LOL, Lori, I'll see your comment on the students who might not know in high school (or early college years), and raise you one who didn't have fun taking the tests either! (Thankfully my second enjoyed them though!). However, I agree about checking with the local CC or university--ours offered career search help even to students not yet enrolled. (They did a Strong's Inventory, gave us access to a large website with all kinds of "day in the life" type of info on various careers, and even met one-on-one with my students...multiple times with the one who still isn't sure...)

It's actually pretty easy to restructure those curricula that have several resources chopped into daily bites (I routinely restructured Sonlight to read as much as we wanted in one history book at a time, for example). However, as a slightly easier take on your suggestion, I would consider this: Don't rush through SOTW. Spend the year on SOTW 1. Put together a book basket instead of having your child choose from a whole shelf. Let her pick from a basket on a topic (such as Ancient Egypt) and then you/she can read that book together. As you move on to a new culture, change out your book basket. I think you'll find the foundation makes a bit more sense while still allowing her freedom to choose books that look interesting to her.

I wonder if you could find a local science course of some kind or a tutor or an online class--something that might meet more of his social needs and make it not quite as tedious for him. I found my kids still had time to pursue interests even around the requirements. And the upper-level thinking skills that math requires are, I think, helpful, even if they don't directly use all that they learn again. (He'll definitely use it in college though--even as a liberal arts major, he would need a math course that is going to build on that Alg. 2 base.)

As others have said, definitely yes to Algebra II (less than that and he would be in remedial math in college, and would also not score very well on college entrance tests like ACT/SAT). Algebra II is a pretty universal requirement. Most state colleges want to see 3 sciences, 1 or 2 with labs--you may see some variance here, so check with the schools in your area that you might consider (and of course look at private schools he would consider as well). Around us, a typical requirement is to specifically mention biology as one of the 3 required sciences, but chemistry and physics are listed as optional for meeting the 3-science requirement. (Even our local Community College requires high school biology for students wanting to enter a degree-seeking AA or AS program for transferring, so it's a really typical requirement in my state). I allowed my non-stem major to choose science topics he was interested in and only required biology (one of his chosen topics was robotics, which I'm sure some schools might not classify as fulfilling the science requirement specifically--but since my kids start at the CC before transferring, I was okay with it being in the broader "science and technology" category. And he still had to take 2 sciences for his AA degree, one being a lab.). My stem major did bio-chem-physics and Advanced Bio (her favorite).

There are so many gen-eds that they need to take (economics can be one), and these can really expand their horizons. I do find that I can suggest classes ("Hey, you should look at this," or "hey, have you read a course description for that?" etc...)--they can look at those classes and then decide from there.

If you do a search for a "mini office" online, you'll find tons of ideas of what you could include. We did one using file folders, but display boards etc... could work well too. It's a fun thing they can personalize and can also put information they use for school on it.

My son always wanted to read chapter books too, and really wasn't interested in many "beginning" reading books. We did a lot of buddy-reading with chapter books because of that. So, I'm with the others--keep working on lessons through A Beka, but let him read Little House if he wants to!

We had the "computers in public areas only" rule, but we did have other screen issues. I would consider carefully the rules you want for things like phones, Nintendo DS's, tablets etc... if you have them. Also, consider things like Netflix carefully (because they can get these on all devices, and once they know that, you can easily have everyone in separate rooms watching their own things and poof goes the family dynamic of watching things together). Don't just think about how to avoid having your kids find bad stuff online (which they will, either on purpose or accidentally stumble across), but think about things like the family dynamic and screens affecting sleep, even though you can't imagine that now. I knew a family that had everyone turn in all screens at a set time (I think it was either 9 or 10 pm)--great idea to get kids off screens & doing something like reading before bedtime (screens before bed disturbs brain waves and quality of sleep). I wished I had established that habit, but it just never occurred to me until it became an issue and was fairly entrenched. It's easier to put a boundary in place now than to take away a freedom later. Build bridges rather than getting drawn into power struggles--find ways to connect one on one ("date" your teens), listen to what they are interested in (even if you aren't), remember it's all important to them, take time to connect--walk alongside. Let them fail sometimes--we learn a lot through our failures. Let them know you're always there for them. Have fun and love your teens--these really are great years!

