Oh my, thank you all for taking the time to respond to my question. My ds will be entering 7th this fall and I found myself tentatively mapping out the next few years since high school will be here before I know (this has happened twice to me already ;-) ). My ds is making great progress in reading but when he sees or hears just about anything he retains it all. At the moment he is big into WW2 - gets up at 6:00 am to watch the history channel each morning and can tell me all about the generals, tank battles, battle strategy - you name it, he knows it. I did find some books at the bookstore that he could handle to keep the interest flowing and I'm contemplating doing the Homeschool in the woods WW2 study through the summer (because if we don't do a little something all the progress is gone!) or definitely very planned adventure reading. I just haven't been able to get a grasp on what way to take his homeschooling; his style versus my style. If I were to have been homeschooled SL would have been my perfect learning style fit - but I can't quite see that as being a good fit for him when this is the biggest area of struggle - it takes a lot of brain power for him and I want to keep him progressing. This new interest in WW2 (finally, something he wanted to pursue on his own) has been the greatest achievement for the year. I will have to get the Dyslexic Advantage book - this is not one that I've read just yet but definitely sounds like I need to. It is reassuring to know that he's normal for normal's sake and kiddos with dyslexic can succeed - they just might take a different route to get there.

I read some wise advice here just recently (I think it was an older post because I was doing a search on high school and dyslexia) and they said if they had it to do over again they would do American history first (9th/10th) and then the Ancients - because the topics, books, etc. are just more challenging - I totally agree which has caused me to stop and think as I move forward with my one ds (entering 7th) who struggles with dyslexia (his is letter reversals, low working memory - teach/reteach/teach) but he's great with watching visual things and listening (hates writing because he's got dysgraphia). At any rate, this year we are using the Living History Book (Vol 2) from Queens and we just might be able to stick with this for the long haul to get him through high school but was wondering - have you found anything that is history-related that you've had great success with your dyslexic kiddos. (science, too)? I'm a reader so it has been hard trying to approach subjects from a different angle (I would have loved Sonlight) and really would love some guidance and options to look into.

Mom to VSL kiddo here - and what I've found and learned over this past year (he's in 3rd) is that once they have the concept down they do not need repetitive review and lots of problems each day, but rather time to move on and visit a new concept. I started the year with McRuffy Math and LOF (we read a chapter a day) and we started out great but McRuffy became the same problems day after day - he knows how to add and subtract and he wanted more. So I pulled out a Singapore Math book and he's loving it. I also use HOD with him so it helped that I had the hands-on aspect to add to it although he probably would be just fine reading the textbook and then doing the workbook. I had thought about MUS but looking at the sample pages all I see are problems and more problems - not a good fit. I have TT 4 on my shelf so we are working on multiplication and division in Singapore and I just might give that a whirl next. Ideally, I'd love to find something for the long haul but I think in these early years it is keeping that math interest alive and running with it - no matter how you get it done. Ideally, I need to print out a list of the skills needed for math for grade 3 - cover them and move on. We've recently started using the DreamBox math from homeschool coop and he's enjoying that, too. He loves, loves LOF.

Thanks for the ideas. I recently received a kindle fire so trying to figure out if that would be of any help to her learning a bit more easily. I'm trying to figure out how audible works - cost-wise. I don't want to coddle her but I don't want to overwhelm her and then she shut down because she is overload. I'm trying to find a balance throughout all the coursework and to heavy in one area causing everything else to come crashing in around her. Lots of ideas to look at, write out the possibilities and work from there. She wants to be a teacher and I'm trying to prep her for the work ahead.

If so, what curriculum have you used (say history, literature) that have been a great fit for a dyslexic's strengths and weaknesses? Trying to find some options for American history and American literature for next year but the thought of a textbook or waaaayyy too many books to read is not plausible, I think. I know audio books would be great but trying to figure out how to put it all together. Has anyone found a gem underneath all those options out there? Or, on the flip side - any programs to avoid?

