justasque
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Posts posted by justasque
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Anything Enid Blyton or E. Nesbit tends to include male characters trying to be Noble and Chivalrous. Nesbit has some magic; try the ones without, such as The Wouldbegoods, or The Treasure Seekers. For Blyton, we like Secret Seven (younger) and Famous Five (older). Series fiction, but enjoyable.
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I know it's grueling now (I *really* know!), but it's good to get it over and done with *before* he is later in high school and has to be looking at colleges, etc. You will be *so* glad when it is all done!
If it's really looking too big, ask your leaders for advice.
Don't forget that it is a *leadership* project, and asking others to help with the work is a large part of it.
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I would focus on the fact that the children are continuing to pester the boy, and it's making him upset. Making someone cry by continuing to pester them is not OK, whatever the issue. People don't always agree on things, and they can learn to "agree to disagree". (However you would explain that to a five year old!)
Any kind of resources on bullying should provide useful strategies.
I would also be sure to point out that as a teacher you are not qualified to diagnose *anything* - in the same way you could not diagnose an ADD kid. Refer to the guidance counselor or whoever the appropriate person would be in your school.
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And bail sooner rather than later. From your lastest post it still seems that you are interested in saving this situation. However, the conversations and dynamics you describe don't mesh with reality. I picture your SIL with fingers in ears, chanting LA, LA, LA, LA (nothing's wrong, just work harder). As long as she is in denial about what her daughter really needs, be it parental attention or LD intervention, NOTHING you do will fix things for your niece.
:iagree: You can always help with advice about how to advocate for her daughter in the school system, or how to after-school her to work on her issues. But this is NOT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. You can love the niece and be there for her and spend time with her, but leave the education to her family. They are NOT listening to you, they do NOT value your expertise, and it WILL come back and bite you in the end if she is not where they think she ought to be down the line.
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I'm also concerned about the curriculum. I've tutored several students who were "behind" their age peers in math (though without LD's). The first thing I needed to do was to spend some time getting a feel for what they knew, what they understood, how well they were at using problem-solving skills, and so on. I could *not* have taught any of them well by just giving them a standard math curriculum. They needed an approach that started *exactly* where they were, and took them via a carefully planned path towards where they wanted to be. I can't imagine, with math specifically, taking a child who is working at the fourth grade level and expecting them to do a 6th grade level. It's a subject that builds gradually, and if you try to shortcut by just showing someone *how* to do a problem without them understanding *why*, then you aren't teaching for long-term learning/numeracy.
I don't know anything specifically about SOS, and math is not quite like subjects like history in this way, but I would be wary of using a canned curriculum, especially a computer-based one, with a child who is behind, especially if you are using one designed for kids 2 years beyond, unless there was a significant amount of tweaking and supplementation involved.
All that said, is mom or dad likely to have had similar issues? If so, can you both a) take ideas from how they learn well and apply them to the child, and b) help them understand her situation by drawing parallels to a similar parent's experience?
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I listen to CBC Radio all. the. time. I maintain that one could garner a pretty impressive and well-rounded education just by listening to CBC Radio.
Actually, I also listen to CBC Radio all. the. time, even though I am in the States. And a ton of BBC too, both via podcasts. I highly recommend this! I have learned so much from shows like the BBC's Excess Baggage (travel show, mostly featuring authors who have written travel books of one kind or another), Farming Today (a short report on farming, of interest to foodies), and Women's Hour (a wide variety of topics) or CBC's The North This Week (life in the far north - interesting from a cultural/geographic perspective). The BBC even has a rural/farming soap opera - The Archers. It's so nice that these shows can be so portable; they are perfect for long car rides. So thanks all you Brits who pay your license fees! And all you Canadians who pay your taxes!
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One more vote for exercising the bed rest "out".
It sounds like part of the problem is that you aren't in regular communication with the parents. Since they're not picking her up each day, you don't have that 10 minute conversation each day that might help them see the problems you're having (and help you vent a bit). So it's all building up into a big deal, without any back-and-forth between you all.
Honestly, if they did not buy the curriculum you requested, and bought something else instead and expected you to use it, well, that would upset me. If they are not going to respect your opinion on academic matters, but they want you to be in charge of their children's education, that's a problem.
I would also think about how things could play out down the line - they could end up blaming YOU for their daughter being behind. If they are not seeing the existing problems with her academics, then I would get out of the arrangement, for this reason especially.
