OP, given your DD's hearing issues, I almost wonder whether a PROMPT trained SLP would be more useful. Your child missed out on foundational sounds during early childhood that are required for language acquisition. PROMPT people work with apraxics, and as I understand it, literally teach mouth formation. OhE, am I off base here? And I can't see where ASL would hurt.

If your child has developmental motor issues, VT may not be effective. OT's check developmental motor and can provide a list of exercises which may be done at home. My son's letter reversals ceased when he learned cursive. The b/d reversals when reading were stubborn but stopped over time with OG tutoring.

My son's favorite word used to be "stuff". Work with your DS and get him speaking in complete sentences. Word retrieval can be an issue. The webinar I mentioned addresses ways to work on vocabulary and word retrieval using pictures. I know you feel like you should be working more on grammar and composition, but don't feel bad about that. Your DS needs to get reading well first. If you delay a formal grammar or writing program for the time being, your child will still have a rigorous homeschool education. For now, you are working on the essential subroutines of writing and grammar. 8Filltheheart wrote a writing curriculum Treasured Conversations. At least three of her children are dyslexic and the eldest has ASD. You might want to examine her curriculum though I don't know exactly at what age it should be started.

Can't you download samples of WWE and FLL to get a sense of what the programs are like? It has been forever since I considered those programs. Now I am off to look. Eta: ok, a link follows: http://peacehillpress.com/samples.html

Have you seen the following thread? http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/534095-anyone-watch-the-webinar-on-teaching-writing-to-dyslexics/ I recommend that you watch the webinar and take notes. Apply the methods in the webinar to whatever writing program that you select. Since you son comprehends well, have you heard of the books Suppose the Wolf were an Octopus? https://www.rainbowresource.com/product/Suppose+the+Wolf+Were+an+Octopus/027372 I have seen these books recommended for gifted grammar stage kiddos.

I have never heard of anyone using LIPs quite the way that you have described. To me, LIPS training is foundational to reading and spelling. Have you considered paying an OG tutor to complete the LIPS training with your DD? Maybe I am wrong, but if your child really needs LIPS, I almost think you should stop spelling until the program is completed. Otherwise, spelling is simply handwriting practice, which is fine I suppose. Create handwriting sheets using spelling words. I create copywork sheets using Start Write software. You could also mix spelling up and use Spelling City, which is an online program. Either way, I would not expect LIPS to improve spelling until your DD has completed the program. FTR, spelling is one of those sticky areas with dyslexics, and one of the last skills to come along no matter how much phonics instruction they have had. For math, I keep MUS blocks nearby. If I sense a problem with a math concept, I pull out the MUS blocks and DD uses them. For facts practice, we also use Sheppard software and play math games using materials that I designed last year that incorporate dice and MUS blocks. RS Math sells a math games kit. I have never used it or seen it up close. DD uses Singapore, the Extra Math Practice booklet, and MCP Math. My DD burns through math. I give her so much to ensure she actually understands what she is doing and she does not balk. If LOF gives your DD delight, include it as an optional supplement. I see no point in making your DD hate LOF. Narrations..Your DD can orally narrate those across literature, history, and science. Scribe for her and practice making story sequence charts either by mindmapping by hand or with Inspiration software. Your DD can also give you 3-5 interesting facts about science or history. Do that one day and then use a handwriting sheet generator and type out one or two of her sentences for copywork the next day. If your child has dysgraphia, handwriting practice will only get her so far and then she will either need to learn to type or use a speech to text software. In the mean time, expect to scribe. DS learned to type by the end of 5th grade and it has made a significant difference in his academic life. ETA: Free grid paper link.

DS used to take the SAT-10 with accommodation, which is extra time. For math, calculator is normally allowed for one portion of the math, and he worked alone with a proctor. If he had requested it, the test could be read aloud to him, but he never requested that. I have never made a big deal about testing, and DS was no-hum about it.

Lewelma, have you seen the student's WISC-IV subtest scores? I am curious to know whether she has a particular strength.

Geodob, you have suggested teaching the Soroban abacus in the past. Could that scenario possibly apply here?

Go to the two sites and search the titles. :D

I am trying to get a handle on your DD's situation. Math is a major issue for your DD. Does she struggle with reading or writing? My DS has dyscalculia, which is a maths disability. He was diagnosed by a private PhD Neuropsychologist on his 8th bday. I suggest you call around and seek a private evaluation to establish a paper trail. The very thought of using Saxon math with my DS is horrifying. Death by a thousand cuts would be nicer than following Saxon as written with a maths disabled child. Assuming your DD has dyscalculia, it is likely that she suffers with slow processing and working memory deficits. You must accommodate and slow down. DS is a highly visual learner and benefits most from using manipulatives. At 13yo, I used MUS and standard classroom textbooks for problem sets. The book Overcoming Difficulties with Number by Ronit Bird was extremely helpful, and we still use the methodologies taught in the latter half of her book. We spend 30-40 minutes on math and then we stop. We only cover one concept at a time. DS needs constant review and does most of his work on a dry erase board with me sitting beside him. Assuming no other learning issues exist, plan on two years of algebra. Call the course Algebra 1A and 1B. DS is currently making his way through Foerster's Algebra supplemented with math from James Tanton and Algebra Lab manipulatives. There is a book titled Basic College Math by Lial that she could work through in 9th grade. It is basically a pre-algebra course. There is always Consumer Math. If she makes it to geometry maybe look at MUS. For science maybe look at physical science, biology, chemistry, earth science, plant biology, and an anatomy/physiology course. I assume any math in these courses would be accommodated. I don't know the graduation requirements of your state. No doubt, if your DD was sitting in a classroom, she would have an IEP and meet the requirements for a modified diploma. Use the Internet and explore her options. There is no reason for your DD to not be able to graduate.

