DS received 5 years of Wilson reading instruction with an OG certified instructor. I never scribed for DS until he started IEW in 7th grade. Prior to that, he learned to type 2nd semester 5th grade, started carrying a NEO to class in 5th grade, and full on typing by 7th grade. DS started using Learning Ally consistently by 4th grade. He started carrying a multiplication chart in 6th grade. He learned mindmapping software, textmappng, and notetaking in 7th grade. He started carrying a Smartpen this year. DS was diagnosed with dysgraphia in 2nd grade, and I regret not scribing for him when he was younger. We have Dragon sw, but it was a bust for DS. My DD, who is an undiagnosed but looking to be mildly dyspraxic, performs copywork with pencil/paper but uses a dry erase board for dictation and spelling. I scribe her narrations and will occasionally scribe for math. We listen to audio books for pleasure. If things don't improve in the future, I expect to seek a diagnosis.

I forgot to mention this..At the beginning of the year, I had huge plans for using Onenote/Evernote. Honestly, I cannot remember which one as I so completely left the idea. Anyhoo..we never used it. I kept all of my plans in an Excel spreadsheet, and DS wound up relying on a paper organizer. Maybe I'll revisit that idea at a later date. I am thankful that DS never grew upset with me over math. He always focused feelings on the algebra work itself. My mental stress was internalized. The last month of algebra left me just exhausted by the intensity and focus of the work to gain mastery. I am thankful that summer is here and we can rest.

My insurance paid for np testing last year due to the inattentive ADHD diagnosis. Definitely call insurance and ask.

Nm

We own a Brock with the smallest magnification eyepiece and a National Optics 131. Both scopes are great, but the Brock is the go-to scope, and I never worry about it being damaged. My DD loves the Brock. When or if you go to purchase a high school level microscope, purchase the mechanical stage.

OhE, you forgot to mention how sick you were. Are you completely well?

Howdy all, How did your school year go? I pretty much learned that I don't know much. The year started very rocky, and I was scared for son's future like I have not felt in forever due to EF issues. I appreciate you gals that haul your kiddos to therapies 2, 3, and 4 times per week indefinitely. DS wound up in PT twice per week. I drove about 40 miles round trip and homeschooled my 1st grader in a PT parking lot. After DS tested out of PT, we were suddenly relaxed and school felt like a vacation for about a week. DS would not allow me to pull him from his outside classes. Since he chose to stay, I felt no guilt in reminding him to study, and study he did. Those grades were hard fought. Algebra...Foerster's Algebra supplemented with James Tanton style factoring and quadratics was great for DS. I used all kinds of materials to work with DS, and the last month of math was PAINFUL. So painful that after algebra, I had to lock myself in my bedroom. I turned to Khan, and Khan was hard and repetitive. I actually feared son's positive attitude would suffer, but maybe the hard effort was worth it? PTL that typing was hard. I reminded DS of that fact and told him that in the end, the math would be worth it a long as we moved forward. DS pushed through, and we may use Lial's/MUS next year for Algebra 1B. DS hated programming, so we unceremoniously dumped it. By December, we allowed him to build his own PC from scratch. He used a Computer Literacy book and played with Adobe Elements on the side. The PC skills helped him big time for presenting logic assignments. DS wound up loving biology and dissections. DS actually dissected more than my 12th grade niece who was taking an AP Biology course. By January, I turned to TC World Geography lectures. DS enjoyed those and happily turned back to OM WG when done. Writing was good. He needs work, but it was good. Overall, the outside classes dominated. DS learned to use his planner and is still working on self organization. By 4th quarter, he was independent for all work outside algebra, grammar, and lit. Now DD.,.we entered 1st grade not knowing what to expect, She reads and is good with math. Handwriting did not become automatic until January and is an ongoing issue with her. DD loves science and enjoys narrating to me. I'm going to try to get her eval'd by son's PT this summer. She swims great, taught herself to ride a bicycle, and starts violin today. So that was our year. How was everyone? Blessings, ~h

I just wanted to add that you can carry the WISC and achievement scores over to the NP and save yourself some money.

Stories from EKS, 8Filltheheart, Mom2Ns, and TokyoMarie about their kiddos always provide me with hope and encouragement. Son's standardized test scores slowly rose and normalized by 8th grade. DS has 3 SLDs and may never score beyond a 16 on the ACT. He averaged 95% across all of his outside courses (informal logic, biology, and writing) this year with extra test taking time, a laptop, and an Echo Smartpen as accommodations. Who knows what the future holds? Stay true to your plan and adjust when the need for adjustment happens. Grammar and early logic stage are tough, and you know your kids are far, far above average.

