No suggestions, but a word of encouragement. I too purchased Right Start and wanted desparately to use it, but it was teacher intensive since I had not learned that way. I finally decided I should be fully capable of teaching elementary level math and switched to a more straight forwad program. I have not regretted it and feel that a program that gets done (since I can easily teach it) is better than the best program that only sits on a shelf. I am also desparately trying to get geared up to use my SWR that I even took the trainging for but still find incredibly teacher intensive. I know that I need to invest time somewhere, but with four boys to teach and keep track of, there are only so many hours in a day! So it isn't only you!

One more quick thought, something else that has worked well is to have a list of activities/assignments posted at the beginning of the day so that he can check them off as we go along. It becomes more of a challenge to start quickly with the finish line in sight.

I have had this issue numerous times with my now 9yo ds. What finally worked for us was removing myself from the equation. He is given a list of specifics to accomplish, some of which can be accomplished on his own, some of which need my help. I let him know when I will be free to help him, and he must then plan around that. It gives him the freedom to get it done on his own time, without me nagging. On the flip side, there are consequences for his not getting it done, such as not getting to go play outside with the neighbor or watch a movie/special activity that his brothers are doing, etc. until it is done. He definately challenged this at first and ended up a few days behind, but we have a group we get together with weekly, so I planned the beginning of the approach in order to give him a couple of days notice, but with the warning that if work wasn't complete, he wouldn't be going. It is hard to take away the things that he loves and I know are positive, but it only took a couple of times and he decided it was eaiser to just get it done. Now when I say "Time for science/history" he is agreeable, because he knows that when I might get to it next will be the exact time he wants to go out and play. It may be a bit harder to do this with an almost 2nd grader, but modify it so that he has some control, and set the limits to work for you (such as done by lunch time or...) Good Luck and stick with it, it won't be the last time you have such a situation with him, but it is all worth the effort!

Okay, I just checked it out, but am unsure of how to get things to it without copy and paste, is there an easier way? What type of things do you use it for?

Thanks for posting this, I have the program and never knew what it was for, so haven't used it.

You all have some great resources here, thanks for sharing!

I know for us that our income is fixed, and I used to be able to make ends meet, now with the price of groceries and gas, and with property taxes going up, it is becoming harder and harder to get through the month. I am selling curriculum, and we are counting change. Our lifestyle has not changed, but the economy definately has!

Definately would choose internet!

Very odd! Guess it is possible to go back and do it all again!:)

Looks interesting.

I am able to do most of my shopping all at once at Sam's club and Trader Joes, and plan my meals out for one month at a time. It seemed daunting at first, but saves so much time in deciding what we will eat for each meal. I keep each weekly menu to use in planning the next month so I don't have to thin of all the meals again. Since all of the meals are planned around what I got in my mega shopping, I simply keep a list at the bottom of each weekly menu that lists what I need to buy for that week (broccoli, hamburger buns, etc.) and I buy only those items and whatever fresh produce we need. By not wandering into the local grocery store frequently, I have found I save money by not buying things I don't really need, as well as gas savings on less trips. It takes a bit to get this routine ging, but I have found it well worth it.

cutting paper and using hole punches are a favorite of my 3yo ds. If you can't trust him with scissors, tie them to a table leg so he can't wander off and do any damage. Also water and bean tables are always fun. Just a bit of water in a bin w/ somepouring, measuring type things are great, and dried beans or rice in a bin with matchbox cars are fun, as well as scoops and things. It doesn't have to be a lot (no more than you want to clean up later) but it can entertain for a while. Also, use some of these activities only for a timed session, than take away for another time, it keeps them more interested whe they are available.

I have an American Harvester, and have use the Ronco brand ones as well. The American Harvester is definately a top of the line one, and I highly reccomend one with a fan (AH has one). I have dried everything from zucchini, summer squash, beans, carrots, herbs, apples to fruit leather. I love it!

I would highly second the Diva cup, once she has gotten comfortable with tampons, and realize that there is a bit of a learning curve with the Diva cup, but so much less expensive than tampons.

Ha, living the same thing here, although the 12 seems to have finally figured it out, so there is hope!