Glad my ideas made sense. Bless you and be kind to yourself :grouphug:

We started with level 1, called Nancy Larson Science 1. It works for kids ages 6-9, lots of flexibility for younger or older depending on what they need, their speed, etc. I was able to teach my two older children together and it worked great. We've done Science 2 and they are chomping to start Science 3. I apologize for not getting all of my info on the signature. I'm still learning how all of this works. I wish I had more time to chat and browse. I'm dealing with elderly parents needing care, part-time jobs, plus the normal chores. So my time is tight. Not complaining, just excuses for not getting it all done, yet. :001_smile:

Several years ago, I met an wonderful man who was still shearing sheep at age 87. I asked him how he chose shearing for his life's work. He told me this story: When I was 12, I stayed home from school one day. My dad asked me what I thought I was doing. "I already know everything they can teach me. So I'm going to stay home and sleep and play." My dad said, "Well, if you're too smart for school, I guess you're just right for shearing sheep. So either get yourself out of bed and go to school, or you help me shear sheep. I've been shearing sheep ever since. But, I wished I'd gone to school when I had the chance. So, there's always the alternative. Learn or get to work. There is no free ride. OR, here's another idea. Make the math real and relevant. (Remember when we said, Why do I need Algebra?) Do you have a budget for meals. Put her in charge of it, figuring out expenses per week, day, meal. She can be the master shopping list and coupon organizer. Of course there must be recipes that structure the shopping. OH, and nutrition guidelines that restrict or focus food choices. I'm guessing that if she's in charge of meals, recipes, coupons, nutrition, shopping, organizing the pantry, etc. she might learn how math works and is needed. There's also division, fractions, etc in every step of this. She might also learn to appreciate you by seeing (a part of) everything you manage, juggle, and handle while homeschooling. :D

I've been using Nancy Larson Science for three years, and my kids wouldn't want anything else. When I first saw NL Science, I wasn't sure it was for us. I was used to free-wheeling. I wasn't sure about the scripting, too restrictive for my free mind? Here's what I found. Following the script, my kids automatically got reading and language arts lessons during science. The script included questions that seemed simple (to my adult mind) but actually put the kids into critical thinking mode for their answer. There's career exploration in how the booklets are described. The kids learned study skills so well and easily, they began applying the same techniques to their social studies to figure out what was important in a paragraph, and remember it for later. Nancy Larson is so subtle in how she weaves so much learning into science, it's easy to miss on the first look. (Can't see the trees for the forest.) My kids are bright, even gifted. BUT, they are also ADHD and one is LD on top of that. My ideas of free wheeling science was just craziness for them. They need the structure NL Science provides. BUT, they won't sit still long (like most programs with reading). This is not a problem with NL Science. Nancy Larson gets how unique kids work. There's a short reading followed by an activity, then review, maybe more reading, and an activity. The lessons are very Montessori in that there's seeing, hearing, touching, moving, and acting. I know when kids see, hear, & touch the learning it sticks. My kids sit still, focus, and love learning. It's like winning the lottery! I'm not stressed, they aren't fussing. It's a slice of heaven. I wanted to extend the program and make it last longer, stretch their little minds, or just give me more "slice of heaven" time. So I wrote to the NL Science homeschool manager (I'd met her at a conference). She sent me a literature list for each lesson in the program, so we take that with us to the library each week. She also created some learning activities that pull the science into other topics, and my kids love doing more research, creating oral histories, and seeing that learning in one area really connects with everything. I haven't found any program or company that puts so much into the lessons. I just didn't "get it" at first. Now I/we get it. My kids tell me we will be doing Nancy Larson from now on. "No other science Mom, this works for us." Nuf said.