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I like ingredients and home-made items.
--Buy cheese in bulk, shred it for use on chili, pizza, and so on. I like to make my own pizza cheese mix.
--frozen berries for smoothies and parfaits.
--Pie dough, homemade in the food processor - so easy.
--chicken pot pie mixture - defrost and top with pie dough, biscuits, or potatoes
--Herb ice cubes to add to soups and sauces
--Pizza dough - great to feed a crowd
--good hummus - perfect for outings or lunch boxes
--home made chicken broth - freeze in one or two cup containers - i use old yogurt tubs
--pesto!
--store-bought favorites like ravioli
--frozen shrimp - ideal for a quick fancy meal
--butter - buy it cheap during the holidays and stock up
--cupcakes
--muffins for lunch boxes and entertaining
--pepperoni
--already-cooked cubes of ham and chicken - perfect for quick meals
--meatballs! perfect when dad's away
--cookies and/or cookie dough
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Regular-sized ice cube trays were too big for my needs, so I got a try with smaller-sized holes, which I use exclusively for freezing herbs. Another plus is that sometimes the herbs stain the tray, so it doesn't bother me if the "for herbs" tray gets stained.
Sometimes I want the basil flavor but I don't want all the calories and fat of the pesto, so I freeze the basil alone. I've done cilantro this way too. I puree them, spoon into ice cube tray, and add a bit of water just to hold it together. I then freeze the tray. When it's all frozen, I pop out the cubes and put them in a zip-loc in the freezer. It's super easy to add one or two to sauces, and it really makes a difference in the meal.
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I am a Miquon fan, and used it with two of my dc. I found it useful to read through the two (FGD & NT), but once I'd read them I didn't refer back to them at all, so borrow from a friend and that may be all you need. I am a math-y person and I could riff once I got the idea, but not everyone is like that, so YMMV.
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I would:
1) Explain to my child the neighbor's situation - many kids who are told 'you have to go to school, it's the law' kind of have the rug pulled out from under them when they encounter a child who doesn't go to school. It makes them question what they've been told all along, which can kind of shake their foundation a bit.
2) Teach your child the "bean dip" method.
3) Tell your child that she is in the grade that matches her age. Having been there done that, it can be easier in the long run. Folks who ask "what grade are you in" are really asking about age, not "at which academic level are you working?'. Help your child understand all this. Give her some diplomatic stock answers about homeschooling for the common questions.
Plus, if your child needs to take more time at a particular level (read:middle school!), you don't have to worry about the emotional impact of the grade level designation changing.
4) Make sure the neighbor child knows that your child does actually have to do school work, does not get snow days, and so on. Help her to understand there are pros and cons both ways - but don't spend much if any time on the cons of public school!
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I'm a white girl. Love my light, bright kitchen - it always gives my mood a lift. Our rule is to buy white for everything that is going to last for decades (fridge, toilet, sink, etc.), and dress the room up with paint and fabrics that can be switched out by season or as fads come and go. Plus I love the magnetic aspect. And I love the lower cost!
Our simple but large appliances have been very reliable - we just gave our 20 year old washer a fix that cost us $10 - we could do it ourselves as there was no fancy electronics to mess with. My friends with fancy fridges seem to get a new one every 5-7 years, because the electronics don't hold up.
(My other rule is "buy the largest you can - the kids will fill it up". This goes for appliances, sheds, etc.!)
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The most polite thing I can think of is:
"Oh my goodness! I don't know what to say! That's terribly generous of you, but I've already booked something else and the kids are so looking forward to it! Oh, I can't believe this has happened, I feel dreadful! Let me ring them straight away so you can get your money back!"
:eek:
Rosie
:iagree: It will be hard to say, since it would have been easier to say when she first told you she'd booked, but the longer you wait the harder it will be. The more you show your true agony/awkwardness when saying it, the more she will understand, I think. The issue here is that you have already booked; leave aside the issue of where you want to go, etc.
Honestly, who would book a vacation without consulting the vacationee? I know it sounds fabulously wonderful, but realistically the potential for problems is huge. People have plans, KWIM?
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I've always frozen mine with the cheese in it, and never had a problem. I'm not sure what "soggy" cheese even means in this context, as it's pureed? I do use freshly-grated Parmesan - it's easy to do, since you're using the food processor anyway - just grate the cheese first.
