We usually take off the same as the public school kids (end of May until mid-August) because I have extra day care kids here in the summer. This year, however, we completed everything about 2 weeks early. :D He still reads everyday, we have devotional, he works on his verses for church, plays math games, etc., just no offical "school". So far, we've enjoyed having time for fun stuff and the great weather.

I currently use HOD. We work on a "day" until it's done, however long that takes. We try to do math and reading everyday. If I miss something that I know I really want to go back to (especially a project), I'll jot it on a sticky note and move the note until it's done. For my oldest, when I did all the planning, I did like was discussed in the pp. I numbered days and checked each subject off as it was completed. So we might be working on day 27 of science and day 34 of history. Using the number system made it easier, and kept me from feeling like I failed at getting it all done. We also, occasionally, had catch up days. It worked well and he was always finished by the end of our school year.

Our district won't test. We have one sliding scale center that does testing and works with students, but it has a very long waiting list. Reading together every single day, using AAS, tracking with a notched card, and patience has been very beneficial for my ds.

We don't allow kids at ours. It's crazy packed even without kids. We do allow babies if they're worn, but no strollers. Ours is always held on Saturday- but that wouldn't help me if I didn't have childcare because my dh works Saturdays.

We gave our ds flowers, and had cake after. :D

I agree with both of these. I would have him read to you everyday. Have him use an index card with the corner notched out or some other tracking devise. Have him correct himself when he misreads. If he continues to struggle I'd have his eyes checked by a dev/op and look into further help. You can also look into ways and programs to help that you can do at home. The above link has good videos. Dianne Craft has good info too. http://www.diannecraft.org/ I'd also look at what reading and spelling program you're using and make sure it fits his needs.

None of the choices in the poll really fit us. I firmly believe my dh is the head of our home and his word is final. BUT, we're equal in our opinions and listen and compromise and whatever it takes to make our marriage/parenting work. We don't always agree, but I can't imagine either one of us overriding the other. I've read statements many times like- my dh won't let me, or my dh made me. That's not how my marriage works. It has nothing to do with being a hs'er. Has everything to do with following Jesus.

Our 3rd grade plans are in my siggy. HOD's Bigger Hearts with R&S English 2 All About Spelling MUS Gamma HWT Cursive

I was almost 27, dh was 29. I, however, have been with dh since I was 21.

I would use LHFHG simply because it's K and school should be fun, relaxed, and an introduction to higher learning. You can always do math on level, have her copy her verse, or whatever. It isn't hard to beef it up. It's a great introduction to narration, the Burgess books are fun, and the day is short. We used it for 1st and it was great. The right side of the page is so easy to do on level, while the left side is fun for kids. You also have to consider if you did Beyond for K, that would put her in Bigger for 1st, Preparing for 2nd grade. That is really young!

I switched to a program that allows me NOT to plan. I spend about an hour or two in the summer making sure I have everything printed, in binders, a loose list of supplies, etc. Then, on weekends during the year, I try to skim over the next week to make sure I have everything I need. That takes less than 5 minutes. During the week everything is open and go.

There's lots of videos on how to use (and make) a wrap on YouTube. With a little help and practice, it really isn't hard. I didn't try one until my ds was much older. I think they'd be great for a newborn. Look for a car seat that has the harness adjuster up front (hangs down between the feet area). They are MUCH easier to use than a rear adjusting one. As I said above, I love the Chicco Keyfit (so easy to use). Graco is good too, if you get a front adjuting one. Evenflo has a new one coming out that looks very promising. I like Britax too. I do try to keep the cost down on the infant seat because I always buy higher end, more $$ convertible car seats later on. I want one that keeps baby/toddler/preschooler rear facing until 40-45 lbs, is easy to use, and installs well in my vehicle. I currently have Sunshine Kids (now called Diono) Radians. I've had Britax seats and love them too. The First Years True Fit is nice too. You can compare sizes here: http://sites.google.com/site/carseatmeasurements/ Make sure the seat installs securely (less than 1" of movement at the belt path), the harness is always snug on baby (you can't pinch the harness at the collar bone), chest clip at armpit level. No bulky clothing or blankets between baby and harness. Put any blankets on top of the hanress. If you like a cover for the car seat itself, only get one that covers the top (never one that also goes under baby). PM me anytime I can be of help. hth. and Congratulations!

For a newborn, I need a good, easy to use, front harness adjuster infant car seat (Chicco Keyfit is my fave, Graco SR 30 is good too), a stack of newborn fitted cloth diapers and 4 covers, a Mei Tai and pouch (I had a Babyhawk and Hot Sling), a couple swaddling blankets (love the A&A ones), a few lightweight cotton sleepers and/or gowns, good quality breastpads (I used Lansinoh) a boob and my bed. Things I like having, some type of vibrating swing, bouncer, etc a backpack or messenger style diaper bag cotton pants/shirt sets for cooler weather, soft sole shoes, like Robeez, etc good quality, non-petroleum lotion and butt cream I add to that list as they get older.

Our oldest came home after 6th. It wasn't necessarily because it wasn't going well. We just felt called to do it.

Exactly.

You should be able to open the Kindle on your computer (wherever you saved it) and the books will be there. Or, open it on Amazon.

I loved it with my oldest! We used some of the spines and then picked whatever other books/movies the library had available. The nice thing about Michelle's list is it's just a list of books/movies she knows about on the topic. She does mark those she loves, but nothing is a must read. You can use whatever you have available on the topic, can just read the commentary, whatever works for you. Michelle is very much a young earth creationist, so that needs to fit your beliefs. As much as I love TQ, I was tired of planning and put my youngest in Heart of Dakota. It still fits my beliefs and Carrie (the author) has planned it all out for me. I only have one to school tho. If I was teaching kids together then I'd likely have stuck with TQ.

It depends on what you want out of the program. I use the older style Intermediate ones with my ds. We do them together, so anything he can't read is easy enough for me to read. We do one side at a time, plus a few minutes of review. We, however, don't do them everyday. If it was me, I'd get the two levels of student pages (Beginner and Primary or two Beginners if you think your older won't be bored) and the summary cards. I really doubt you need the teacher pages; perhaps later, but not at this level.

I guess that's why I don't follow that schedule with younger kids. I wouldn't read any of those titles to my ds- just finished 2nd grade. There is sooooo much wonderful literature available for this age. I'd enjoy it together and worry about the deeper stuff when ds is older. .02

My oldest sometimes ate lunch at the high school when he was dual enrolled. If he had money in his account they just scanned his ID. If not, he went through the cash line, they scanned and he paid. It was all very private.

But that wouldn't cause our 9-13 y/o's to need it. I would much rather my child wait until they're old enough to make that decision for themself. .02

We're a no vax family, but if we did vax I wouldn't allow this one for the reason stated below.

I think so too. I paid $20 new for my 3'x2'.

:D Congratulations x2!!! :D

Both have good crash results, except the Kia scores poorly for roof strength. http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=416 http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=637 A Carfax should be a must have on both vehicles. ETA: Looks like the Kia gets about 2 more mpg.