["Team Whitney" - Prom Prank turned tables]

And people wonder why I don't want my children in public school.

:confused:

 

I don't think that having your children raised around feral children is a good way to create well adjusted adults.

 

<sigh> And I wonder why I keep coming here...

[State Testing and Math]

OP, this is what I did last year, FWIW. Actually, going back 2 years ago, DS13 did TT7 in 6th grade because that is where he placed. (Did you have your children take the placement test?) Then he did TT Pre-Alg last year in 7th grade.

 

About midway thru the year, we had a pretty good inkling that he would go into PS for 8th grade, so I just got a basic Spectrum Test Prep book and he did that for a few months a little at a time. I'm not sure if it covered information that was not covered in TT, but it did give him practice as to how questions would be asked on the standardized test. He tested very well and he was able to test into Algebra in 8th grade.

 

All that to say, I would not change curricula, but I would get a test prep book so your children can get used to the format. I would also make very sure you have placed them correctly.

[Do we expect too much of teens? Pro homeschool article]

I think more teens would "stay Christian" if the adults in their lives modeled authentic Christianity, no matter if they are homeschooled, public schooled, or whatever.

[How many of you are afterschooling kids with learning challenges?]

This 1st grade teacher gives little homework other than Bible memory verses, reading every night, and an occasional math or spelling practice page. (And I'm not sure I am seeing all the homework papers.) So usually it's days later when I find out dd has had trouble on an in-school assignment.

 

Yesterday a pile of papers came home with the note: "I explained this to her several times, and gave it back three times to finish it, and it's still not done!" It was 8 pages of math and it looked to me like it was done, so I honestly could not tell what the specific problem was. I sat with my daughter last night and re-did all 8 pages and sent it back with my own (respectful) note to the teacher. However, I don't feel confident that the same thing isn't going to happen again.

 

We definitely need to work out a system to help dd keep track of what she's supposed to do and whether she's done it (and handed it in). I'm not sure what that's going to look like just yet.

 

At that age, the teacher should have a system to keep track of things. It is her responsibility to make sure your DD knows what to do at home. She should have a homework folder or something like that. I'd request a meeting with the teacher to work it out. Did you have a parent night/open house?

[Algebra I in 8th grade]

Oh, yeah, silly me. Why would someone waste four perfectly good years of their life getting a worthless education at some worthless school that just has the state's name slapped onto it? Wow. A no-name college? Really?

 

I think that it depends entirely on what you major in. Take students who studied philosophy at Harvard, Princeton, or Yale or social work at No-Name College and I'll tell you who my money is on to have a job after school. Yeah, social workers don't make much money, but not a lotta money and a job is a way better deal (imo) than a fancy degree and no job.

 

I don't want this to turn into some class war thing, but it really rubs me the wrong way when people look down their noses at regular universities. The economy is in the cr@pper. Everyone knows that. I honestly don't believe that, for most professions, it matters whether you went to a blue-blood college or not.

 

Tara

 

:iagree: That's ridiculous.

 

Oh, and in regards to the OP, my 8th grader's school has 3 options for math: Prealgebra, Math 8 (Algebra 1 at a slower pace), and Algebra 1. Algebra 1 is an honors course. My son is taking Math 8 and has the option to test out of Algebra 1 at the end of the summer. FWIW, he has used TT as a homeschooler (did TT7 and TT Prealg before enrolling in the PS).

[Experience with Abeka and/or BJU in private school?]

I had a long thread on BJU materials (specifically history - heritage studies) last year if you want to do a search. I'm not a fan, I'll just put it that way. And I cannot for the life of me unload the BJU materials I have to sell. So maybe that's karma. :D

[Would You Allow Your Child's Teacher to Do a Home Visit?]

I voted yes. In the OP's case, I wouldn't even hesitate to say yes. I would still say yes if it were my kid's teachers, but they don't do that around here, so it'd be unusual.

[How many of you are afterschooling kids with learning challenges?]

I have normal kids, lol. :D

 

I keep right on top of all their assignments. They each have an agenda supplied by their school. They have to write their assignments in it each day and I have to initial it and the teacher checks it the following day (for my 3rd and 5th graders). I always check their homework and make sure they know what they're doing. If they are having trouble, I try to help, but if it's a matter of re-teaching or if my child acts as if she has never seen it before, I email their teachers to let them know. It's not my job to teach them. Their homework should be a reinforcement of what they've already learned. (sorry, pet peeve there! :))

 

I try to emphasize to my kids (it's mostly my DD) that they need to listen and write everything down. They need to make sure they understand their homework before they leave school for the day. And they need to advocate for themselves (ask questions and speak up).

 

My 3rd and 5th graders are using Math in Focus (Singapore) and it has been fine so far. DD had one problem so far, but I emailed the teacher and it turned out fine. Most of the other kids didn't understand it either.

[Towels!!]

