We started with Saxon but have been happy moving to Teaching Textbooks as Saxon was taking way too long and didn't feel like an appropriate choice for a kid with ADHD. I feel like the concepts are explained well in TT, and I'm going through the Algebra program myself right now because I think it's fun. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

My son has a tough time when math is tedious. Teaching Textbooks has been a really good fit for us. I like it so much that I'm doing the Algebra program myself as a review. There are placement tests on the website and the program resells easily too. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Probably December. Just taking things a day at a time until then.

I just got the name and number of an autism specialist! It's a 5 1/2 hr train ride but it's a 2 day eval and I think this will give us the info we need. The pediatrician just needs to refer us. I would go to the states, but DH just got back and doesn't leave again until January. He was deployed all of last year so we really need our family together as much as possible. There is a chance that we will be assigned back to the States this winter anyway. If not, then DS and I will have to go back by ourselves for services; you're right, it's just not available here.

I'm trying to keep myself from being overwhelmed right now, and that's how I'm doing it. I'm not convinced things will get better, but still hoping they might. DH just got back last night from another month-long training in the field and it has not been easy for me to deal with all of this alone; even if there was NOTHING going on, I still hate the long separations! DS continues to either run from me or fall on the ground constantly, and I'm debating between the equally socially unacceptable stroller or leash for an almost 5 year old who looks 6. Now I AM going to pull my son out of preschool. Today I thought would be better, but he was trying to kiss the other kids again, hid under the tables, and threw a toy at the teacher. It's just another source of stress for me sending him off where I can't supervise. I have one evaluation done (but the therapist can't help him because she only works with elementary students). The pediatrician is so over-booked that all non-urgent appointments are a 3 week waiting time. I have 1.5 weeks more to go. And she has to give the referral for the psychologist (I tried to go around this but couldn't), which could take another month. I got the number for Early Development Services, and this is the best I can do right now.

What age did your DS start writing? Did he type much earlier? My DS only scribbles, but he can type easy words. He was the only one his age in class who could not write a single letter of his name, but also the only one that was reading sentences. He scribbled for the evaluator and told them he only knows how to write in Japanese ;). It's not a big issue right now for me, it could still be a mild delay at this point. I'm going to start HWOT next year for K. It's nice hearing so many success stories. I've been worried that I would deprive him of "something" if I kept him home, but it seems that kids in this situation thrive with homeschooling. DS is very social, but I'm sure we could meet his needs there with extracurriculars instead of class.

Thanks, that does help. We're in the midst of evaluations right now, but it appears that DS has sensory processing disorder, and seems to be somewhere between ADHD and high-functioning autism. I started melatonin at night and there is already a big difference. I go back and forth about keeping him in preschool because of his behavior issues, but I really like the classroom (wonderful toys and crafts) and there are 2 teachers for 10 children (but sometimes he really does need 1 on 1). For now I think I will just keep him there until it's not working for him anymore. I am more eager to homeschool Kindergarten though because of the increased class size and expectations that I don't think he could meet at that age. I have to think some of his issues, although they won't disappear, will improve with age.

Ants will die quickly without a queen. If you want a functional ant farm that lasts, the best way is to capture a queen that has just mated. When all of the ants are flying around and mating, the queens that have already mated will be walking along the ground. Put one of those in the jar. She doesn't need to be fed at first, she will lay eggs and start her own colony. I can't find my favorite website on the subject, but there are many others that describe the process. Here's one. http://therealowner.com/exotic-unusual/ants-as-pets/

He said he would rather have only a couple pieces of candy and a toy car, that's easy enough for me to do. He doesn't have a huge sweet tooth like I do.

Or one of the giant bears that was sent by God to maul 42 children (2 Kings 2)! That could creep the kids out.

We are military, and there is going to be about 4 halloween parties, plus trunk or treat, plus regular trick-or-treating. Now we might not go to all of them, but DS does want to. He's really excited about this (and not the candy, but dressing up and parties). I just need to be prepared to toss out large amounts of candy, so *I* don't eat it :lol:. He's 5 in two months, if that makes a difference.

DS is hyperactive and gets worse with chocolate. I will still let him have a little bit of candy, but I'm looking for tips if you participate in Halloween but limit what (or how much) they get to eat after. Do you hide the stash? Divide it up?

What ages are these best for? Some of the cards say K-2 or K-8 but is it really good for that wide of an age range? I like the look but I just don't know what my (next year) K'er would get out of it.

I saw it mentioned here not too long ago. http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=289023

I use books from SL PK 4/5 (we've already read the P3/4 ones), Ambleside Yr. 0, Caldecott lists, and more! I will add in Veritas Press reading lists starting next year. Don't feel like you need to limit yourself! Choose your favorite style/base curriculum and then just keep adding in books.