What about the K12 elementary history? It is written by SWB, but might be different in its approach enough to work? Again, I haven't seen it - and I don't know if you can buy it cheaply used. I would give the SOTW to the mom to review with the above notes and let her decide. Or maybe go totally secular and try the PS "Social Studies" approach and let the rest happen in her own classes?

I have this bookmarked. There are 2 volumes, but one of my links is broken... so I dunno! Note, i'm not currently Jewish, nor have I reviewed this. http://www.behrmanhouse.com/sample-pages/history-of-the-jewish-people1

My DD didn't go to PS K until late January, so I have no idea what they covered in it. I know the school had a garden and I have seen the K'ers make the trip by it on 9/11. I hadn't thought about it as to the age thing since we were past it... But I agree, they should have been notified.

Due to the events of the day (court hearing with their Dad that was beyond pivotal in their life, yet htey didn't know how much), we actually didn't get to cover anything on it. They know about it, but my middle one is more sensitive and needs more guidance. I was surprised to see a friend that had her PS K'er have a whole lesson on it - she hadn't gone there yet with her, and they travel a lot (her father A LOT for work), and she really wasn't ready to take on the, "Planes can fly into buildings" aspect. She felt at K it should have been something the parents were notified about beforehand. It obviously upset her, she came out hours after bed and told them about it :( My oldest has known since the day it happened - she was 5.5, we were on the west coast so she watched parts of it happen live. I did let her teacher know then she knew - in case it caused problems with her classmates. I do want to do something with them this year on it... just need to figure it out.

I'm doing Connections for the first time for 3rd grade. Some days are long, some days aren't. There is a bigger flexibility than in the B&M school (Here in FL we get to use our 33 "holidays" as vacation days). I can easily be more or less involved in her lessons for the week. WIth all things legal, it has been a less involved week. Personally, if both parents were for it, I would advocate traditional homeschooling first. YOu can tailor to the child and don't need so much "seat work". If there are issues with that, I would certainly say to give it a try... just know that it might take you 6 hours to get done in the beginning as you make the transition. It just depends on your child and you really. Best of luck!

Apple's keynote program is easy and great! http://www.apple.com/apps/iwork/keynote/ It is going to be free for new devices soon. I have no idea how that will work - or what... I haven't read that part of the notes from Tuesday's announcement. Here is a tutorial from a couple of years ago: It should at least give you a feel for what to do with it!

IN elementary DDs was 11:19 to 11:49. It ran like clockwork, the kids marched... 'er, walked, on the painted lines. The high schoolers have less time I think - because they are trying to cram so many of them in. THey also didn't allow them TIME to buy lunch. If lunch ended and you hadn't gotten your food yet - too bad. One lady I talked to at gym about it said her DD was having lunch from 1-1:30.... school got OUT at 2!!! She was leaving the house to catch the bus about 6:15! My middle schooler had lunch with the 7th graders, so it was 12:45 I think. THe 8th graders went last. They didn't start school until 9:15 though.... got out at 4. Her bus didn't drop her off until 5. I'm dreading dealing with that place for the youngest - hoping my "life circumstances" are different enough in 3 years I don't have to worry about them.

Yesterday I went to court... At the last minute the ex agreed to sign what we had agreed to the night before.... Otherwise I was going to court for contempt. The good news is I do not have to send my middle schooler back to that place.... The place that is like a prison, they are proud they are on full lockdown all day.... Every day. I also lost the stress of co-owning my house with my ex for the next 10 years. That alone is going to be a positive. But the stress of the day.... Sucked. My kids were stressed because I couldn't stop crying. It was like the nasty divorce all over again. Because that was sooooo much fun the first time around. Not. Oh and my youngest has a massive sinus infection, which has made school hours hard this week. Ugh. Today is new day. New start in a way.....

It talks you thru it in the article I posted!

I have mega envy for this feature.... you have no idea!!!! :p Maybe someday I can own an iPad it will work on!!!

http://9to5mac.com/2013/09/08/how-to-use-ioss-guided-access-feature/ My excuse for not knowing about this is that we only have iPhones & Touches that run iOS 6, our iPad 1's do not. I really would like to use this feature.... but I thought I'd share it for those like me that did not know about it!

