Same here. Day 5 we play some math games and do a quick facts review.

I go by his birthday since that's how they're grouped at church and how it's recorded on his CPI form.

That's what I do too. If he's reading alone he has a gray see thru card.

DS, 8, uses NIV since his curriculum and kid's church use NIV. I use NASB, DH and DS, 19, use NLT.

BooksShouldBeFree

We started with OPG and BOB books, then added some Reading Reflex and ABeCeDarin stategies. We're now using AAR. I like them all for various reason. If I was buying for a new reader I'd go with AAR. My ds is dyslexic, so AAR has been a great fit for him.

I don't feel the need to supplement HOD in any subject. It's open enough that you can add extra reading books, but it isn't necessary at all. If you want extra readers an e-reader might be a better purchase than a bunch of books that have to be shipped and stored.

I've studied other tests, but this basic one shows how much the boostered child moves vs the harnessed child. The boostered child is older and taller, but you can still see how the body moves and twists vs the harnessed child that moves less AND the body stays in alignment. Every parent has to choose what they feel is best, but, as a 11 year certified tech, I choose to keep them harnessed as long as possible, 7 or older when possible.

All the crash test footage I've studied shows kids are safer left harnessed. A booster is not a restraint, all it does is aid the seat belt system in fitting a child. That means a 4 yr 40 lb child is only restrained by a 3 point belt which, in best case crashes, allows for a lot of movement. More movement equals a higher chance of injury. I do prefer a low profile harnessed restraint for older kids (Diono Radian vs Britax Marathon, for example) to reduce head excursion (how far the head travels forward in a crash). If you choose a booster for your 5 y/o, and if the Parkway still fits your 8 y/o, then I'd get another Parkway for your 5 y/o. If the 8 y/o is near outgrowing the height of the Parkway, then I'd look at a good fitting backless. My 8 y/o likes the fit of the Evenflo Amp and Harmony backless. I haven't tried him in any of the higher quality backless boosters since we don't have any around here. Just make sure the vehicle offers head protection from the top of the ears down. All kids need to stay in a booster until they pass the 5 step test, usually somewhere around 4'9"-4'11". hth.

We love Wii Sports and Wii Just Dance Kids; even regular games get my 8 y/o going. Many can be played sitting quietly on the couch, but I encourage him to get up and move.

Ours get a toothbrush, few candies and maybe a small gift (something to occupy them until after breakfast, small Lego kit, CD, etc).

Our boys' are from Lands End, so average size. Our boys get a toothbrush, few candies, and maybe a small gift, so it all fits. Dh and I don't have stockings (not that we hang).

I got a few good deals, all online with free shipping. Today I bought my annual wrapping paper at Walgreens, buy 1 for $1.99 get 2 free. :hurray:

This!

The 5 y/o girls I know would love it. Maybe add a real box of kid friendly tea and cookies.

We sound out each sound. So that's single letters until you get to th, sh, ck, etc. I do teach q as /qu/ = one sound since q and u stick together like glue.

I agree. :grouphug:

That word is unacceptable in home. However, our sons would also find it unacceptable, so not really an issue here.

I have a 3.5 and just turned 5 y/o girls here during my ds's school time. I just pull them up to the table with us. They have a basket of activities (whiteboard and markers, sorting bears, Play-doh and a few cutters, stickers, etc). As they work I point out letters, shapes, have them count, etc. It's all very informal, but they're learning a lot. During times where I need quiet (reading and spelling) they watch Leap Frog or look at books. They love to listen in on storytime, then I read them a couple picture books (they each choose one).

I agree. I hadn't bought any in several years and was very disappointed in what I bought this year. I wonder if Miller Paper would be better???

When our youngest did that the dr said use a little saline spray and let it work out. If his nose got stinky or had off colored muscus to see about further treatment. Seemed to work fine. When he stuck something in his ear a little olive oil got it out.

I'm not finding the full episode. Sorry! This has a clip. http://www.gamequarium.org/dir/SqoolTube_Videos/Science/Bill_Nye_Videos/

I love this book, and his others. I admit it is hard to digest through some of it, but I think you have to read deep into it. His message is to always dig deeper, grow closer, never stop striving to be more like Him. We'll never do enough or be enough, but our heart should be to try. Watching the videos along with the book helps to see Chan's heart.

:iagree:

I agree. And let them each go at their own pace. Make sure to do the oral review together and don't expect it to be independent (at least in the beginning). My now 19 y/o will tell you he really didn't like R&S English, BUT he'll also say it taught him everything he needed to know to score well on his ACT. He did R&S for 9-11th grade and gained a full education worth of skills.