virtual_twins_mom
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Posts posted by virtual_twins_mom
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Thanks for some great laughs!
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Send in the Clowns
Can't think of who did it. I think it was from A Little Night Music. 1970's
I used to sit and play this on the piano (and sing when nobody was around). Teenage years.....ugh..
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My dd10 and ds10 are behind in grade level. We're doing 3rd grade this year. We've been doing an all-in-one curriculum this year; however, they need more focused spelling and grammar skills. I've chosen to try Spelling Power, with AAS waiting in the wings if SP doesn't work out for either of them. For grammar, we going to do Easy Grammar - starting with grade 2 materials. Also decided to add a vocabulary program when I ran across Dynamic Literacy's Word Builder curriculum. We are starting at the very beginning in that, too. We work best with a very structured curriculum to keep us on task. We use MUS for math, but due to fight-to-the-death competition between the two of them, and because ds needed to memorize his addition and subtraction facts rather than continue counting on his fingers and toes (LOL), I've moved him to CLE math grade 2. It's working really well, too. No more competition, and he is memorizing his facts. dd may continue in MUS (going into Delta). A friend has offered to loan us TT4. I think we're going to try it our this summer and see what she thinks. If it isn't a good fit, then she'll just continue in MUS. Reading is going well for us. Last year we used Rocket Phonics. It really lives up to its claims. Oh, yes. We've always used Handwriting without Tears. Made the mistake of trying to use Abeka handwriting for cursive. Major amounts of tears when I had never seen any angst over handwriting before. Went quickly back to HWT!
Good luck!
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Ds and I were making progress dealing with his ODD, but lately his defiant behaviour is getting worse. There are times where he just doesn't even acknowledge me at all. School hasn't been getting done, and I've had to take a break from even trying to do school with him. I'm starting to feel that his behaviour problems are affecting my health and mental well-being now. I spend my day crying, and I know my blood pressure is through the roof. I'm calling my doctor tomorrow for antidepressants and hopefully a tranquilizer, it's that bad. Don't know what I'm asking for here - just have to get it off my chest. I love my son, but I just don't like him lately. How sad is that??
Oh my friend how my heart aches for you. You see, my ds and I also deal with his ODD (among other things). Are you working with a psychiatrist regarding his ODD? My ds finally has his meds balanced for him. While meds can't take away the behaviors, they make it possible to work on them. I often say to my friends, "His meds make me feel so much better!" LOL
Taking care of yourself is absolutely necessary. We are no good to anyone if we can't function. I don't know about you, but it's difficult for me to ask for help...I think I should be able to handle this on my own....etc. The truth is - these kids can be really tough. We need a good support system so that we can get the respite that we need. Our extended family will not keep our ds overnight. Fortunately I have one friend who will. It is so much more peaceful when ds is away. We love him and like him (most of the time now), but he keeps the family in a state of irritation mixed with frustration almost every day.
There have been days when I've cried and cried; when I've thought, "I just can't do this anymore." And, yes, my medications help me make it through. Unless someone has or is living this, they can't truly understand what it is like. You are not over-reacting. This is tough stuff we're dealing with here. That said, though, there will be better days. If what you're doing right now isn't working (i.e. the "target" has changed), then you'll have to get a new strategy. My "target" changes about every 6 months or so. Just when I think we've got a good system in place, then BAM, we have to change tactics.
I'm prayin' for ya; we're all in this together! ;)
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I've had good results using Math U See with both my kids who are total opposites. My ds has ADHD, PTSD, ODD, RAD and bipolar. He's a kinesthetic and visual learner. My dd is also not typical, but haven't had her evaluated by neuropsych. yet. She's a good auditory learner with some visual leanings. MUS is a mastery program. Steve Demme, the creator of MUS, wrote the program while educating his son who has some learning difficulties. It's a very popular math program. HTH
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He's in Vision Therapy now and I have a Neuropsychological eval scheduled for next month (they had a 5 month waiting list).
My ds was in vision tx a few years ago. Ended up having eye surgery. I'd like to share experiences about vision tx with you privately. I've also considered a neuropsych. eval., but I don't know much about it. Feel free to email me privately if you're interested in sharing.
It's so good to know we're not alone! Thanks. :001_smile:
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Homeschooling the Real (Distractable, Impatient, Argumentative, Unenthusiastic, Non-Book-Loving, Inattentive, Poky, Vague) Child /QUOTE]
I attended this talk in Cincy and it was great! Thanks!
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Those are not *laws*, they are rules imposed by private institutions, people go there by choice. There are relatively few laws (other than public decency laws) that cover what you may or may not wear in *public*. Therefore, the analogy does not hold.
You are correct that the situations I cited are not "laws," which I did suggest when I said "not federal laws;" however, the fact that we do have public decency laws substantiates my line of reasoning even better. Thank you. Following the paragraph, which you quoted, were two more paragraphs leading to the ultimate point that as long as one has a choice to leave, then whatever laws are in place, whether they are "right" or "wrong," leave the choice to the individual. (boy that was a wordy sentence!) Anyway, no hard feelings. Thanks for reading my post and offering more info!
