Thank you. I'll check those out.

I'm in the midst of searching for a Geology or Earth Science with lab for my dd. Can you link or give more info to the recorded course you found online? Thanks:)

I copied and pasted tests and quizzes into a Word document in case we need them later. I printed the grade listing and syllabus. I had my daughter forward me all her homework, projects, lab reports, etc. so that I have a copy.

Our dd has taken Spanish 2 and 3 with Senor Gamache - La Clase Divertida. She enjoys the class. I like that it is a live, interactive class with no parent involvement needed (as long as the student is staying up on their work). He takes care of all the assignments and grading. We are looking for Spanish 4 for next school year and will likely enroll with Ray Leven. He has been very responsive and helpful so far. Also, he will be using the same textbook publisher with online work that my dd has been using with La Clase Divertida. So I think this will be a good fit for her. Sharon

We have also been very happy with La Clase Divertida high school Spanish online. My dd has taken Spanish 2 and 3 with Senor Gamache over the past two years. The classes meet twice a week with additional workbook, textbook and online work during the week. The classes are live and interactive. Senor Gamache does all of the grading. Since I know nothing about Spanish, these classes have been wonderful!

Most of my dd's classes were outsourced to a local TOG and science group and were fine. Our biggest hit was La Clase Divertida High School Spanish. The format of on-line interactive lessons was awesome. The textbook and on-line homework were great. My dd enjoys Senor Gamache as her instructor. He really has a heart to teach the kids so they understand and are pushed to do their best.

We have found a number of things that are helpful to my dd's focus, attention and fidgeting. We have implemented the Feingold diet (well, my own version from reading books and not buying the total program). Based on that we avoid food dyes and perservatives. Vitamin A Palmitate is definitely a trigger for dd. One interesting thing I have found about the diet is that once we started (at age 7) my dd was totally on board. She can definitely tell that she is calmer and feels more in control when she is eating the right things. Fish oil Serving protein at breakfast and getting morning exercise. It is amazing how much more difficult the day is when I give in to waffles or pancakes. Sharon

OhElizabeth, Thanks for the wealth of info and advice. I am a bit embarrassed that I did not see your post yesterday and respond. I do not think my page was refreshing as I thought it was. I do need to look into the doctor my dd saw at Hopkins. I do not think he is a COVD, but I did not know to look for that at the time. So, now I need to do some back-tracking. I am with you that there is so much more that needs to be worked on than handwriting. My initial thought was to work on it over the summer, because in reality it is overwhelming to think of working on everything all at once. So, I am taking one step at a time. At any rate, I had my dd use the standard three -ine handwriting paper yesterday and today to do some copywork. She did okay yesterday, and I showed her where I thought she could improve. She did awesome today! I am thrilled she wants to work hard and do well. So, right now I am hoping some extra practice will be the trick and then I will feel comfortable moving on to typing. Thanks for the keyboard info by the way :) Sharon

joyOT, Thanks for all the info. I was actually looking at the Therapy Shoppe paper yesterday and getting some ideas. My dd's evaluator actually commented on how suprised she was that my dd had the correct pencil grip and paper slant. I am so thankful this is one less thing to work on:) I do need to be dilligent about how she sits in her chair and places her feet. She tends to wiggle about. Sharon

We are getting ready to do the ITBS next week, and I am dreading it. It always makes my dd feel frustrated and negative about herself.

Lecka, Thanks for sharing your experience. I am glad the OT is helping your son. My dd knows how to form all the letters properly. I am now thinking I am going to have her do some copywork each day and really concentrate on the act of writing. Most of her writing is currently for English or spelling. Some targeted practice might really help. Sharon

Paula, My dd did do the writing 8 exercises from Dianne Craft 2 years ago to help with letter reversals. The writing 8 basically "cured" the reversals. We do plan to teach typing as I have heard that would be a help to her. I am just hoping to have some legible handwriting as well. She does not have issues getting her thoughts on the paper or getting too tired writing, the handwriting is just very difficult to read. So, in your experience did the HWOT printing program not help your dd? My dd thinks the wet,dry,try sounds fun (I am sure that will last all of 1 week:)) but I do not want to spend a lot of time if the results are unlikely. Sharon

wapiti, Thank you for the link to the lazy 8's. I will definitely look more into that and Brain Gym. We had a vision evaluation at John Hopkins almost 2 years ago now, but that is something to consider. Thank you for your advice to continue working on the cursive. I have also read that the continuous nature (not picking up the pencil) is better. My dh and I see value in having good manuscript as an adult for filling out forms and things. I am not sure if the print will come along as she gets older or if it really needs work. Sharon

Hi, My 9 yo 3rd grade dd was recently diagnosed with dyslexia. I am trying to determine how to help her with handwriting. She has issues with proportion, spacing and not staying on or within the proper lines. Basically her words are either all squished together or majorly stretched out and the letters are all over the place. Her issues are the same whether she is attempting to print or write in cursive. Her issues are also the same whether she uses wide-ruled notebook paper or three-lined handwriting paper. My husband and I have talked about it some, and we would really like her to have nice manuscript. We think it will serve her well throughout her life. So, how do I know what to do? I am considering using the 2nd grade HWOT printing program, because I think the mulitsensory lessons could help. But I have also read that some kids need more real life practice - copywork, writing across all subjects. Is there a way to know if she needs more specific instruction or just more practice? As with many things, I wish I had known a few years ago how much direct instruction and extra practice my dd would need. But now I need to look forward and determine how best to help my dd. If you have experience remediating handwriting using HWOT, I would love to hear how it went. Thanks, Sharon

I am interested in the same thing. I have been thinking about trying Reading Assistant. Thank you for reminding me that the deal ends on Monday! Sharon