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I have put something like "vegetarian food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available" on party invites in the past. For some guests, it helps. I'm guessing someone in your family is in a fragile state with their sobriety and the gathering organizer(s) wants to let everyone know so they can be sensitive to it. That's nice of them. I hope it is a fun event! Perhaps you can bring along a game or some other kind of sober-living activity to keep things lively and interesting without the alcohol/drugs.
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I'd take a shower, because if I didn't get one before your visit I probably wouldn't get one all day, because during your visit someone else will pop in, and then various kids will show up, and then I'll have to feed everyone, and that will pretty much go on all day long. I can handle anything if I've had a shower.
I'd figure out how to rearrange my day to fit in your visit, so that you didn't feel you were inconveniencing me by showing up.
I'd think about what I could cook for you while you're here.
I'd make sure there was no underwear in the living room, where I often fold my laundry.
As for the rest, you'll have to take us how you find us, as do all my visitors (except my MIL, of course!). We won't be pristine, but we will welcome you and feed you and help your kids have a good time while they are here. While you're here, I'll wash my dishes and do some cooking while we chat.
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I'm also a fan of good old warm water and soap. Kids get *dirty*!
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When I painted a thrifted dresser white for myself, I also painted the insides of the drawers. I used a glossy paint which made it feel nice and clean. The fun part was I did the inside in a bright pink. You cannot see it at all from the outside, but when I pull open a drawer I get a cheerful surprise. It really gives me a happy moment every time! It also makes it easier to see the contents of the drawer (just like having a light colored lining on a purse). This would be a nice way to make the dresser feel "fancy" while still keeping the outside low-key, and keeping the paint job easy to do.
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I find it helps to remember that grandparents (generally) have these concerns because they love their grandchildren. It's a huge pain, but in the big picture it's a blessing to have other adults who care about your kids. I found that by acknowledging the concerns and explaining what I was doing to help address them, however annoying it was to have to do, helped get the grandparents up to speed and supportive. After all, they aren't reading the Hive everyday. They also need answers they can give to their own friends, who may questions them about the homeschooling. It takes time, but it's worth it in the end.
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The two older ones (if they were mine) would be allowed to play in the backyards of the people we knew, BUT they would have to come tell me every.single.time they were going into a different yard.
We have this rule, and it works well. The moms pretty much agreed on it together. The "you have to tell me" part took a time or two, but once it was clear we were serious, the kids accepted it and all was well.
Mostly they play at my house anyway. I do try to make sure there are things to do here. :001_smile:
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If you can get the birth thing figured out, I'd do Canada. That way, your child has more options later in life. One of my siblings has dual citizenship and it came in handy when she was in her 30's and (by chance) living in the 2nd country - she could legally work, there was no issue with visas, and so on.
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Birkenstocks. Not the most attractive shoe you'll ever find. But so, so good for your feet.
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You can mimimize waste by asking the pizza place to cut it into more, smaller pieces. 16 instead of 8, for a large pizza. That way, you don't get left with a ton of half-eaten slices that you have to throw out. We do this when feeding a crowd, and it works well.
For leftovers, if we don't have enough for everyone, I will sometimes cut the pieces into small square-ish bite-sized pieces, and call them "pizza bites". A nice snack food.
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Sometimes a karate or dance studio will hold homeschooler classes during the day at a reduced rate. It's a win-win - they use the studio when it would otherwise be empty, you get a reduced rate. Of course, you need enough homeschoolers at the right level to make it work, but it's something to explore.
Need to bomb my house for fleas - any recommendations?
in General Education Discussion Board
Posted
You need to think about this like a homeschooler! Research is the key!!!
We researched the life cycle of the flea. You know when you have fleas, then you vacuum, then it seems like you have even more fleas the next day? Well, it's because you do! The warmth and vibration of the vacuum cause eggs to hatch - they sense the proximity of a possible host animal. The key is to vacuum *everything*, even soft furnishings like your couch, super-well, every day for at least three days. You need to get all the eggs to hatch, and then vacuum up all those hatchlings before they lay new eggs, to break the cycle. It's been quite some time since I've done this, so I might have the details of the life cycle not quite right, but the "vacuum super-well for three days straight" plan has worked very well for us in the past.
Much as I hate chemicals, I *do* second the suggestion for Advantage/Frontline if your pet(s) go outdoors; they work wonders. Imitation products simply don't work the same. (That's how I know about the 3-day vacuum cure!)