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My ds and dd used to be on IEPs in ps back in K and 1st grade. The only "accomodations" for testing were that they could have the questions read to them. Well they can now read the questions, but my ds, especially, is not "at grade level." We do have an assessor that looks over our work and signs the required forms; however, I want to have the testing so that I can see how we are "measuring up" with others at the same grade level. They are already placed 2 years below their same-aged peers. How do the rest of you with kids with mild learning problems deal with these issues?
As for testing - we have used Seton Testing.
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Really, though, you don't need their approval, and if you just state it as, "This is what we are doing! Hooray!" and not "We're considering homeschooling" you will probably be fine.
I wouldn't give them too many specifics because that gives them an opportunity to argue about it.
:iagree:
I totally agree!!!! We did it both ways - TMI and general info only. TMI NEVER produced a good conversation. After you've experienced successes with your kids, you won't feel a need for their approval. As for who and when to tell, when discussion of next school year happens, that's the time to "reveal" your plans with whoever happens to be in that conversation. When we made a special "announcement" at a family gathering, it seemed to invite people to give us their opinion about it. Since we had already chosen to h.s., hearing the negative objections to it only served to undermine our confidence. However, when we were just in casual conversation with friends, and school plans were being discussed among all in the group, it seemed to be a "safer" environment just because everyone else also had "plans" which could have been judged (my perception).
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But I do not understand why or how it is okay to make such a law.
Hmmm. What makes something "okay" and something else not? For all of us, on what do we base our values of right and wrong? Do we have a "situational" belief system or a "truth-based" system (no matter what the "truth" is based on)? Interesting ideas to ponder.
As for clothing "laws" - we have many in the U.S. For example, if one chooses to attend some private schools, it must be accepted that the school uniform will be worn. No exceptions to the rule. Don't wear the uniform, expect to be expelled from that school. Another situation is the "no shirt, no shoes, no service" restrictions at some establishments. I think you get my drift here. While these are not federal laws, it does show that we have the right to dictate clothing polices which may infringe on people's freedoms. When one chooses to be a part of or go to a place with restrictions, this person has chosen to abide by the laws there.
There are middle eastern countries where a woman must cover her entire body and face whether or not that interferes with her freedom. If she chooses to go there or live there, then she must abide by the law of the land. Well, France has made an opposite law. Rather than you MUST dress in a proscribed manner, you MUST NOT dress in a proscribed manner.
Whether or not I think what France (or any other country) does in terms of their laws is good or bad is irrelevant. As long as the people of a country have the freedom to leave, then as a citizen of the U.S. where freedoms are supposedly upheld, I believe that it would be hypocritical for us to impose our sense of right and wrong on another nation. It will be a very scary day when, due to the establishment of a one-world government, we lose our freedom to choose.
For the record, I am a Bible-believing follower of Jesus Christ, and I believe in absolute truth according to the Bible. Before having a personal relationship with Jesus and accepting Him as my Lord and Savior, I attended a church and lived my life based on situational ethics. What a mess that philosophy made of my life!
Sorry I got a bit off on a bunny trail. I was on a roll!
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If it weren't for my husband and our tax accountant, I wouldn't be done either. I'm totally spoiled that these two men make it happen every year! As a funny aside, our tax accountant and I dated before I met my husband! LOL
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My ds has "issues" due to his past in Russia as well as genetic influences. While he does not manifest the same symptoms as your dd, I thought I'd share about our journey with psychotropic meds. We were very resistant to trying meds....did all the behavioral stuff we could for about 3 years after he came home at 4 yrs of age. His behaviors are consistent with ADHD, PSTD, RAD, Bipolar, and ODD. He simply COULD NOT focus. He tried; he wanted to. His attachment difficulties along with all the other stuff were tearing our family apart. Anyway, long story short, we saw marked improvement once we got him on the right mix of meds. He is currently taking Wellbutrin, Concerta and Risperidon. He has been on this mix of meds for almost 3 years. We have increased the Risperidon recently, but the doses of the other two have remained unchanged. On a side note - while my ds and I are not biologically related, I struggled with ADD, bipolar, anxiety, and depression my whole life, but back then nobody knew what was wrong with me. I was an excellent student, but life was a living hell psychologically for me. My mom read every book ever written on child psychology and had me on more supplements than I could tell you. She was a big Adelle Davis fan. All this was back in the 1970's, so knowledge and treatments have come a long way since then. Only when I was 40, did docs even suggest that there were meds that I should try....in addition to years of psychotherapy. Life is SO MUCH EASIER now that I have the correct medications. I now know what it feels like to be "normal" as far as dealing with the world goes. Yes, there are problems in life...some very sad or scary...but my responses to them are now like what we would expect. My sister, while seemingly O.K. through her 20's, also has gone on meds to function. Similar issues, but different meds. She functions well and so do I even though our meds are not exactly the same (similar function, just different formulations). Our father and mother had very similar issues, but no meds to help. My sister's oldest daughter started experiencing major anxiety and depression when she was 15. While reluctant to give an adolescent meds, things were bad enough that something had to be done. She was put on meds and is now MUCH better. She is 18 and functioning well. Only time will tell if getting treated early on will be of any benefit. My sister and I have both tried to get along without our meds (after getting good results). Not a good idea at all. We don't want to have to be on meds for the rest of our lives, but neither do we want to live as non-functional human beings and become hermits like our mom had become before her death. I pray that your daughter's anxiety is just situational and that with the right behavioral interventions can become comfortable when facing new and/or scary things.
