Are you an INFJ or ENFJ according to the Meyer's Briggs because you sound like you have a lot of similar feelings?? :001_smile: I think people have given some great advice so far. I'm coming at this from a little bit of a different angle if that's ok even though I don't know you or you, me. I do read your posts and get to your blog when I can because it seems your son and mine have some similarities as well. :) In regards to the feelings you are having. Sometimes finding out a little bit more about yourself can help. I know that sounds a bit cheesy and I am so NOT eloquent in writing so bare with me. Let's just say that many of the feelings/patterns you mention are the norm with me. By knowing a general "type", I have come to understand why I feel the way I do many times. In addition, sometimes just knowing that "it's normal for me" can help. So I'm thinking this probably doesn't make sense and feel free to just let it go...seriously. :001_smile: :grouphug: Brenda

It's our first "official" day of K. :001_smile: I've been doing pre-school stuff with my twins the last year and we school all year so there won't be many changes. I'm just adding in BFSU and an Intellego unit study on the Symbols of America so they learn the Pledge of Allegiance, Star Spangled Banner, history of the flag, etc. Brenda

My kids are 5 so this may not apply to your kiddos. I bought placemats. On one side, the states are listed with their names and the other side has the capital cities. They can flip them over or whatever until meal is served. Also, another Stack the States ipad app lover here! I just bought Scrambled States of America, but it hasn't arrived yet so no feedback. Do your kids like unit studies? Maybe you could find something cheap from Intellego on their website or currclick? Brenda

My Hoover lasted 12 years. Well it's still running fine actually, but it just got a crack in the handheld tool hose that I use to steam clean my furniture. Bummer! It did a great job! Brenda

Yes! Thx for the update! Brenda

Intellego Unit Studies has a Civics section. There are core units which are aligned to the core standards and other civic units that are electives. I will be using the K-2 core unit, Symbols of America, starting next week. I can't say how the units are since this will be our first. My impression from the reading I've done is that the core units may be more comprehensive or meatier, but maybe someone who has already done one will chime in. Brenda

I'm going to take a picture of my kids in their pajamas for their first day of Kindergarten photo and post that. My friends will get a kick. Even though we've been homeschooling them for about a year and it's rare that we do any activities before morning chores are done, including getting dressed, it's sure nice to know that we have the option! :001_smile: Brenda

Wow! A lot of great info and links here. I'm off to do more research. Anyone else feel like they are spending (or have spent) HUGE amounts of time doing research?! If there was a smilie showing a head about to blow up, I would put that here. hehe Brenda

I would love more info too! I have been researching the topic today since my son has been getting moved to tears by some classical music. After my daughter started singing the Barney song and he cried for 10 minutes because it was "so sad", I decided to add this to the list of things that I will be taking to his assessment in a few weeks. Of course this is just one of many issues, but the one that has me :001_huh: Brenda ETA - Love your blog btw!

My dh and I will be starting this tonight since we switch off on bedtime reading. I'm glad to hear that someone is doing this and liking it. It sounds like a quick and fun thing to do. Brenda

Here is a website where you can sign up to get a different mental math problem emailed to you every day. It is free. There are three levels of the question - wee ones, little kids and big kids. http://bedtimemathproblem.org/ This website was mentioned on the Math for Love blog. Do a math problem, then read! :) Brenda

Glad it is working out for you! I have HST+ waiting for me for next year (I'm re-learning some things myself), but boy does it have a learning curve or what?! You give me hope! :) Brenda

Peterson Directed sells a variety pack (6 or 8?) of different styles if you want to try out different ones. It was definitely nice trying them out. I actually preferred a couple that didn't "look" as comfortable. Brenda

Yes, I'm guessing with something that big there are going to be disagreements for sure. I am a product of New math, then Cookbook math and I am pretty sure my teachers didn't get any of the training needed for New math. Things can look good on paper, but sometimes the implementing is where things fall apart. I hope that isn't the case here. Brenda

I give the guy credit for hangin' in there, but he doesn't sound very optimistic unfortunately. :( Could this be why Singapore is temporarily sold out of some of their books? J/K! :tongue_smilie: http://www.ams.org/journals/notices/201207/rtx120700909p.pdf Brenda

I remember someone posting about how they kept a notebook of things that they thought of that they wanted their kids to learn that weren't necessarily curriculum related. Life skills, civic goals, etc. in addition to the basics were added. Brenda

I kind of felt that the first year of homeschooling was like my first year as a new mom of twins...you just get in there and get your hands dirty, take lots of deep breaths/breaks whenever you can and enjoy as much as possible. :tongue_smilie: Brenda

This is going on my list of things to get for next year! I also just found out about this. Thanks for posting! Brenda BTW - Jerry's Artarama has a coupon good through 8/8 for $15% off. The code is STRETCH15

Welcome! :) Brenda

I bought many of the books by Elizabeth Crary for the different issues we've had with our kids. They are both 5 now and have liked these books for the most part. I also like them as the kids in the stories are given several ways of dealing with the feelings. A lot of good advice in previous posts! http://www.amazon.com/Im-Frustrated-Dealing-With-Feelings/dp/0943990645 Brenda

My kids love these as well and I am very particular about computer time with them. Apparently my son isn't the only one showing crackers, cheese, etc. shaped like Vermont or whatever. :lol: Brenda

I use it as a supplement to RightStart Math and love it as such. I don't know if I would feel comfortable using it as my kids main math either. That could be just me though and we are only in the k-1st grade sections. Maybe someone who has used it in higher grades will be more help. So bump! :001_smile: Brenda

This is just sad.

I love the book as well. It confirmed what most people already know about the importance of reading aloud to your kids, but I think many people will like the book suggestions as well. I know I recommend it to my non-homeschool friends because they aren't necessarily scouring the internet for good/great reading suggestions like a lot of homeschoolers do. :001_smile: Brenda

:iagree: Brenda