I would buy it if I had the extra money.... i've wanted it for years! Lakeshore Learning stuff is stout, and that has great reviews from buyers.

When my kids were in PS I filled out their form to be able to volunteer, which involved a background check. I wanted to help in my KIDS classroom. Instead, the volunteer coordinator called to schedule me for days and times WEEKLY with a teacher I didn't know. I did not have reliable transportation, I couldn't do that.... We didn't have room moms, teachers coordinated all parties. Parents could go to lunch as they wanted with the kids, other. Students could only join in if their parents gave permission. But general parents helping in their students classroom..... Not allowed. Volunteers reading and doing math with students? Done.... Especially in K where they have teams of "grandmas". We are near a retirement community. Those retired adults get preferential treatment for volunteering over the parents.

I have lived thru the experience where the distinction is important, and saw how HARD it is for those not in the "homeschooling community" to make the distinctions between the differences. It actually made me sad that 3 lawyers and 1 judge had such a difficult time with the concept. My kids were NEVER home schooled, yet I fought a fight in my divorce over homeschooling. My kids were private school students, receiving their education at home. A valid, legal option in the state of Florida. My own lawyer kept telling me it didn't matter - the judge would see it as homeschooling. I was flabbergasted at that.... but she was right. So as of right now, I have 2 private school students and 1 public school at home student. Yet once again, everyone keeps saying, "They are home schooled." Upholding the distinction is important, it is a slippery slope to change the law. The freedom to traditionally homeschool has been long fought before me, and it is important to uphold that right. Using the proper terms to "outsiders" is important to keep that right protected. That said, I am teaching my Connections Academy student.... they provided me with detailed lesson plans and tell me what to say to her. She does not get all of her instruction online... BUT, she has a teacher, and I am her Learning Coach. Our experience has been positive the last 3 weeks with it.... and she tells everyone she is doing "virtual school".

I feel like that is a trick question..... I wish we were going!!! Have fun!

Darn. That is the practical take on it.... Maybe just sway him into garden riding trains instead?????? (I want one of those too!)

I'd let him make one here if he was paying :p Maybe...... LOL!

The Supercharged SCience physics marble run uses pipe-insulation too. I haven't watched the lesson on it though.

SO I really need to READ this book huh??? It is sitting right here in my Kindle app......

http://www.knex.com/Educators/amusement_park_experience.php The K'nex educational stuff comes with instructions and stuff for teaching it. Also, even though they might be beyond him - he would probably really enjoy the Disney Imagineering Videos! http://dep.disney.go.com/imagineering.html They have a new website - and there is a roller coaster builder too! (here is the link to the home version - the link thye have is for a classroom at $30, home is $5! http://www.dep-store.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=77E39VL00 )

I bought a used 1st edition and still need to read it, I owned the 2nd and loaned it out... never to see it again. I will eventually by the 2nd I think, but I'm not sure I will do more than borrow the 3rd from the library.

YOu can get adjustable legs for the Ikea table/desk tops. I'm currently typing at a "typing height" desk that is about, um, at least 25 years old, it is about 25.5" inches high. I have always preferred this table height - and would never force my kids to work at the kitchen table. *I* don't like working at one that tall. When I worked in a cubicle - I dismantled my office space and lowered the desks. So we use these tables with adjustable chairs. In addition, we have Ikea bar stools that they sit at at the "project" table area that allows them to be at a good height. I use a drafting table chair at my Expedit desk, and then it will go back into my craft room to my table there. I basically cannot stand having a tall table!

I'm shooting for once a month right now. Aug: waterpark on Friday Sep: play at Orlando Rep Oct: had an amazing Legoland opportunity arise Nov: Ren Faire Dec: another play Jan: another play My ex is currently fighting to have the kids return to PS, but the first four trips will happen regardless.

Oh man. I want that one!!!!!!

I could go out during the week if it was school related... then on the weekends. DD does most of her socializing after school and early evening, so that doesn't pertain. I think that 3 evenings out is reasonable though....