I keep seeing that SL is a good fit/option for a VSL - has anyone used this with their VSL learner and agree? I've struggled over the past few years trying to find a fit for my VSL ds (entering 4th) and right now we are working in HOD's Beyond (he's not a big writer hence Beyond versus Bigger). He does okay with the history portion but truly enjoys most of the hands-on activity. Science is hit or miss but I've added in GuestHollow's Human Body study and he enjoys that a lot. I use other things for LA/Reading so this is just for history. Some days we'll finish reading (just a few short pages) but he can't tell me anything he read about - but if there is something hands-on that ties to it the retention or at least the ability to answer a question or two is there. I keep looking at SL and I know it doesn't have hands-on per se but now they offer a CD that supposedly helps add in that aspect? Just curious if anyone else has had success (or learning enjoyment) using SL with VSL kiddo?

I don't have any answers but was hoping I'd find a few embedded in this thread. I'm on the other side of the country surrounded by government workers that have no idea how hard the job market is these days - especially for our teens that want to work. My ds is 18 and has been applying to jobs for over a year. He has done some daycare for a church family and he volunteers each year during police week to serve/cook/clean up/extra set of hands and we put these experiences (along with VBS leader) but nothing. He has a calendar that he marks when he needs to go back and update the website application since they are only valid for so many days. What is so "cold" is the fact that everything is done on the internet - no interaction so the employer doesn't see the face behind the application. And then, there is the 6 and 7 page long personality test that you have to fill out (the one at Staples was unreal - the first question was "have you ever hit a coworker" - really? When I go to Staples I have to wonder how most of them even made it through the questionnaire). Camps are beginning to advertise around here for counselors - unfortunately my ds has a hearing impairment and can't work around water because of his hearing aids so that eliminates a lot of options. We are working on getting his type skills up, computer programs (spreadsheets, excel, etc.) and then we'll try the temp agency. It is just so hard trying to encourage your child when there just doesn't seem to be much available to them. My ds will be headed to CC and while he might not be thrilled with starting over the summer, it may be something to do to keep him busy. Ugh! I'm just glad, in a reassuring way, that my family is not alone in this quest and there are others dealing with the same issues.

Oh gosh, sorry it took me a bit to get back to you -- I couldn't find the original post and I hadn't tagged it to follow along. I believe the book is called Civil War for Kids - and it has a lot of heavy reading but there are some nice activities and lots of pictures - which was great because my ds could see the real pictures of the key Generals that he was learning about. Inside that book was an assignment to recreate the battle of Chancellorville and it was fun. We got a big poster board and drew the map and lined up the soldiers and then as you read the story the child moves the soldiers according to the battle plan. It was great and they still use this map. I have found that you can add these little things as you go along - and I'm usually a girl that needs everything planned out, check the box, tell me what to say -- I'm surprised at myself that I've been able to add in as his interest grows. It has been a nice experience for both.

I was hesitant to give this a go and in fact, had bought and sold the first guide last year, but I'm so glad I gave this guide a second go. My ds is severely dyslexic/dysgraphic so I wasn't sure how the journaling would work out but it has been a wonderful asset to his learning and taking responsibility. We are using the second book which in the beginning covered the Civil War. I checked out some other books from the library that added more visual learning and I had a book that had a project to recreate a battle drawing a map and using plastic soldiers (which have a zillion of). He loved it and became actively engaged - key here. He has retained and has taken on some researching of his own and working on the journal by himself. I read one portion of the chapter, work on narration, read a little from a library book, next day work on journal and read a little from library book, finish chapter reading/narration and repeat. Sometimes we took a little longer but sometimes we just moved along - the program is an excellent spine to work with and you don't get overwhelmed with trying to cover everything and anything. There are so many catalogs and websites to come up with books to read, look at, etc. that having no restrictions on selecting what is best for your family is wonderful. I like that the whole day isn't consumed on one subject or totally centered around it. Now, this works for my dyslexic child but hasn't been a good fit for my VSL child (haven't figure that one out just yet).

SOTW was the one thing I tried that was a disaster - he thought that SOTW was the most boring book I'd ever read to him - go figure. I'm not sure why but I had hoped to use it so did a trial run for a week and it was just not a good fit.

I have a VSL third-grade ds - on the immature side but very creative. MFW ECC is not engaging him at all - the map on the wall fine, but coloring in and labeling the states or oceans - nope. He can point to all of the stuff on the map when asked... so for science I bought the Queens Discovery Nature book and thought I'd try that - well, the story was okay (not quite long enough for him) but the activity of going outside and looking at the oak tree (thank goodness we have one in the front yard) and then drawing/coloring (he actually decided to just make a leaf print - this was his own doing) worked great. I was thinking - lame, so what. Well, a few days have passed and he remembers all about the oak tree - score! With him, you just never know. So, is there some history/geography program that I could do that is similar - reading some stuff and then something short and sweet hands-on style? He is not an independent reader just yet and he loves, loves, loves sitting on the sofa and listening to stories.... Suggestions? What am I missing here?