I honestly wonder if some of it is being around other kids who may be talking about annoying younger siblings--sometimes attitudes like that can multiply and make a tough situation worse. I think I'd have a serious heart to heart with him because the attitude he's expressing (that he "can't be expected" to get along with her) is a big issue. I'd let him know that sending his sister to school is not an option, and that everyone needs to find a way to get along. I'd ask him to go pray about solutions--what can the family do differently, but also what can he do differently to make homelife more peaceful? It IS a tough age gap when one child is in junior high and one is in that 8-ish range--the older one no longer wants to be lumped in with the "little kids," is maturing and often wants to be seen as a young adult--but part of growing up and maturing is learning how to be around all kinds of people and to be kind.

Can you show him the options? I'd see what he thinks of them. I'd definitely get him going on something though--hard to turn down that kind of enthusiasm!

One of the transfer schools my son is applying to wants ACT/SAT scores even though he would be transferring with an Associate's Degree.

A lot of people try to build this possibility into the college selection process. Many, perhaps most, kids will change majors. Expect it and plan for it. Our situation is not that tightly orchestrated (our kids start at a CC for their Associate's and then will transfer to a 4- year school...So the HOPE is that by then they'll know! I'll advise my kids not to transfer yet if they aren't sure, just because there's limited money set aside and they'll have to take out loans to make up the rest. We won't be able to help year-to-year except with little things like transportation and books. I do confess that while I'm bracing myself for the possibility, I hope my dd doesn't change her mind! Not because of any logistics but because it's so much less stressful to me personally if they know and the path is clear! I don't want both kids to be undecided, LOL! But...I know it's possible and will keep that little tidbit to myself, a few friends, and the WTM world, LOL! At that point, it's our kids' choice. We advise and lay out possibilities, but other than the money we set aside, how long they take to complete the degree, whether they switch majors, whether it's a strong field with good job prospects...these are their choices. I will say that I'm still a believer in the Liberal Arts education, and think it has value and benefits even though the career path is not one that's clearly laid out. So, that choice actually doesn't bother me at all (it probably intimidates my oldest much more than it does me--he wants a clear plan, and I just don't think life always offers one!) It can be so much more costly now to change directions than it was back when I went to school! So, there is some intimidation involved, definitely! I would really like my kids to complete either a Bachelor's degree or enter some kind of trade. I'm fine with a gap year between the Associate's and going back to complete a Bachelor's if they work or have some kind of purpose for that year. There would probably be sparks if they wanted to stay home and play video games for a year, LOL! Other than that, we can only set them up so much in our situation, and they're going to have to make choices and then live with those choices. We just want to walk alongside and cheer them on (and will try not to freak out internally too much in the process!) (I do have a "freak-out" week about twice a year where I try to figure out my kids' future for them. When I realize it's futile, I go back to being content for another 6 months or so. And pray. Pray lots! :-). )

I used it and required it (and I don't remember using any materials that taught otherwise...APA and MLA style both use it.)

Honestly, since you have a new baby coming, I probably wouldn't change anything. Even if A Beka is light for 2nd grade, the trade-off in having something very familiar for both of you is worth it during a transition year like this. I really don't think you can mess up 2nd grade (and for all the pushing that schools do, I don't know that the end results for reading, writing, math etc... bear fruit). I wouldn't change anything that's working unless you really fall in love with something new! You don't need a writing curriculum for 2nd grade. He is writing for fun! Let him and don't mess with that process at all right now. Praise him and encourage him and let it continue to be fun. Congrats on your little one to come, btw!

