My kids (12, 9, almost 7, and 4) checked out a terrific animal encyclopedia from the library, and now they are all begging to learn more about animals. Since the science I planned for this year has pretty much been a bust, I'm considering doing something the whole family can participate in, each at his own level. Anyone ever do this? Suggestions? Thanks!

Thank you everyone! Checking all of these out!

Hi! DS (almost 12) is fascinated by the whole creationism (our church teaches) vs evolution (we have always taught this at home, but we are open to learning more too) argument. We have the book It Couldn't Just Happen. Does anyone know of a comparable book on evolution written at an early middle school level? Does anyone have any other ideas about resources or projects we could do surrounding this topic? Thanks!

Ds (almost 12) is working through CLE 5. He really struggles in math, and CLE has been a life saver for us! He has lots of trouble with the word problems in each lesson, though I don't think they are meant to be particularly difficult. I am looking for a way to give him more practice with these types of problems. Does anyone have any suggestions? Something with step-by-step explanations would be great, since I am weak in math myself. Thanks! :)

Thank you so much everyone! I really enjoyed hearing everyones tips. I have really simplified our lives as much as I feel like I can right now. I have a daughter newly diagnosed with OCD and other things we are still attempting to sort out. She is behind academically, so I will be putting any extra energy I have toward spending some extra time with her. You all seem very strong and determined and that makes me feel less overwhelmed at the idea of homeschooling when I'm not feeling my best!

Thank you so much for this!! I have never heard of relora, it looks interesting! I am currently dairy and wheat free (mostly), and my body seems to require a ton of protein, so I try to eat some at every meal. I'll look into those protein shakes. I am so glad you are so much better!!!

Wow! Thanks so much for this info. I had no idea. I will look into it for sure!

Thanks for the suggestions! I had thought about Sjogren's when my eye issues started, but I've had a negative ANA and thought that ruled it out??

Thanks! Just pm'd you.

I didn't know there was a group like that. I'll look for it. I'm sorry we are all dealing with this, but it's nice not to feel alone! :)

Thank you so much! That is all great advice. I especially appreciate your last paragraph! I have seen my family dr, ob, cardiologist (I have mild mitral-valve prolapse which they say would not cause fatigue), and now a naturopath many times. I have not seen a rheumatologist--didn't think to do that because I have no joint (or any other) pain. Just this fatigue that will not get better no matter how many hours, eye issues (dry eyes, etc), and now slight dizziness.

For me, one big thing I miss is exercise. I used to be an aerobics instructor for heavens sake, and exercise has always been a great stress reliever. Now, I have to be very careful what I do or I don't have energy for anything else!

You have posted on a few of my threads about fatigue and I always appreciate your thoughts. How did you recover from your CFS symptoms? Any tips you care to share?

I am going into my 3rd year of periods of unexplained fatigue. Sometimes I have good months--last year I had 5 great months, but the tiredness came back. I am not officially diagnosed with CFS, but every test is normal and nothing seems to make me feel better for long. For the first time, planning for this school year, I am simplifying and preparing to teach the way I feel now instead of hoping I will get better and stay better and then being constantly frustrated that I can't do things the way I used to, or pushing myself so that I feel horrible at the end of every day. I am not giving up on finding the cause behind this fatigue, but I feel relieved to be planning to teach like the person I am NOW. Is anyone else in the same boat?

OP here. Thanks so much for the advice everyone! I think I have a plan, and I'm slowly putting it into action... 1. Sleep! I have strange cycles of insomnia alternating with normal sleep hours (8) that leave me feeling really unrefreshed. I'll be visiting a sleep clinic before the end of summer. Till then, I am doing the best I can with sleep hygiene stuff and I have made a 45 minute rest time a mandatory part of our day. This will continue on throughout the school year because I LOVE it. I am having no guilt about it either! :) 2. Exercise: My goal is a daily 15 minute walk and 15 minutes of yoga after dh gets home. That is what feels good to my body right now, so that's what I'm starting with. 3. Diet: Adding vegetables! That's it for now. I am determined that this is the year I will start to feel better!

Thanks so much everyone! I think we may go with a bunch of Cynthia Rylant books. I love those! I also really like the idea of magazines. My 6 year old would like those Bad Kitty ones as well. Oh, in case this helps anyone reading with a younger advanced reader, the Little Golden Books were perfect for my 5 year old this year--more difficult language and lots of pictures :) Thanks again everyone!

My 2 daughters both read at a mid-third grade level. I would love to find a few book series for the girls to read through during quiet reading time. I want to avoid junky stuff like the Frozen chapter books (ugh) if possible. My almost 9 year old has enjoyed the Kingdom of Wrenly series and we are buddy-reading the Ramona books. My 6 year old loves funny or strange stories. She and I are reading an abridged version of Dr. Dolittle and she really likes it. Anyone have suggestions? Thanks!

Thanks so much everyone! (OP here again). I don't mean to be vague. I guess I don't really know what I'm asking. I'm just so tired of feeling drained, and I felt better for awhile and thought I'd found an easy fix and now I feel bad again and I'm frustrated! :( I've had tons of bloodwork and everything is normal except ferritin (a little low--working on it) and cortisol (a little high--working on it). I think I need a lifestyle adjustment, but I have trouble thinking of myself first without the GUILT, so I was just looking for pointers. You guys have helped and given me lots to think about. This is really, really not what I mean! :) I'm on the slim side (genetics), but that other stuff makes me laugh cause it is so not me and not my goal at all. I just want to feel healthy!

OP here. My energy has been so low these past few years. I am seeing a naturopath. He had me on some supplements that really made me feel much better. Sadly, they also caused side-effects, so I had to stop (heart palps, etc.) I am still working to find the right balance of supplements, but in the meantime, I am realizing that I have done a very poor job of keeping myself healthy (physically, spiritually--in every way) I am realizing that I need to make a major change in lifestyle in order to feel better--there is not going to be a quick fix. So, I was just looking for pointers from those who make sure their own needs don't get overlooked. :)

How do you do it? What do you do? I NEED to make this a priority this year, but I am really, really bad at it. It seems like it should be easy, but I struggle! Words of wisdom??

Thanks everyone! This gave me some things to think about! :)

Thanks everyone! The kids all have chores, but I need to be more strict about having them do them well. This year, we were able to finish by 1:00 with table work, but it was too much of a push by the end of the year, when our starting time kept creeping later and later. I think an early start may be the key, and maybe pushing a little table work until after lunch.

Oh my goodness, it's a miracle you are still sane! :) A routine and not a timed schedule is the way for us to go this year too, I think. Thanks! We do at least try to do a lot of this. We haven't done the staggered start times yet, though--I think I'll try that. Thanks!

Can you share your daily routine during the school year? (Bonus if you also have a pre-schooler :) I am trying to figure out how to balance 2nd/3rd grade, 1st/2nd grade, 6th grade, and a 3 year old while still getting in chores, plenty of outside time, read-aloud time, and quiet time (the last one is mostly for me). I'd love to hear how others do it! Thanks!

Now I'm thinking Math: Finish MM1 (we have 2 more chapters), then into MM2. LA: HWOT 2, Good and the Beautiful 1 or 2 for grammar/phonics/spelling (we may speed through 1 and then slow down at 2), HOD 3rd grade reader pack (she's an advanced reader), bits and pieces of WWE1 Science: Complete Book of Animals plus some DVDs History: Beautiful Feet Early American, semester 2 (without the guide) and Liberty's Kids DVD's Lots of picture books and some fun chapter book read alouds I am going for a Mom-doesn't-have-to-spend-all-day-Sunday-planning year for all 3 of my school aged kids because I am burned out!! :)