I've used 3 of the BJU High school lit courses - but with the DVD/online option. For us, that is the only way it would/could work because I'm teaching other little ones and Literature is not my strong point. I absolutely love the courses and appreciate how they bring the literature alive. They include a complete Shakespeare production which the student watches and uses skills for analysis and best yet - to understand it. I suppose there are at least 2 schools of thought on covering the literature credit - one is to read a lot of books, write essays, etc. and the other is to be exposed to pieces of great literature, authors, poetry, etc. I chose BJU's program because one, my ds has some learning issues (he is severely hearing impaired) and needs the audio/visual component and he struggled to read so giving him a bunch of novels to read throughout the year would have given us negative results. He really enjoyed the teachers (Mrs. Vick is wonderful) and it pushed him to work harder than he might have otherwise. Now, for the grammar/writing portion - hmmmm.... I think 1 year working on the grammar is probably fine because much more than that is for the student headed into an English degree of some sort because there is A LOT of advanced topics covered and most likely not necessary (but again, everyone has their own opinions on grammar). The actual writing instruction just wasn't there for us. They might have one class period where the teacher covers the writing assignment but not instruction in on to accomplish it. I'm guessing that they make the assumption that your student has used BJU all the way through the lower grades and is now prepared to use those skills in more advanced writing assignments. We need more instruction so this part was a bust for us. The bright side is - now with the online option that became available last year you can order just the literature portion without the grammar/writing (not the case with DVD) so that is a cost savings without wasting the half you can't use. Just one mom's opinion - your mileage may vary.

It has been years since I've been in the Alexandria area or used that hospital. Given the major traffic issues you might face in the time of delivery, you might want to consider something a wee bit closer. I'm not sure about your preference for Fairfax over Fair Oaks - they are both in the INOVA system and the Fair Oaks hospital has made major, major renovations. I just looked at the link you provided for the Midwives - Gina was listed and she is awesome!!! She worked at the Fairfax OB/GYN before she adopted a little girl. She delivered my 3rd baby - she is sooooo wonderful. She left the practice to be home with her little one - guess she found a new home. Hmm....now if I was guaranteed that she would deliver my baby I would have to seriously consider driving to Alexandria! You might give the practice I mentioned before a call - they have 3 or 4 midwives - they are all really wonderful ladies. They have offices in Gainesville, Woodbridge and in the medical building at Fair Oaks. I know there is a great practice out in Loudon and Reston Hospital is also a great but greater distance from your location - just a wee bit less than perhaps Alexandria hospital. I've heard about the coop you mentioned but we don't use co-ops so no feedback on that one. Sorry.

This has given me some things to look at further. We are going to use AAS although I have a feeling he's going to go fast at first since he would listen in on older brother's lessons and spell the word from the other room (defeating the purpose of the lesson for older brother, of course). I've had to deal with so many learning challenges with my other kids that teaching the youngest seems to be a breeze since he just seems to absorb everything around him but I'm so afraid I'll miss something that he really needs.......

or grammar? or writing? Need that whole-to-parts learning curve with the "picture it in my head" kind of flare..... Singapore math style but for LA.........

FLL looks like the best way to go - not a bunch of fluff that makes things confusing. Now, if I could jut find a good fit for math.....

We worked through WWE (level 1) last year with my dyslexic/dysgraphic ds who was in 5th grade. I was skeptical because of copy work but he loved it and did very well. I like how it trains his brain to think in complete thought. We also did Queens LL - the last book of the young ones I think (not the Elementary 1) but skipped the ancient, of old copy work - too dated for my taste. He loves picture day and dictating a story. Well, I'm trying to figure out what to do this year and really, really stuck! I have WWE 2 and would like to continue because obviously this level takes the writing skills much further but what to do about grammar and punctuation (these were two skills that he struggled with during his required state testing). Would FLL 3 be a good fit? I hate getting another Queens book and skipping so much of it but he did retain the light grammar (R&S and BJU had no retention). Is diagramming (which I haven't necessarily been a fan of) good for one with dyslexia? Would that help him more? The new Winning with Writing program looked good since it was broken down into bite-size pieces per day which has been the key in retention for my ds (a WTM/CM combo). Or should I look at something like ILL (I'm thinking the more updated version sold by Living books?). I'm not worried about grade level but rather his level - and continuous progress. If I push too hard he regresses; if I apply steady gentle pressure he moves along.... Ideas? Thoughts?

