Older child: Beginning reading around age 5 and stayed at that stage until age 9 when fluency (above the lvl for his age) developed within a short time frame. Younger child: Seemingly knew how to read from birth. My kids are close in age, so for a few years, younger child was a stronger reader than older child. Now they are teenagers and both have strong critical reading skills. Older child has opted in enroll in honors LA classes and probably AP LA next year. Younger child (early reader) has opted to enroll in regular LA classes b/c honors LA resulted in stress. Age they learned to read doesn't seem to relate to their reading and writing skills as teens.

If a child is hitting middle school, doesn't know basic addition (conceptually at least) and doesn't have a serious LD, I think you are entering the realm of not educating. For us, it wasn't a matter of sitting down and doing kitchen math or making a huge effort to make it look fun. It was a matter of reading lots of books, discussing subjects of all kinds, and basically spending time with them exploring math (along with a gazillion other things). Even though my kids were not working through a math curriculum, they still were interested in measuring the perimeter of our yard and figuring out how many laps would equal a mile, graphing various odd things, weighing shoes, comparing distances, making pendulums, and on and on.. You might think your kids wouldn't be interested in these things...but I saw a huge shift in what the kids pursued when we relaxed on "schoolwork". My kids didn't sit down and do an hour of math a day, but we spent a lot of time exploring math concepts. They loved being read to and I read so many math readers (story based math books) while they were playing with moon sand or math blocks. They did not complete a math program until grade 8. But, they were not still stuck in elementary lvl math. They knew plenty--they do not have to start from basic math. I think this is a common misconception. As my kids hit middle school, they decided to formalize math (we did discuss this in detail, over a long period of time, concerning careers and college, etc, but I told them I'd support whatever path they took--by that time I knew that in their free time they do not just play video games all day, although I can understand why parents think their kids will do this if they haven't seen the shift). When they were in grade 9, they decided to try the public high school (here you can enroll part time). Now I have an 11th grader in AP Calculus BC and a 10th grader in Honors Algebra 2. They love their math classes and their teachers always comment on what incredible problem solving skills they have. Both my kids are in gifted category and have LDs (dyslexic and they are aspies too), for the record. I totally get this..but my kids also love math now and they didn't have push through the boring parts of it associated with elementary grade math curriculum. They can learn the basics in a much more open format and go on to appreciate the fun parts. Missing out on that at the lower math levels has not hindered their ability to apply themselves and work through struggles of higher math. With a musical instrument we have a clear connection between practicing on the instrument and improving. With math though, we assume that it is practicing with worksheets (or curriculum x) that leads to the eventual improvement, but I think this is just the way we are trained to think since it is what seems to be working for most students. Most kids don't get to stop doing math curriculum in elementary grades so we have little data (beyond anecdotes such as my own!) to support another method for them to gain the foundation needed to go on to enjoying higher level math. The potential problem I see is that some kids get totally turned off from math and start to think they are real math idiots when they actually may have strong math talents but not be well suited to elementary lvl math curriculum. They don't push through. This is what I saw with my son an incredibly self directed and motivated person. But elementary math about killed his desire to learn.

I'd take her out and deschool for the rest of the year (read, cook, explore do projects, etc) I withdrew my son from grade one in the end of January many years ago. No regrets. What reasons are there to keep her in until the end of the year? End of year party? Sense of completion? She might think it is ok to give up? If something didn't work for my kids, we found a different approach. This did not turn them into quitters at all. Rather, it has helped them evaluate situations and problem solve when things aren't going well. My kids are both teens now btw. GL whatever you decide. :)

:iagree: I still struggle with this myself though when working with my Aspie son. I don't always know which areas he can work on and which areas I just need to accept.

I'd help her find the area in the book where it shows how to solve that kind of problem and help her apply the same steps to her particular question. If there isn't an example of the same kind of problem, I'd make up a very similar problem and show her how to solve it. For example, Cost of 12 pears if they are 2 for $1. Make the problem more similar if needed, for example, cost of 9 pears if they are 3 for $1. Show her the steps and help her apply those steps to the problem on her own. I second manipulatives. Coins, buttons, beads, etc. I'd actually spend some non-text book time just with manipulatives working on the kinds of problems she finds difficult. Get a bunch of beads and set up a tea party with stuffed animals, for example, and just talk about all kinds of different scenarios of sorting the beads into different groups. GL!