I just always did the next thing. See if the curriculum you would be using has a placement test to help you decide if your student is ready.

Not crazy at all! I would even say that it makes sense to choose materials that speak to you in each subject area. I hope you have a great first year!

Almost every area where I had to put my foot down and insist that things get done, my son has later come back and thanked me, admitting that it was really needed and necessary for his college classes (especially in the areas of writing and math). So for any areas where you don't find an option like an online or video class, I guess I'd like to encourage you that there is value in pushing for your son's education. But give both of you some freedom--you don't have to be the source, and not being that source is not failing him at all. I do think I'd lay the options out for him. Be up front. "I know you don't like doing xyz. Why do you think I'm pushing for you to do this?" (Ask in a very conversational way, not defensive etc...). I'm betting he can't honestly say "I don't know" or anything like that. I'm betting he actually knows but doesn't want to admit why. But in case he really seems not to know, I'd say, "Look, I want what's best for you, and I am also following the laws in our state. Our state says xyz is needed. Here are college/trade programs that you could go to that say xyz is needed. Here's what a GED program would have you study--xyz is needed." Remember that this is an emotional issue for you, but no matter how emotional your son gets, it's probably not really the same kind of emotional issue for him. We take our homeschooling so much more personally than boys do--and what can feel like ruining your relationship may not at all be that way for him. But--see what you can do to build bridges AND help him to get what's needed. "You can do this with me, or with a GED, public school, or through a CC..." or whatever options are available in your area. GED and other options are NOT "failures" on your part. Look at it this way--you want him to have what he needs educationally. He wants to be a young, independent grown man who is not "under" his mom. This is normal, healthy growth for any young person, but can be intensified with teen boys (I see it as important for girls too but it plays out differently--sometimes in more subtle ways that can surprise you later). He wants to be respected. Laying out his choices in a matter-of-fact way--"here's the next step in life for education, here's how I know it's needed (ie from college, state requirements etc...), and here are your options for fulfilling this. I don't want us to fight. You're my son and I want what's best for you. This is your education--not mine. How would you like to complete it?" Putting this monkey on his back takes pressure off of you, and helps him see you really are on his side with this. And, showing him that you do respect him as a young adult by presenting options and laying it out dispassionately can help him respect you and do the work you require. If he decides to keep homeschooling, ask him to come up with a plan of action for how things can change. What will he do to get the work done without arguing/fighting about it? What would he like you to do differently? (Maybe he'd like either a daily or a weekly list and then be left to his own devices with a deadline without reminders, for example.) Work on the problem together. Set some benchmark/deadlines to measure how things are going. If he's still not doing work in X weeks or by X date, then he will need to choose GED or CC etc... Lay it out clearly so you both understand. If dad or another adult man is in his life and is someone he respects, I'd encourage a conversation there too. I found dad's help is invaluable in helping these teen boys navigate this stage in life and helping in that "respect mom" area. There may be some "I hate this" responses that you will need to ignore. Just tell yourself it doesn't matter if he hates it as long as he does it. Walk away. Sometimes not engaging in that kind of stuff cools it off, but either way, it's not your responsibility to get him to like it. Don't worry about that part. Sometimes as homeschoolers we think it's our responsibility to get kids to like all their subjects. Not realistic! I did tell my kids, "I don't love everything I have to do. Sometimes I hate taking care of the house but do you want to live in a home where I go around complaining about it all the time? Sometimes we do have to do things we hate, but it blesses people around us if we do it with a good attitude." Don't harp on it, but if there's a good time in conversation where you can honestly talk about that, I think it's worthwhile to say. I'd try to set up some "off school" times of the day. Just "be mom" during those times. Don't ask about school work. Don't check up on him. If the deadlines are clear, he'll do it or not do it and let him get zeros if need be. Don't nag if it happens. Just give the score and move on. But during those off times, find ways to connect. Go on occasional mother-son dates to get a pop or ice cream or pizza and just talk about things he's interested in (even if those things bore you to tears). Listen. Care about what he's interested in, even if it's video games ad nauseam. Build bridges in your relationship. If he chooses GED or CC, I'd ask what kind of support he needs. Does he want your help with encouraging him to do work, or does he want hands off? My ds was often able to say that he really didn't want help and he knew he wouldn't be able to accept it well, but he knew he needed it. If your son says he's got it (which mine did a few times), then let him. Let him fail. There are ways to try again. Yes, it has consequences, but it can still be okay. Hang in there!

