The Endurance, as in Shackleton's expedition - and I'm looking for DVD's not books. Thanks for any recommendations! :001_smile:

I would try to see it as thoughtful even if clueless :)

www.redrocknaturals.com I have been using these natural products for a couple years now. They are herbal tinctures and they are wonderful - no worries about damage to my dc's bodies (liver and kidney) like meds (over-used) can do. These products really work! They have forumulas (come in 2oz or 4 oz glass bottles w/droppers) for dry cough, wet cough, allergies, flu, stomach ache, etc. What I love is they can act as a preventative (if taken right at onset of symptoms) or curative (to help get over illness quickly). They ship pretty quickly, too - from Utah. HTH, Cheryl

I so need inspiration to get my dc going in geography! Thanks for sharing what you've done w/your dc. I love seeing examples :D Cheryl

I've gotten so entrenched in thinking I need a curriculum for every subject - at least a "spine". Thanks for the links and great idea. We have an excellent library system for implementing.... Thanks! Cheryl

Looking for a curriculum that will ignite my dc, too! TIA!

You said so many things that resonated w/me re: all 3 of my dc. Self-esteem issues are big w/dd7 - and that things don't always click as they mature (I imagine even in the absence of learning disabilities). You're right - I don't want to miss any windows of opportunity even in the formation of habits, etc. Dd5 is almost 6... but I agree still no need to panic:D:chillpill: We will progress in routine and adding as we go then. Thanks again for your encouragement! Cheryl

Thank you for your input. THis is the way I've been "feeling" but mixed w/indecisiveness, obbviously. There's no comparing kids, so I'm thanks for your encouragement - I'll be taking your advice plus going w/my gut instinct as dd5 will be 6 next month! Night Elf, I appreciate your idea (a definite reminder to me!) to keep lessons short and mix up dd's choices and non-choices. Thanks so much, Ladies!! Cheryl

books - learn quite a bit about animal behaviors through the characters (personified) in his stories!

If so, have you tried to help him pick up speed in areas other than school work? Has anything you've done helped so far? My ds9 drives me a little crazy, too, w/his "slow ways". We work on it mostly by inspiring him w/his own success stories - every once in a while, I'll say how much he's improved in the area of showing initiative, for example. That inspires him to reach for more. My son's slow ways are due to his temperament; he's analytical. Sometimes he appears apathetic about something, but now I realize he's thinking, thinking, always thinking ;) His wheel-works are always going. He does care (not apathetic) and wants to understand things, so puts a lot of thought into whatever he is doing/learning. Dh and I often ask him to acknowledge us after we've given a set of instructions just to make sure he was listening - since he doesn't always look like he is! Just throwing some thoughts out there!

Thanks, Ellie, for posting this link. I went back and reread the Moore philosophy... but maybe what I'm doing is questioning this philosophy, LOL. In theory it sounds good. But my ds9 would still not be reading if I waited around for him to "beg" for it! He would have missed out on a ton of enjoyment, too. He loves to read. Anyhow, I'm gonna just repeat myself here.... Thanks :)

Thanks for your questions, Peela. My philosophies have evolved so much - I don't know how I would label myself, actually. Not to mention my dreadful capacity to remember the things I read which shaped my thinking in the first place! I am a mixture of Moore's & CM w/ a smidge of Classical by now. Perhaps Classical will pick up as we move along, I don't know! I already do feel bad for dd7 who isn't yet reading. She is a very bright child with keen, quick insights but lacks self-confidence when it comes to her "smarts" - b/c she isn't reading. Unfortunately, she compares herself to her brother, 9, who excels at whatever he does. If she weren't so insecure about this area, I certainly wouldn't be! But she compares herself to, not only her brother, but other kids in our co-op (not academically driven, btw). I am beginning to rethink some things w/regards to my dc. My ds9, for example, never begged to learn to read (which, truly, after listening to Carole Seid, proponent of the Moore's, I WAS expecting!). Nevertheless, when I began to doubt that he would ever beg, I sat him down and began formal education. He took off like a shot. He loves to read ALL things; enjoys learning. Not worried about his love of learning over the long haul. I am worried about dd7 and dd5. Dd7 struggles w/ wanting to learn, unless it is auditorially which, of course, is her style/strength. Given the chance to listen, she could for hours. And learn, she does! (That's when I hear insights that WOW me.) For her, we are taking the non-auditory slowly but I do "encourage strongly" her sitting down to SWR. From Wanda Sanseri's advice re: dd7 on the SWR Yahoo loop, I am happy w/the way things are going, I guess. I want her to love learning to read - she doesn't. BUT she is learning and the end will justify the means. Iow, I don't think this process will threaten her love of learning. But she is older and her self-assurance depends on learning to read. Dd5 (my original question) is the one I am wondering whether to push or not. She is kinesthetic but sitting for formalized learning is not the issue; her attn span can handle it. However, she is not interested in history as my other 2 dc. She doesn't get involved much in the other learning opportunities. To answer your question - no, I don't think I would be OK with her not learning for another 3 yrs! Yikes. The thought scares me. I read Ellie's link to the Moore site.... I guess the problem is me. Peela, can you tell me why you would have your son sit down to more formal learning sooner than you did - any reasons other than formation of better habits? Anyone else? Thank you so much for any encouragement or advice!