I need something, desperately, that will teach my oldest how to at least write a short paragraph, essay, for college courses at the CC level. He has struggled, struggled, struggled and I've been little help in this department. We've tried IEW but that just didn't work for him. He needs step by step, clear cut, follow the dots, video would be great, instruction. I know there is a class at the CC that he can take once I get him a little further along in writing but I've got to get him there..... He has some dyslexic/dysgraphic issues which doesn't help matters. ideas? oh, and he's entering 12th but I'm not concerned about what the grade says on the label, but whether it can finally help him achieve some writing success.

I used the Teaching Company lectures for history that covered the early American history for the first half of the year and then we used AAH 2 for the second half of the year. He had a great year and did a lot of research. You need to do the extras that they assign to make it "credit worthy." Since we had studied a lot of early American he enjoyed watching those lectures and working on the small assignments included, while working more heavily on some other English writing and literature, and then switching the workload in the second half of the year. Just an idea.

Where would I start a third grader with the Miquon? And which books would I need to read so that I could comfortably teach it? How many books would you do in a year?

I loved the looks of Miquon but I couldn't understand it myself. I guess I learned math the old way and have troubles learning or teaching it any other way. I do throw in math living books as often as possible and that has helped some. With this little guy (I hesitate to use the word little because he's built like a lineman ;) I never know what is processing in that brain. He learned how to read and spell by listening in from another room while playing cars/soldiers/legos to his older brother's lessons. When it came time to start learning to read the basics were in place and I had no clue that he had retained any of it. I really need to have a TM or schedule or something that keeps me on track with assignments because I've got 3 older kids and I'm, sssshhhh, forgetful. I have good intentions in my head but if it is not in front of me, ack! it may or may not happen. What about Life of Fred - the new stuff that is coming out? I just wish my crystal ball was out of the shop.

I guess the reason I was looking at the McRuffy was the hands-on games. We had used the LA when we first started in K and he enjoyed the stories and the games and learned a lot but when we got halfway through he got bogged down and I abandoned the McRuffy camp for anything. He does very well with some hands-on but if you give him too many hands-on things he starts making stories up with them. We worked through a lot of Saxon math 2 and he loves the tangrams. He doesn't need to make pictures to show the math concept, he just wants to be shown and then move on. The idea that there is a not a lot of problems per page is definitely appealing! We tried BJU but that was a bust so still wandering with this little fellow. I'd like to find something and stick with it - if McRuffy worked I'd at least have 3 years and a chance for him to mature more. I really appreciate your guys wonderful dialogue- it has been so very helpful. Heidi

I have never heard of Waldorf math - hmmmm, must do some searching. I'm looking for 3rd grade. Unfortunately, when looking at the scope and sequence of McRuffy and placement (wish they had a test) it looks like he'd fit more into the latter half of 2nd because the beginning lessons of 3rd have multiplication - haven't even touched that yet. I've really struggled with just finding a fit this year - a little this, a little that, not what I wanted but it is what it is - for now.

I have a VSL kiddo that needs the whole picture to parts style math -- we've tried Saxon (didn't do the drill worksheets and made it about halfway through - skipped some -- used the online homeschoolcoop program to supplement) and then just picked up the Singapore Primary 1A/B here and there (yeah, not what I wanted for the year but trying hard to figure out how this child is wired - which is differently than the rest of us). I'm wondering about McRuffy - it seems to have games, some drill and some memory/brain work. Since my little guy is awesome at puzzles, mazes, etc. I was thinking of furthering those skills by developing those skills more. I did pick up the story theme book Addition the Fun Way and he loves those stories and they stuck. Would McRuffy be a possibility? I've looked at Right Start but not an option. MUS - too much writing/drill work. Another option I was thinking about was LOF and keep on with Singapore. Just can't figure out what type of learning style McRuffy is. Help....

If you go to the home page and then press on the box for sample pages you can see sample pages for all the new books! They look great - especially for the visual and audio type learners!