Sorry your daughter is struggling so! I agree that you'll want to either teach the math up front and do some demos on a white board or paper, or switch to a program that teaches the lessons up front (dvd or computer lessons) for you. I really liked Math-U-See for that reason--it explained things clearly and incrementally. I watched the lessons with my kids (usually only 5 minutes once a week, but sometimes a bit longer)--and that way it was easy for me to jump in and help if there was something they still didn't get. Anyway, I hope you find a way to adapt things so that it works out better, or that you can find something that might be a better fit.

Aw, poor girl! I hope she feels better soon.

What if you did something casual for a little bit since she's balking. If you have a magnet alphabet or even a whiteboard and markers, play with just making some words and sounding them out. Get Ziggy involved since she enjoyed him from Pre-reading. Have him help sound out some words, and maybe sometimes say a wrong sound and ask her for help--and then have her sound out some words--they can take turns. There's a short video on this page that models how to sound out words (and also explains why it can be difficult for beginners). Switch out a letter at a time, like: bat-sat-hat-ham-ram-ran-pan...and so on. Keep lessons short and fun--5-10 minutes is plenty at her age. When she starts to be ready for a bit more, then consider if All About Reading would be a fit. You actually can try the first 3 lessons for free online--the lessons are in the online samples for the Teacher's Manual, and then you can print out the Activity Book activities that go with those lessons, and read the first story in the Run, Bug, Run! reader (that story is used in lesson 3). That might give you a good feel for whether it's a good match for her. HTH some!

I would pass too, even if it was free--my kids would not feel like doing school after being out of the house for 3 hours and we probably wouldn't get anything done. Once a week for 15 weeks is a long time for that kind of routine. I'd want a really special, can't do it any other way kind of experience for that kind of length and regularity.

No. I do remember playing a stock market game and learning about it when I was in 8th grade (and we read the paper, chose stocks, pretended to invest and then calculated our earnings and losses to see how we did)--but I can't say that it helped me with investing as an adult (other than it gave me exposure to how things work etc...) I think if you want to teach them about the stock market, teach them about investing and how the market works and let them each invest $300 to see how they do. If they lose it all, the money is spent just like it would be if they took the class. If not though, they might make some money for future needs.

I've used that recipe a lot and never had it come out runny (but I've not tried halving it--I've doubled it though). I think something must be off (could you have grabbed the wrong measuring cup for the flour and did 1/2 cup instead of 3/4 or something like that?) Sometimes altitude differences can make the water content in flour somewhat different, though I wouldn't expect it to be runny. I do think I'd try adding flour, maybe 1/4 cup at a time, and see if it firms up. Seems a shame to just toss the dough if it otherwise tastes good!

It seems like you like this job. You might try asking your manager about the hours directly. "I noticed that I've been getting fewer hours lately. I'd really love to be able to work about X hours per week. Is there something wrong with my job performance?" Something that allows you to open the conversation with her and perhaps find out what's going on (whether it's a simple communication error of some kind, or whether there's some way in which the situation just isn't a good fit.) Try to keep it about meeting needs/not meeting needs of the store rather than personality related (where it's so easy to feel defensive!). It sounds like it would be nice if it could work out--seems worth a conversation at least. If you're concerned that she won't be a good reference, a conversation really can't make that worse--but might be able to help.

Ask her to teach letters and numbers to her dolls and stuffed animals.