*Fuzzy pic... I place whatever work needs to be completed on the pink cards with the ring. P chooses the order of work. You could change colors of the cards depending upon the time of day or type of work you want completed. I made a slew of tiny activity squares to include puzzles, art, movies, and chores. Once the subject is completed, the picture is moved to the white chart. Until 3rd quarter, her curriculum was stored in the cart, but we shifted to the kitchen and living room to complete work. I have used a 3-drawer cart, metal magazine holders from Ikea, and a milk crate to store materials. Completed work is placed on an inbox located atop the 3 drawer cart. P is still little so most her work requires my direct involvement. I think she likes the cards so that she knows my expectations for the day. We don't really need the workbox system now, but I expect to move towards it more fully once we are done with phonics. It's not really that exciting.

OP, you used some acronyms, and I have no clue what they mean. I use a basic Scotch brand laminator with Velcro brand Sticky Back 5/8" coins and everything stays put. I used the following links to set up a picture based workbox system: http://www.teachersnotebook.com/product/teachingmy3/workbox-tags-and-planner http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/2010/07/our-new-workbox-system-workbook-weekly/ http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2011/06/my-truth-about-homeschooling-the-workbox-system/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/397231629603877900/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/397231629610217960/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/397231629603878035/ The very first link is free and awesome. ETA: http://www.meetpenny.com/2011/07/workboxes-101-how-to-use-workboxes/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/397231629603877942/ http://nogginsandnonsense.blogspot.com/2010/06/our-wall-work-pockets-update-work-boxes.html http://electriccityacademy.blogspot.com/2012/08/workboxes.html

Mason jars are cheap, so use those for glassware and place them back in their original box when done. Places like Target sell cute, reusable plastic ware plates for summer so purchase in multi-colors. If you owned a serger you could make napkins. Set out pitchers of ice water with fruit floating on the top. Walmart sells beverage dispensers so fill one with iced tea or lemonade.

We use rods and the RS abacus with Singapore.

DD loved the EP and Wkbk in addition to the 1A and 1B text books. Maybe purchase both. DD would get excited and work ahead, but then she loves math. I don't recall her ever getting bored, and the problem amounts weren't excessive. In fact, DD also worked through an MCP Plaid book to make me feel better because she went so fast.

Most of my friends graduated from Auburn. DH and I graduated from UA. Auburn is good location for going to the beach or visiting Atlanta. Montgomery is close and has tons of museums though I think Montgomery is #&*& hole. I detest Montgomery...I don't know about the homeschool situation there. In the north of the state, homeschooling is great!

I don't formally school over the summer and couldn't homeschool without a break. I expect my kiddos will practice math, and DD will start violin lessons next week. DS works VBS while DD attends. What do we do with the time? We rest, visit friends, family, and attend weddings. We invite families over for dinner. The kids hang with their friends to hike, swim, watch movies, and play. Both kids catch up with friends that are in school or homeschool on the other side of town. I visit with a friend, and we knit, sew, and make presents for Christmas. I read about subjects that I need to teach but don't know much about. I review curriculum choices and explore software (like Onenote) to help with schooling. Once I sit down to type up course descriptions and school year plans, we start school. My kids take classes at a hs cover, and the classes are 36 weeks long. Our covers expects us to account for 180 school days, which includes 10 sick days/semester and 5 paperwork days.

Yes, I think the numbers do point to the possibility of a SLD. I am a little confused though. Is your child in school? I work under the assumption that children want to do well and please the adults in their lives. Outside comments about your child being defiant and lazy disturb me. If I were not getting the help I needed and was hearing how I don't try hard enough, well I'd curl up in a ball too. My DS tests gifted with 3 SLDs. After looking at your son's achievement testing scores, my first instinct would be to go to OT for an eval. The OT can evaluate balance, developmental motor, visual perception, and any core/pincer grasp weakness. 50% of children with motor planning issues are ADHD, and your child may need a sensory eval by a SIPT trained OT. The OT can sort that out. Gifted kiddos can appear emotionally immature as well. Vision may be an issue too, so it might be helpful to rule that out by being evaluated by a COVD certified VT. A PhD Neuropsychologist (NP) can also run testing that measures the ability of a student to focus. DS took the NEPSY II with his last NP. I am not an expert on ADHD, but know there are clinical ways to test attention. Your child could be a mix of ADHD and some other SLD. There are kids who read that struggle with spelling. Poor spelling could be caused by any number of problems, so you are going to need to explore and test further. The achievement numbers do not identify the underlying mechanism for the difficulties, and public school test for what issues they will address for an IEP. They do not diagnose. Not to be completely negative, but expect to be totally brushed off by the ps. Yes, miracles do happen; however, your child had scores in the 120 range and average is 100. Public schools are not prepared to deal with 2e students.

