and the purpose of all this is?? humor?

What is this and how did I go from "visitor" to "hive mind larvae"? I've looked through the FAQ's and couldn't figure it out; so sorry if this is (most likely it is) a re-post! Thanks

I am so impressed with the responses to this post!!! Thank you all so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am printing your responses because it is just too much for me to take in on the screen. I'll be back to comment specifically later. Thank you so much!!

I see that I'm not the only one really struggling w finding the right sp program. I have an excellent reader w horrible sp. What is going on? Why can I not teach sp? If we don't need to teach the rules for sp, how do we teach it? Is it mostly memorization? I guess I just don't get it. Funny enough this is the hardest thing for me to teach right now. I really want to read a good discussion on teaching spelling. Please post your "teaching spelling" secrets ( : Thnks, Beth dd9 ds5 dd2

Thank God! That's about the only area that we're succeeding in this year! :) Thanks for your entire post SWB! This year has been a very challenging one in which the school bus passing by each morning becomes increasingly more and more tempting. I'll tell you what keeps me going... oddly enough its the kids in my Sunday School Class. I'm the Children's "Pastor"/director at our church, and I got so sick and tired of the lowsy curriculum choices that I decided to write a "neo-classical" curriculum for the average "public" schooled kids that I get in Sunday School! The kids went from only remember the games at church each week to being able to recite back to me the events in the Bible that occured from Creation through the book of Joshua which is where we are now. Seeing them thrive at this approach carries over into my home and keeps me going here as well. My dd9 went to ps for k and then I brought her home for first grade. I started w a box curriculum and then found TWTM. It overwhelmed me and still does at times, but in general even attempting this approach has opened my dd9 heart to a love for education. She LOVES to learn, and when I see that she is completely bored it is usually time for me to switch things up. What better learning experience for our children than to learn the skill and probably through my scattered brain, they will probably master the skill, of re-evaluating. Everything we do, education, work, and even our relationships in life require some level of evaluation to succeed. Thank you for starting this thread. I needed this moment of self reflection to not only make it through the rest of the year, but to enjoy it. Beth ~ Ohio

My dd9 is a fast learner and is not dyslexic, however I am going to switch from AVKO Sequential spelling to one with more concentration on the "why's" of spelling and not just the "memorizing" of words. She gets frustrated when there are words that she does not know how to spell. When she learned to read she excelled at a huge rate when I told her the rules of reading. Each rule seemed to give her more understanding. For this reason I think that the spelling rules will give her more convidence in her ability to write/spell. Beth in Ohio

Did you start with level 1 or 2? I looked at the sample lessons and I'm just a little concerned that my dd will be bored with level 1.

My ds is the same way. He is 5 (almost 6) and we have very similar issues with blending. I think it is quite normal for them to take 3 steps forward and 2 steps back. It is all about consistancy and relating reading to things they enjoy. I look for opportunities to point out moments that it would easier once he masters more reading skills. My older dd9 was reading the comics in the car yesterday and he was quite upset that she would not read them to him. I encouraged him that as he works harder with reading he will too be able to read the comics on his own. It helps him see the importance. All in all; I say take a break from new concepts whenever needed. I use TOPG to teaching reading by Jessie Wise and I like what she says... 1 new 2 review.

Susie in TX. Thank you so much for this recommendation! I love the one year guarantee from this company! I'm so tired of buying curriculum that does not work and having no idea what to do with the expensive materials. I'm definitely considering this one.

Rhondabee... What level would you start a child out with rod and staff? Did you start with the cooresponding grade levels? Did you go one down?

I have a dd age 9 whose spelling is very poor right now. We used AVKO Sequential Spelling the first half of this year. She did not mind taking the course, but it drove me crazy teaching spelling as memorization and not offering any reasons for the way words were spelled. She was memorizing the words that the program was telling her, but was then having trouble spelling very simple words that she should know through reading rules. Hopefully this all makes since.... Anyway.. bottom line is that I know my child and I know she could be spelling much better than she is. She's also never complained about anything I try with spelling (Spelling Workout is what we tried last year). Therefore, I'm convinced I just need the right program. PLEASE tell me what you are using and if it is working!! Thanks!! Beth cbb_momof3

I wouldn't worry. My dd age 9 still writes her 9's as P's, and laughs about it every time. It's becoming less and less. Beth

Oh goodness, I understand this one. My parents divorced after 29 years of marriage. My mother's ring barely had chips of diamonds in it so when my father re-married quickly it was difficult to see the HUGE rock on her finger!!! It's also so hard for me to hear them talking about trips that my mom would have LOVED to go on! It stinks! There's no question about it! Don't let it get to you though! Get out there find a way to make all those things happen for you!

I haven't had to use someone in quite some time, and am wondering what the going rate is for a sitter/hs helper. It is a college student that I am having come for a couple hours. She will be playing with the children while I run errands/work on my writing. I would like her to come from time to time to help with other homeschooling things as well. What should I budget? She has said she is doing it to bless me, but I really want to pay her properly to bless her! Thanks!!! Beth