When I first saw NL Science, I wasn't sure it was for us. I was used to free-wheeling. I wasn't sure about the scripting, too restrictive for my free mind? I'd forgotten, it wasn't my free mind that was important. It was what worked for my kids, so they could learn and feel successful. I can't tell you the tears I've spread watching a child struggle, yell, "I'm just too stupid Mom.', when I know she is smart, when I know he is talented. My kids are bright, even gifted. BUT, they are also ADHD and one is LD on top of that. My ideas of free wheeling science was just craziness for them. They need the structure NL Science provides. BUT, they won't sit still long (like most programs with reading). This is not a problem with NL Science. Nancy Larson gets how unique kids work. There's a short reading followed by an activity, then review, maybe more reading, and an activity. The lessons take 25-30 minutes and are very Montessori in that there's seeing, hearing, touching, moving, and acting. I know when kids see, hear, & touch the learning it sticks. My kids sit, focus, and love learning. It's like winning the lottery! I'm not stressed, they aren't fussing. It's a slice of heaven. Here's what I found. Following the script, my kids automatically got reading and language arts lessons during science. The script included questions that seemed simple (to my adult mind) but actually put the kids into critical thinking mode for their answer. There's career exploration in how the booklets are described. The kids learned study skills so well and easily, they began applying the same techniques to their social studies to figure out what was important in a paragraph, and remember it for later. Nancy Larson is so subtle in how she weaves so much learning into science, it's easy to miss on the first look. (Can't see the trees for the forest.) I wanted to extend the program and make it last longer, stretch their little minds, or just give me more "slice of heaven" time. So I wrote to the NL Science homeschool manager (I'd met her at a conference). She sent me a literature list for each lesson in the program, so we take that with us to the library each week. She also created some learning activities that pull the science into other topics, and my kids love doing more research, creating oral histories, and seeing that learning in one area really connects with everything. I haven't found any program or company that puts so much into the lessons. I just didn't "get it" at first. Now I/we get it. My kids tell me we will be doing Nancy Larson from now on. "No other science Mom, this works for us." Nuf said.

If you're looking for a secular science program, then look at Nancy Larson Science. They will be at the Great Homeschool Conventions (like Memphis).

When I first saw NL Science, I wasn't sure it was for us. I was used to free-wheeling. I wasn't sure about the scripting, too restrictive for my free mind? Here's what I found. Following the script, my kids automatically got reading and language arts lessons during science. The script included questions that seemed simple (to my adult mind) but actually put the kids into critical thinking mode for their answer. There's career exploration in how the booklets are described. The kids learned study skills so well and easily, they began applying the same techniques to their social studies to figure out what was important in a paragraph, and remember it for later. Nancy Larson is so subtle in how she weaves so much learning into science, it's easy to miss on the first look. (Can't see the trees for the forest.) My kids are bright, even gifted. BUT, they are also ADHD and one is LD on top of that. My ideas of free wheeling science was just craziness for them. They need the structure NL Science provides. BUT, they won't sit still long (like most programs with reading). This is not a problem with NL Science. Nancy Larson gets how unique kids work. There's a short reading followed by an activity, then review, maybe more reading, and an activity. The lessons are very Montessori in that there's seeing, hearing, touching, moving, and acting. I know when kids see, hear, & touch the learning it sticks. My kids sit still, focus, and love learning. It's like winning the lottery! I'm not stressed, they aren't fussing. It's a slice of heaven. I wanted to extend the program and make it last longer, stretch their little minds, or just give me more "slice of heaven" time. So I wrote to the NL Science homeschool manager (I'd met her at a conference). She sent me a literature list for each lesson in the program, so we take that with us to the library each week. She also created some learning activities that pull the science into other topics, and my kids love doing more research, creating oral histories, and seeing that learning in one area really connects with everything. I haven't found any program or company that puts so much into the lessons. I just didn't "get it" at first. Now I/we get it. My kids tell me we will be doing Nancy Larson from now on. "No other science Mom, this works for us." Nuf said.

Lamolina is right on. Where are these districts? City/State/School District? How do you find them? Let's help families find these. THANKS!!

I need some help, please. Maybe I'm lost in the woods, but I've just heard that some school districts actually help the homeschool families in the area by purchasing (approved) curricula and books. How does this work? Where are these school districts? Is this a growing trend? I'm really wanting to gather as much info as possible, then I'll know how to approach my local school district. Or maybe there's a general list of reasons schools want to help us. ?? I've also heard that some school districts support homeschool families in other ways. What ways? Where are these school districts? Like I said, maybe I'm lost and the only person that doesn't know about these. But, I will be SO grateful for any help you can offer. Thanks!!

You've suggested so many wonderful options. You sound like a professional educator and we really appreciate your help. I've passed along the info to GM.

You've all been so helpful. Thank you and blessings! I found out from GM that, "He has add and bipolar. He was placed in our home becuz he was cutting himself - badly! Has been in counselin for 6 mo. not harming himself anymore but lies to us ALOT and is too lazy for the class. tries to drink and smoke. The principal said he was wasting his own time and the schools. Never gonna graduate. he put out no effort. thinking online classes. i can get him back on track when he strays." I appreciate so much you being open and encouraging and suggesting options for her. I'll pass these along. If you have more ideas, keep them coming ladies.

This sounds like a great option. I'll pass it along. Much thanks. Do you have experience with this or can share more info?

He has ADD and is bipolar, and he was cutting himself. GM says he also was sneaking smokes and alcohol.

I hate to admit I'm ignorant about this, but I am. Is this for all states, or state specific. I like the idea that the schools would/could pay for his online classes, curricula, etc.

They live in Hutchinson, about 35,000 population in middle of KS.