Keens -- Love them! you might find winter styles on clearance now at someplace like Dillards. They all have a similar look though, which you may or may not like. I have heard Naot have a similar bed to Birks. I find Born clogs incredibly uncomfortable, but i have a pair of Born on Concept lace up flats that were around $70 retail price form a local shoe shop. They have wide toe and arch support that works for me.

Based on your math description alone, I would be seeking an alternative regardless of whether or not she intends to pursue a STEM field. On the current track, sounds as though she will really get turned off math in general. Does your state offer free PSEO (Post secondary enrollment option)? My son homeschooled grade 9, went to the public school grade 10 and dual enrolled at the U for grade 11. Although he is a strong student and self motivated, he definitely prefers outside teachers to doing it on our own. For the classes he self studies, he tends to use Coursera or other open course ware.

We had our last house painted and the test colors looked great. The house ended up looking oompa loompa orange at some times. I wanted to cry, honestly. We rent that house out now and don't live in state, so I haven't seen it in a while, but I still look forward to when we sell it or it needs to be repainted. I am going to go for something more bland for sure. On the plus side, the house is in California so those kind of tones do fit in a bit better....but still..ugh.

:hurray: :hurray: I love the black and white sign--looks very tastefully done. :hurray: :hurray: You are really making incredibly progress! Around here a similar cafe has breakfasts starting at $7 each, but I noticed they all contained potatoes on the side also. Wishing you all the best with your new place.

So far I like it a lot but we have had it less than 6 months. It has had the unexpected side benefit of us all keeping stuff off the floors much better. My sons' rooms, in particular, look so much better just because they cannot leave small items laying on the ground anymore due to random roomba vacuuming. I run it every day in 2-3 rooms. We did have to rearrange a few pieces of furniture so that it wouldn't get stuck. But, it vacuums under beds and couches just wonderfully. The 'cannister' seems tiny though. Hair does get wound around the roller but I cut if off easily. I was hesitant to buy one but DH finally purchased it.

We have a 10 year old Sebo that has never needed repairs and works like a charm. Nonetheless, I now want a Shark for upstairs! Even though the Sebo is fairly light and easy to carry, I hurt my back last fall and I keep getting twinges of pain whenever I carry something. On the plus side, the kids have taken over hauling laundry up and down stairs, but they are now not home frequently enough for me to be able to rely on them to carry the vacuum cleaner when the whim to vacuum strikes. DH bought me a Roomba last year which I do like, but it fills up quickly (we could also be in the cat wig manufacturing business). No experience with Dyson, sorry to be off topic.

Could it be acne? Does it have a pattern of them appearing on a regular, monthly cycle (connected to hormones)?

Hey! I just realized I have an old lady first name. It was top 10 most of the 30s and 40s. It has steadily been decreasing in popularity since then, LOL! But that is ok, because I am quickly becoming an old lady. :) The only angst I have had over my name was that it was also the name of a First Lady...so I was teased a bit over that. I'd never consider changing my name though--I just do not see it as that big of a deal. BTW, who are all these hipster moms? What the heck is a hipster? Am I just sheltered and out of the loop?

You bring up many topics that have been occupying my mind lately as well, and I don't even have a graduating senior thrown into the mix. I often mull over balancing acceptance of my kids for who they are with challenging them appropriately. I think the introversion plays a larger role in this issue than I generally realize. Also, I may intellectually realize issues or realities, but I still have a more emotional, almost gut reaction to some occurrences in the family (low level of talking is one area for example) Have you discusses this with your husband who you say is also introverted? My DH and my father, both introverted, academically oriented males, generally encourage me to let the kids be saying they will eventually find their passion and personal motivation. I tend to alternate between pestering them and then letting them be. :) They know I am a worrier and they do their best to assuage my worries when I seem to be at the bursting point. Older son has found a passion which he pursues avidly, unfortunately that accentuates in my mind how younger son has yet to do this. So even though I have two quite similar introverts, I still have the same thoughts going around in my mind of how one child has a certain path which I feel the other child should also follow. I know both of my kids are strong capable young people. Reconciling (and accepting) their unique paths continues to be a skill I work on developing and strengthening in myself. :grouphug: Wishing you all the best.