I have chocolate brown towels and dark blue towels. We each shower every day and I just do a load of towels a day. And I throw in the wash cloths, hand towels, and kitchen towel. Gotta love my super capacity washer!

[She is gone.]

I'm sorry for your loss. :grouphug:

[How do you show grace towards yourself?]

How I show grace to myself...As a Christian, I ask forgiveness from God, but I've learned I need to forgive myself, too.

[Homework-Am I just too whinny?]

IME, homeschoolers are more willing to go to bat for what they see as appropriate education of their kids. We are the only homeschooling family at dd18's school. They definitely see us as troublemakers because we don't just passively march along the way they want us to. We question and advocate.

 

Tara

 

I see what you're saying. Although, I'd label myself as "involved and caring parent" rather than "former-homeschooler-troublemaker". :)

[Writing multiplication daily? Is this effective?]

We have had success with xtramath.org. It's free and emails you progress reports. It only takes 10 minutes a day.

[If I were to get a tablet but don't want an iPad, what are good options? (newbie!!)]

I never thought I'd get one so I haven't been paying attention to what's out there. But dh said I may need to replace my old desktop, so I may consider a tablet. (I do know I don't want an Apple product, since I'm a PC girl.)

 

Would a tablet work well as a primary computer? Or better off with a laptop? And what tablets are good in the lowest price range? Is the new Kindle Fire like the iPad? Are there other non-Apple tablets that are comparable but less spendy than the iPad?

 

We are TOTALLY non-tech here; I just finally got a no frills Tracphone last year; never had a cell phone before that-and I hardly use it!

 

Basically I need something to surf the web, send emails, type occasional Word documents, and I'd love to put pdf's on it (I think I read someone has their dc do Math Mammoth pdf's right on their tablet? I'd like something like that if possible.)

 

I don't have wifi at home-how does that work? Would I have to buy a tablet or notebook that comes with its own wifi so I can use it outside at my house, and other places? Or better off to get wireless in the house? (I kind of don't want that if possible-I'd like teenage dd to use her used laptop that's coming in the mail downstairs only. But if it's cheaper than getting a computer equipped with wireless we might consider it.)

 

Sorry for the newbie questions-feel free to direct me to a "tablet newbie website", if there is one!

 

First off, tablets and laptops do not come with their own wi-fi, they come with wi-fi cards that enable them to pick up wireless signals.

You need wi-fi at home unless you want to pay for 3G/4G. We are in a city (not out in the boonies) and our wi-fi is much, much faster than 3G here (no 4G available). There are also many places that have free wi-fi when we're out and about.

 

In addition to the suggestions already given, check out this Asus Tablet. DH has it along with the keyboard and he loves it.

[Square peg family - force ourselves to fit?]

I would think you were really sweet and probably a good cook too!

 

Gently...I think you are overthinking this. Just be yourself and join right in. People will like you! If they don't, what have you lost....nothing. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

I'd like to get to know you and would have been all over that buffet, praising you!

 

:iagree:

[Square peg family - force ourselves to fit?]

Can you give a "for example?"

 

:iagree: :bigear:

[why can't my 2 older kids get along with each other??]

In a word: hormones. :willy_nilly:

[adult "cradle cap"]

I hadn't thought about psoriasis. I actually love the smell of tea tree oil. I just don't like the price tag. My guys are fine with the $1-$2 a bottle stuff from walmart so I feel bad about wanting to get it. They would want to use it, too.

 

Is it possible to make a tea tree (or something equally astringent, maybe ginger?) from scratch without breaking the bank?

 

If you have a Sally Beauty Supply near you, they have generic shampoo. I had Paul Mitchell's Tea Tree shampoo in mind.

[Football Today anyone?]

Pats TD with a flag - no good and a ten yard penalty. Then a field goal--no good! Arghhhh! So frustrating!

[Football Today anyone?]

Watching the Pats. Down by 2 with a minute left. :glare:

[adult "cradle cap"]

DD uses this Suave shampoo with success. She uses it every day and her hair is nice and her scalp stays free of the build-up of which you speak. It smells nice, too.

[I need a good home remedy for toothache]

If I may ask, why are you waiting until the 29th? I had excruciating pain with a broken molar. Percosets made me ill so I just had to deal with the pain until I could get it pulled. But waiting 2 weeks is crazy!

[do you make your kids do...]

If I want something done, such as shoes in a certain place or laundry in the hamper, I tell everyone and it becomes a house rule. Everyone does it, including DH and me. DH also has rules regarding his tools and things in the garage. If they are used by the kids or me, we follow his wishes as to how they are put back. Works for us!

[If you are lactose intolerant]

What about Coffee Mate? I think that is lactose-free.

[How much do you donate to your child's school?]

Just wanted to add--oldest DS's math teacher mentioned that she hated the fundraisers at school (catalogs with trinkets). She said if the parents donated $20 it would net the school more than if they bought a $40 trinket. My thoughts exactly. :)