Okay, I’m really frustrated right now… My daughter is eyeing a classical college program that is competitive and we have been doing research on college entrance exams. The CLT is probably the best fit, but from what they are telling me, although they offer a paper version for classical schools, homeschoolers are only eligible for their computerized version. All I’m asking is for her to go to a school that is offering the test and take it there. Computers aren’t her second home compared to a lot of kids in her generation. I have heard from some parents who said it was a struggle for their child to get comfortable with the computer format. In addition, I have read many places that students tend to score lower when taking a computerized versus paper version of a test. I have a dear friend who teaches at a classical school. She scoffed at the idea of her students taking a computerized test. She said homeschoolers can sit for both the SAT and AP exams at their school. I’m so disappointed with the CLT exam. It seems something very easy to fix, especially since schools are already set up for this. I have emailed and talked to a girl who just keeps deflecting, “I’m sorry. If you need help setting up the remote option, please let us know.” I also called to try to talk to a person, but they have not called me back. Has anyone else dealt with this and had any luck? I know I can’t be the only person who has an issue with this disparity.

For those who have used AOPS pre-algebra... did you have your child do every problem in the book? We are just starting and I am trying to figure out the right pacing for us. I really don't want it to take 2 years, but at the same time, I don't want my daughter skipping some questions that would have really benefited her.

My seven year old is challenging me, and I have no idea what to do, or how to help her. I can't handle the whining, complaining, and bad attitude any more. I talk reasonable, I give natural consequences, we talk about whining and complaining, but nothing helps. We don't give in to whining, but the consequences don't seem to have any affect on future actions. She just is not happy most of the time. Although she is one of 5, I really feel like we spend dedicated time with her during the day. She has always been a crier, though. She is just an emotional girl. We are a gf family, and I recently took dyes out of her diet. It has helped to some extent. Someone else answers a question in school... she whines. School is hard... she whines. (When I don't know if it really is. Once she focuses, she blows through it. It doesn't seem too easy, either.) But she doesn't want to watch *that* show... she whines. (Today it was a dolphin documentary I offered to put on. We watch very little tv. They actually watched something yesterday, but I offered an education documentary and explained that since it was a school week, she could watch that show or do something else. Whining, whining, whining.) People don't want to play what she wants... whining and complaining. (And she usually won't play unless it is on her terms. I mean, who wants a friend like that? She ends up a loner so much.) She is hot... whining. She can't figure out what to eat for a snack. I make suggestions... whine, whine, whine. I can't stand that if things aren't her way, she isn't happy. In a family of 5, that just doesn't fly. Any suggestions?

I am religous, so I can't really comment on how you might take it. From what I remember, I think you would still enjoy it. I have been reading Cindy's writing for a while and sort of held her up on a pedestal. I just assumed she did everything right and had this mothering/CM/morning time thing down. The book was a memoir of her real life, her messy real life. It was the first time I felt relatable to her. I took away that we are all imperfect a humans here just trying our best at homeschooling and mothering. It made me feel better about all my shortcomings.

What kind of eye test are they giving her? A friend of mine just found out her daughter was far-sighted. She is 6, as well, and has a lot of trouble reading. They were thinking dyslexia, or some other issue. Then a grandfather stepped in who noticed she had a hard time seeing close letters. The doctor's tests didn't catch that she couldn't see up close. She just got glasses that she wears when reading and she is flying through lessons. Worth looking into.

I feel like I remember seeing a list at one time where someone lined up all the SOL books, TOG books, and chapters from WTM. Does anyone know where I might find it? Many thanks!

Well, I'm past my due date with #5, and this has become the longest I have ever been pregnant. BUT, this has given me the time to comb lice out of the hair of my children that I discovered Friday and tackle the war zone that has become my house because of this.

I PMed you...

Oh my goodness, are you in luck! There are tons of places to eat gluten free. Two of our favorites are Rise Bakery (fully-dedicated gf bakery with the most amazing bagels, empanadas, croissants, etc -- yes, you read right!) and Legal's Seafood (I don't know if y'all like seafood, but they offer everything fried gf and have amazing gf rolls at the beginning.) There are tons of other options, but these are two we love to hit up. Do you have the "Find Me Gluten Free" app? It will give you a good idea of all DC offers. If y'all end up going and want more suggestions, just let me know!

I'm all about saving money. This is where I am leaning now, so thank you!

Yes, this is more what I need. Plus, my bank account appreciates it!

I needed to be reminded of this. Thank you!

I'm looking to take a break from math for a little and do something fun with the kids. Has anyone used the RS math games and can give me a little review?

You MUST book a tour of the Capitol through your representative. We live just outside DC and this has been one of our favorite things. It was a private tour where we could move along at our own pace with a wonderful staff member from the reps office. There is a museum in the Capitol and we saw a lot of behind the scenes stuff. Plus, it was all free!

This is great! I can see this as a problem. My mother-in-law actually passed me a book long ago about validating a child (as she was experiencing things with my grown sister-in-law and saw this as something they didn't do in her childhood.) I probably need to go read it!