HUGS to you.
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We are just beginning Dynamic Literacy's Word Builder. It looks good, but I can't say yet how well it works.
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Math U See has worked well for my ds10, who is developmentally delayed by about 2 yrs. Unfortunately he and dd10, also developmentally delayed about 1.5 yrs, are constantly in very intense competition to the point where he will physically abuse her, throw huge temper tantrums, etc. if she is ahead of him (which she is). So, I've switched him to CLE Math. Since he refused to learn his "facts" I started him back in 2nd grade. This is working much better in terms of the competition factor and in learning his "facts". We are going to be starting Dynamic Literacy's Word Builder for vocabulary. We'll see how that goes. Good luck in your search for answers.
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I ask this sincerely. I've been banned twice. There doesn't seem to be a "three strikes" rule, but then again... maybe there is?? :confused:
I'm new here, so what did you do or say to get yourself banned? Is it wrong to disagree with someone here? Seriously asking.
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Write notes and have the kids take turns reading them aloud for the others to hear. And, yes, sign language is a good idea. Do NOT whisper. It is harder on your vocal chords than even trying to vocalize. Best to remain quiet and let things heal. I had no voice for 3 days, and was teaching in a ps grades 6, 7, and 8 band, choir and general music!! It actually went very well since the kids had to be more attentive in order to know what was going on! LOL
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Would you friend someone you knew was mentally ill?
I am not talking about deeply rooted psychoses but someone who exhibited slightly neurotic tendencies and suffered from depression.
Sure! That way my friends and I would have more friends!!! ;)
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We used MFW in 2nd grade, so I've looked at the entire curriculum in preparation for the higher grades. For next year, I'm changing from an "all-in-one curriculum" to a more skill-focus approach. MFW would be the only "all-in-one" curriculum I would consider due to my need for a very structured and less open-ended approach to teaching and assignments. My kids also do much better with a different book for each subject. It provides them with an "end point" to the lesson and helps them to see the logic in that line of study. The curriculum we are using this year is Paths of Exploration which is a very integrated unit study. This has not worked well for us at all. It's a very nice curriculum, but it doesn't fit us.
Good luck in your search for the right curriculum. For me, it's the worst part of homeschooling but also the greatest part of homeschooling.
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Question: Since we are going to have no fixed address, and divide our time in two different states, what should we do homeschooling-wise? Less paperwork is better, as far as I'm concerned.
I'm not a lawyer, but I'd say wherever your primary residency (for tax purposes) is would be your legal state for homeschool requirements. It could get sticky moving back and forth, though, since technically the kids would be changing school districts. In the case of ps enrollment, you'd have to re-enroll each time there was a move rather than just a "vacation." If it were me, I'd choose a primary residence in the state with which I am the most familiar, and just treat the "moving" like vacations instead of relocations. JMHO:sneaky2:
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Yes. It might give your neighbours pause for thought, at the very least.
:iagree: Hopefully there are no kids involved. If so, call Children's Services.
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Explode the Code!
:iagree:
If you'd like to do it on computer, Homeschool Buyers Co-op has it for 1/2 price right now. I did that last year. My then 2nd graders (both on IEPs) started in level 3 and made it through level 8 in 12 months. :hurray:
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I was working full time, until we adopted 4-year-olds. In my mind (and our budget), it seemed reasonable to stay home with them for one full year until they were ready for kindergarten, and then I'd go back to work. Well, despite all my best efforts to get them "caught up" and "remediated" from their developmental delays, and even after putting them IN school, the pulling them OUT of school, then putting them BACK IN school, only to pull them OUT again, I'm still home 6 years later. And you know what? My stress level is SO much less than trying to put my little "square pegs" in those ps "round holes." Do we miss the money? You bet! Do I miss my hard-won Ph.D. and career? Yes. Would I trade these years with the kids for any of that? Absolutely not!!
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Actually, she did a very nice job for being 7 years old, IMHO. With more experience, she will "get" the main idea better. My 10-year-olds still, at times, would come up with similar content as hers! ;-) I've had to accept that learning is a process and not just the "product" produced that day. HTH!
Can we talk about CLE and others?
in K-8 Curriculum Board
Posted
We have gotten good results with MUS. However, my dc compete to the point that it was making it miserable for everyone. So, dd is finishing up Gamma right now, and ds just switched to CLE Math 2. He had not memorized his addition and subtraction math facts (just kept counting in his head) in Beta, so we "re-doing" Grade 2 math using the CLE spiral system. The daily review of +/- facts with only selected flashcards is really doing its job! He's actually starting to memorize his facts! Also, the "competion" has ended in Math. Their programs are so different that they can't tell who is "ahead" or "behind" anymore. :-)