Are you sensitive to pressure applied to sinus regions? The first time I was dxed with a sinus infection I had symptoms similar to yours. When the doctor pressed on sinus regions though, pain shot through my face. I hope you feel better soon, whatever it is.

OH he is so CUTE!! They look so happy together too. :party: :party:

I am also surprised by how many people dislike Mabel. I like it, much more than Ruth. Mabel Ruth together is fine, imo. It doesn't even come close to Bertha! Oh my! I only have boys and we had no back up girl names just in case.

Welcome to the WTM boards. :) I agree with spending some time reading past threads on the boards here, particularly on the High School and Self-Ed Board. You will find many past threads discussing high school plans, year by year plans, etc. Also, I would familiarize myself with the state high school graduation requirements and homeschool laws for GA, NC and FL. This thread has MANY links to past discussions that could be of use: http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/475909-transcripts-credits-gpagrading-accreditation-college-prepapplications-scholarshipsfinancial-aid-career-explore-past-threads-linked-here/ Specific questions about your DS's courses throughout high school can be posted on the high school section of the boards.

In some ways, I think the mom is onto something though. My kids developed in fits and starts, not in the neat linear way school material was organized. When my son started to read at age 9, he didn't read K or grade 1 books. The first book he read independently was Artemis Fowl and then Eragon. Also, when he worked through a math curriculum in grade 8, he didn't start with basic elementary math (he had acquired much math knowledge w/o ever working through a math book) but instead finished saxon algebra 1. The next year he did geometry and algebra 2. I actually agree that the way the mom reacts sounds a bit...clueless. But really, I was pretty clueless too when I started homeschooling DS in grade 1. And I probably did some of the same things you mention your friend doing (definitely bought math curriculum for different grades and kept trying them with DS). I hope I don't sound as though I am picking on you or flaming you. I found the educational path of my kids fascinating and although they may not be typical, I do not think their path is unique or even rare. I know or read about so many kids who suffer in the elementary years with meeting the educational standards. Some kids are definitely late bloomers or not well suited to the material design for a typical school experience. By the time the kids have developed appropriately to be ready for the academic work, they risk feeling like big dummies though because what was so easy for most kids was virtually impossible for them. Your friend might have one of those kinds of kids.

Hmm...my son didn't learn to read until he was 9. He didn't complete a full year math curriculum until he was in 8th grade. Random people may very well have thought I was doing him a disservice, I don't really know. The way you describe this mom, it does not sound as though she is open to trying different approaches with her child, which is unfortunate, but there still may be hope. This week my son signed up for sophomore lvl college math and physics at our university for his senior year of high school.

I can't help but think the books were involved in a reenactment of Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Oh my! These are priceless. ETA: I just keep thinking about the wrinkled pants...hahahahaa. I can totally see that from my son. Heck, I can imagine it from DH!

I went to a doctor with leg pain wearing crocs and she said the crocs were probably causing plantar fasciitis. I was actually a bit ticked off because she barely examined me and insisted that as soon as she saw the crocs, she knew the cause of my problems. When I asked if she was going to do a more thorough exam, she said I could always seek a second opinion. So, all in all, I was not thrilled with her care. I did switch to Keens and have had fewer problems but who knows what other factors could be involved.

I had the same thought initially but I have sent candy to my relative (at their request) and the Hershey's chocolate was a favorite among the caretakers. I think the novelty of it may go a long ways. :laugh:

Ooops sorry! But for the record, said sibling was never dxed. Everyone thought since they were smart they should just automatically succeed. Family life was pretty dysfunctional and we were all on our own early on with little guidance or support. I firmly believe a supportive family environment can help kids with these issue learn to navigate the world. BUT, nonetheless, I don't think even the most supportive environment can overcome all issues. In other words, for the really late bloomers, parents shouldn't beat themselves up over it!