People who actually know me, know what is up. I'm not shy; however, I had a woman that I barely speak with attempt to come alongside me, and it was weird because I go to my close friends when in need. I am not afraid to ask for help from those I trust, and that comes from years of getting to know someone. I would feel terrible if someone considered me as any sort of concealer or a person unaffected by sin because that is not true at all. You can't force a confidence either.

This thread has been most enlightening. Ignoring the Nauglers for a moment, there are some really nice homestead websites. To really magnify the serious issues with the Naugler family, I think it is worth looking at homesteading done right. http://www.hullabaloohomestead.com/category/our-journey,,,This blog seems kinda neat. http://homestead-honey.com/about-2/... I just can't get over how clean everyone looks. http://www.homesteadmania.com/top-10-homesteading-blogs/.. The couple that adopted children from Haiti use solar panels and batteries live in a home as clean as my own.

DS learned to type when he was 11 yo old. I could never get DS to practice typing while sitting in a classroom. Homework took forever, so when the homework was completed, he stopped himself mentally and just checked out. Once out of the classroom and homeschooling, son's motivation depended upon my motivation. I had to be deliberate with the teaching to type and opted to make a huge deal out of it. Since your son is in school, maybe establish a learning timeline with a beginning, middle, and end. (I set aside 5 months.) Involve your child and set up a reward system. Pick a time of day when he can practice. Perhaps set aside 15 minutes and use an especially made by you/him monthly calendar to check off dates. Whatever the case, be consistent, write up a contract with a plan in place, sign the contract with DS, and just do it. If motor planning is a significant issue, you will need to be patient and adjust. He may need to use the DVORAK keyboard layout. He may work better with typing and a speech to text software combo. Consider everything and good luck! While teaching DS, I covered his hands. He could not see the keyboard as he typed.

Yes, speak with the ped about a OT rec. If you have a dyslexia school, call them directly and ask for a referral. Experienced tutors deal with diverse children, so they see and hear things. You need to network. You want an OT/PT that understands dysgraphia/dyspraxia/developmental coordination disorder. I'm not suggesting your DD has that, but it would not hurt to explore that avenue and rule it out. Has your DD seen a NP yet for an evaluation? If not, start saving your money for testing. There are several youtube videos that teach the prim reflex integration exercises. The Palmar reflex requires a soft squeeze ball. The book Focus Moves seems to incorporate many of the exercises that DS used while in PT. Even with PT/OT/VT, there is no one sized fix. Man, I wish I could waive a magic wand and things suddenly be perfect. You need to rule out what can be dealt with, assess what remains, and then accommodate. Cursive handwriting helped DS with writing reversals, but DS hates cursive. DS started keyboarding in 4th grade and was taught typing in 5th grade. Handwriting expectations take a mighty leap by logic stage. Anyhoo... Handwriting/motor issues just stink, but they may be worked around. No one understands motor planning unless they deal directly with it. It certainly does not help when therapy providers only know their one area of expertise. Anyways, accommodate the handwriting without guilt or remorse. Good luck. ETA: If you are not doing this already, maybe consider enrolling your child in gymnastics or swimming. Whatever physical exercise she can do that is safe considering her vision. These kiddos need movement.

You mentioned articulation and handwriting issues. Handwriting problems are often associated with motor planning issues and to sort that out, you need to find an OT or PT who works with children. BTW, VT will not be effective if the developmental motor issues are present. I am a little disturbed that the VT did not send you to find an OT first..But whatever... I expect your DD will require cross body and balance type exercises to sort out laterality and directionality issues. A good OT/PT will identify any prim reflexes and incorporate exercises into their exercise regime to sort the business out. For the handwriting itself, air write and use sidewalk chalk to teach proper letter formation. HWT teaches the concept of the starting corner. Always have your child place a star or sticker in the upper left hand corner or whatever she is writing on. I like LOE's hw instructions for lower case letters and the HWT Wet, Dry, Try app for teaching capital letter formation. We use the LOE dry erase board. I expect your child's poor handwriting habits are ingrained at this point. An OT can advise you. You know this...don't ignore the homework exercises sent by VT or OT/PT. You must make the homework a priority because each exercise has a specific purpose and will help your DD. The underlying issues that you see now will affect her EF and ability to attend plus any future learning. You must be very deliberate as you work with your child.

nm.. Do you have an old wedding present sitting in a closet that you could give?

Eight years ago...Yes, literally eight years ago I called the local ps and spoke with the special ed services provider and received the same song and dance. The needs are great. Too many children and not enough funding. I have no confidence in the system. OhE is absolutely correct; The ps expectations are too low. The best thing we ever did was not placing our kids in a ps to have their souls crushed.

My state has two high school diploma paths, one of which is a voc type track that assigns applied academic math credit. Maybe check your state's educational website.