My dd5 (nearly 6) initiated school for herself last year. I took it slowly (I've always "bought" into the Moore's teaching: later is better), following her lead pretty much. She learned all basic phonograms - recognition and sounds, but didn't want to write them. Not w/ a whiteboard, shaving cream, nothing. So I just read books to her and reviewed phonograms and "everyone was happy". This year, I figured it's time to take a slow next step: I ordered the SWR sandpaper letters. Now she knows how to form the letters and does fine with that. However, she doesn't want to write words. She says she wants to learn to read one minute; then says she doesn't the next! We added math to her school this year (Sept). She says she wishes we could just do school like last year and just read books together. I know I've "robbed" her from board books and picture books, as my older 2 enjoy Read Aloud Chapter books (as do I, admittedly). So, I don't read many picture books. I've tried ds9 to read to her - something he doesn't enjoy but will do every now and then. Here's my Q: Do I "encourage" her forward? Do I leave it all behind and just read picture books to her and figure one day she'll beg to learn (like Carole Joy Seid has promised they will, LOL) or a little of both? Maybe review phonograms once a week, drop math, and just read, read, read?? My main goal is not to squelch her long term love of learning. Yet, I wonder if I let her play all day, will she ever want to learn? Do I need to read Moore's book again? Take a chill pill? What?:confused: Any experience would be sooooooo appreciated! TIA, Cheryl

vary widely. So I thought I'd give input. I've used RightStart from the beginning and imagine that jumping in midway, even w/transitions, could be a little unnerving - for you. But for your kids, they will catch it and run with it! I have been uncomfortable w/RS a few times, as in teaching 4-digit subtraction. In fact, I had to review the RS method several times before it got into MY head. However, my ds got it no problem. I love that my dc have grasped math concepts, do not 'count' but rather picture the abacus in their mind or use MANY algorithms to solve a problem. I love Dr. Cotter's emphasis on mental math - these are reasons to end up LOVING math. As w/anything worthwhile, it takes work & time commitment. In the core areas (rdg, writing, and rithmetic), the extra work of laying a solid foundation will be worth it. This is my motto, at least :001_smile: And, no, I'm not saying other programs don't fit this bill.... As I said, I have no other experiences w/other programs. I am mostly sharing my experience w/RS and trying to encourage you through transitions. If that doesn't work, the RS Math Games are a great supplement to any program, I've heard. And we use them fairly often - not often enough for my kids, though as they beg for games and MORE games!! HTH. Good luck, Cheryl

Are these CDs worthwhile? My hope is to use them for my older who is very adept at SWR and spelling and could stand to do some more independent work. I need to keep ds9 moving along while I focus more on my 2 youngers. Would this be a good solution to fit my needs? TIA!!

about Christmas books written in the same spirit as The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey! This is my favortie Christmas book. Very glad you started this thread! :001_smile:

is get rid of ALL electronics from the house. Box it up & put it in the rafters or sell it, whatever. This would send the message loud and clear - not just "ground" him from these things b/c with his physical treatment of his mom, he'd "get his way" pretty easily. Since the other work is "too hard" - give him some that MIGHT be too easy? I wouldn't insult him with "baby stuff", but a very slight challenge would be something he might go for. Thirdly, if there isn't a dad in the picture, I would commit myself to not giving in to him. Continue taking away his "desireables" - only to be given back when he shows respectful attitude toward his mom. My guess is that as soon as his electronic gods are gone, his attitude may worsen at first but will soon follow w/ a sweeter more respectful attitude. Electronics would not come back into my house until he has shown respect and academic pursuits for a good long while. Then I would slowly introduce them back in - who knows maybe they wouldn't be missed after a while!! I'd be interested in hearing someone's perspective who's btdt or similar~

:grouphug:

and checked it out against www.snopes.com What they have to say is a little different. But we can never be too careful w/our kids about these types of things!

first we thought it would be a great community thing - get to meet neighbors & kids around us. But that was a flop - I'd see vans pulling up picking up their kids and dropping them off. I "met" kids I never saw around our neighborhood, etc. I never liked handing out candy - just a big waste of time, imo. Not to mention a waste of money buying more candy than I would have bought for my own kids. Also, rushing around making or buying costume gear. So, we resorted to offering the kids $10 each - and figured we've saved money still. No buying decorations, costumes, candy. The kids have taken the money and run which was very predictable. Plus it allowed us to see their view of Halloween. We no longer felt guilty for "cheating" them of these pleasures (my parent's voices in my head!). Dc are 9, 7, 5, btw.

And I want to thank Jenn for her post. Chloe, I could have written your post and pages more like it! I have nothing to say - I rather feel like crying. Ds9 truly makes me tired with all his antics. A few (I read through them quickly - going to watch that 15 min video soon) posters touched on instruction of what's funny and what's not. That resonates w/me. The disrespectful attitude makes it an issue of discipline - this also resonates with me. I often don't see it as disrespect b/c it's cloaked in his "jokes" and, as someone pointed out, I don't want to squelch his light-heartedness. I have been known to falsely accuse him, too, so I tend to hang back rather than wrongly confront. All the best to you, Chloe. Thank you for your post! Know that you are definitely not alone ;) Cheryl

:grouphug:

This sounds absolutely wonderful - as I picture my dc on the first day back to school, this idea resonates for us! Course, I'll just watch on w/my typical mug-a-coffee:tongue_smilie: as it's be too much for me. BUT they would love it.:D:D:D

Like you, I had an abortion. Like you, I repented. And, like you, I've regretted. Like you, I've embraced God's forgiveness for that sin and many other sins. Oh, wonderful GRACE! How we do know it! God bless you, dear Sister! :grouphug: Cheryl