that isn't strictly word problems.

We have done dictation within spelling programs and grammar, which I found helpful, depending on where he was on the functioning level that day. I even tried Spelling Wisdom because of that, but he needs something a bit more explicit. He is print aware. He asks me how to spell words to name his Minecraft worlds or chat (limited because of spelling and typing speed). He writes lists and comics sometimes, so a limited amount. Yes, on the delay. If I look at where his quick 8.75 brother is, they are almost at the same spot in all subjects.

OhElizabeth, evals last spring and this January. I pick up the report tomorrow, so I can give numbers then, but both evaluaters said no LDs. I'll look into vision screening. You mean with a COVD, right? MerryAtHope, I love your explanation. Thank you! AAS 1 seemed to help. AAS 2 was hit or miss. With the expense, time required, and not thinking it worked, I quit. Now, I realize the inconsistency that comes with his diagnosis and that those lapses are going to come. My other option is to just skip it, but I'd really like to try to get him to a functional level to write his own sentences. Right now, I write and he copies.

He can do AAS1 and most of 2.

DD11 spells very little on his own, CVC words and some others. He reads above grade level with equal comprehension. His issues are HFA, very low working memory, and slow processing speed. We did AAS 1 and AAS 2 a few years ago, dictation, SWO B, some Sequential Spelling, Natural Speller. Some of these were before I really understood his skill levels. We thought if he read well, he would learn to spell or at least recognize the words weren't right. No. He needs tons of time, repetition, and practice to retain. He hates it because it's boring. Ideas for now 6th grader who realizes he needs to learn to spell to write, but hates to work, needs tiny pieces, and tons of repetition?

Are the extra practice sheets useful? Do they repeat what is in the lesson, or are they different?

Thank you. That's all helpful.

DS11 is behind in math. He's in sixth and has completed fourth grade math and maybe a bit of fifth. He has basic understanding of the 4 operations, but not with fractions/decimals. He needs to learn a bit of geometry and stats, too. His dx is HFA, high verbal/spatial kid, very low processing speed and working memory. I've finally discovered that though he hates it, he needs slow, implicit instruction, and lots of review. However, he can't get through 10 problems in one session (30-40 minutes). The page needs to be uncrowded and not distracting. Singapore worked when he was younger, not sure why I stopped. MM worked through 4th, but I think there are too many problems and too many challenging things. I'm looking for something to get him proficient at the basics. He reads LOF and tolerates the math, but I doubt he can learn fractions from that book. Ideas?

For future readers or maybe more comments, I wanted to add that part of my decision not to enroll in our current district is that it is a middle school campus with 6-8. We have thought of moving to a district with a 5-6 campus and more support, but don't know that we can do that fast enough and with the money we have. Also, because I thought of enrolling him and his brother, I gave them each a released test (STAAR in Texas). The third grader was fine, just needs to learn about test taking. The sixth grader (the one in question) did awesome on reading. Math of course was low, but I don't see how a child can go in and learn without somehow covering the topics he's missed. I'll ask on another thread about that.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts! After talking to the special ed coordinator, I think we will wait on PS in our current district. There is no special group/class or social skills. He'd have to learn the end of sixth grade, which he can do in history and science, but not math and writing. He might get extra instruction in those areas. He'll be thrilled about that! He hates school even at home, ie. anything that requires writing or math. He fights and refuses many days at home, so getting him up and into school would also be a challenge. I love middle school kids, but I really hate to throw him into that. Maybe at high school. We are also looking at moving and considering if another district or private school could serve him better than we are at home. He is doing well with the non-competitive sports he asked to try on his own. He is finally talking to the other boys and knows their names, so I think we will look to continue those types of activities. I'm super excited about the Social Skills Through Legos. I'm going to get the book and pursue that. I know there will be interest as there are no social programs outside of schools in our town. If there are other

Thanks so much to both of you for your input. If money wasn't an option, I'd order everything because I do like it, but . . . CherryBlossomMJ, did you make changes to K for your second child?

I called the school. It's a small district. They do everything in the regular classroom, unless they need extra instruction on math/writing/etc. Then that gets done at a different time in a pull-out class. No mention of much therapy, but she did say we could start the IEP and see. In Texas, he is supposed to learn what the other sixth graders are learning with whatever accommodations are necessary. That means he goes from learning multidigit multiplication to whatever is in 6th grade. Writing 5-6 word sentences to paragraphs. Not sure that sits with me. Also, I've seen him interact (or not interact) with same age kids. Not sure that would be helpful if there isn't specific instruction in how to interact. I don't want him to be the weird kid or bullied because of who he is. I think I'll look into some coops or other classes that would also provide consistent kids like Lecka mentioned. Anyone start a group for different kids?

OhElizabeth, he is 11. CrimsonWife, when did your child start public school? This was a private eval. The school lady has been nice to answer my questions, so I guess I'll just call her. Then I'll check on ABA. We don't have scholarships or such here, yet at least. Are there other things that others would suggest? He is in a non-competitive basketball right now and doing well, but it will be done at the end of the month.

I've posted for years about my son. Today, I think I have a complete picture. We had him evaluated again in January, and today got the diagnosis of HFA (Aspergers). No real learning disabilities, though he is behind in math and writing/spelling. His verbal comprehension and spatial reasoning are superior, but working memory and processing speed are low. The evaluator's recommendations were to explore medication to help with anxiety and go to school. I will discuss meds and psych referrals with his doctor next week, but I don't think we are to that point yet. I want to keep working on self-awareness, exercise, controlling environment, etc. before we use meds, I think. She recommended school to help him learn social skills and have more structure, as well as get therapies that might be needed/available. She felt that keeping him at home would increase the gap in social skills between him and other kids his age. Thoughts? Are there others ways I could address these with him? We aren't totally against school, but my husband who is much like my son, hated it and isn't eager to try it. Finally, any advice on what to do now is helpful!

Thanks. Did you use something else for copywork? Do you mind sharing what you did for math?