FairP, I know you probably look forward to the all day classes. Are the classes being held at a Christian cover? If so, snark is still snark. I would definitely make the teachers aware. I would speak to whomever is in charge and ask them to address attitude during chapel. Adults need to be aware of this. When DS was that age, he was one of the last boys to be selected for teams during PE because he was so uncoordinated. The competition was over the top. I sent him to school with his own football/frisbee so that he could make his own teams during recess. I had permission from the powers that be, and there were a few boys who happily joined in. I also tried to meet the kids that DS struggled with and be kind to them because I wanted them to know the mother of the boy they were dealing with. DS is now good friends with the chief offenders of 4th/5th grade. They are nice kids. Maybe volunteer at the cover, or remain on site the last two hours. I do that every Friday. I sit in the library and hang out so that if DD's teacher needs help, she can call upon me. DS is a 9th grader. He never attended all day homeschool classes until this year. Prior to 9th grade, I dropped him off for lunch, chapel, vocab, and PE. Does your child understand his learning? When DS was younger and frustrated, he asked me why questions a lot. Sometimes, DS has been misunderstood, and we have discussed forgiveness a lot. Sometimes, kids give offense without meaning to. DS and I have discussed looking over offenses many times. People hurt unintentionally out of ignorance. For the ones that hurt on purpose, I call the parents. I have picked up the phone 5 times over the past 4 years.

Teach your DS to type. Spend 20 min per day with one break. He needs to practice at least 4 days per week, and I would call that LA because in his case, it is. I would also drop a formal grammar program with him as he learns to type. Scribe for him and maybe explore speech to text software.

How many classes does he take and for how long?

We opted to use the DIVE book, which amounted to on-line reading. DS did not care for that. The course has a disjointed feeling, so then I picked through a couple of biology texts with a DIVE syllabus. Though many love DIVE, DS just couldn't get into it. I felt overwhelmed and did not want to teach bio on such short notice, so I spoke with some local moms that directed me to a Apologia biology course. After speaking with the teacher, I signed DS up four weeks into the course. DS loves the class and attended the 2 day Landry labs. DS loved the Landry labs too. Outside of his 2 hour bio class, DS studies biology an additional 4-6 hours per week. DS needs the classroom interaction and peer motivation. I expect DS will take a secular Biology II course either his junior or senior year.

What programs are you looking at that delay math? Math with my DD is fun and filled with manipulatives and games. We use Singapore, and she loves it. I don't push her, and she doesn't cry. We have been doing subitizing activities together since she could speak well. DD is not advanced or anything, but she enjoys spending time with me and doing math. I would never dream of delaying math. I work under the assumption that if DD's attitude is bad about math, I am doing something wrong and work to remedy it.

I'd scribe for her and work very slowly. Dr. Charles Haynes of the Landmark School recently hosted a webinar that discussed the subroutines required for sentences and paragraphs output. Maybe scribe for her and tweak CAP's Fables accordingly. BTW, I would not deem difficulty with handwriting as a mind over matter issue until your child has received a full, one hour OT evaluation that examines pincer/core strength, vestibular, balance, handedness, motor planning, and visual perception. Also, 50% of children with ADHD suffer with motor planning issues.

Would you please give us your early impressions?

I asked DS whether your boy sounded familiar. DS explained that your boy appeared to be exploring the deep metaphysical process of salad making. I then ask DS if he knew how to make a salad. He proceeded to explain how to cut open a bag, cut up strawberries, and toss in some nuts and cheese. He also mentioned tossing on some of that red stuff that comes in a bottle. DS was impressed that you cut your lettuce. Boys are just silly sometimes. I don't know whether it is related to ADHD or not. Many of son's friends are goofy. The ADHD ones are usually building bike ramps in the front yard or irritating the neighbors.

That timeline game looks great, though I would need a closer look to examine any bias. DS used a history book once that totally ignored the murder of the Russian family, which I suppose is fine depending upon your audience. The problem was that the book made the communist party sound benign...but I digress... Does your DD have any active interests? Supposing she likes clothing or music or food or some sort of invention. Maybe narrow down the focus to the one interest and examine it across different time periods. Use the interest to provide a mental peg so that she can internalize the information and recall it later.

For an overview of a specific historical time frame or event, I search Netflix, Amazon, and the Internet for a documentary. Museum trips pertaining to the topic are awesome whenever possible, and DK Eyewitness books are great. Your local library should have plenty of those.

For grip, you could explore the Twist 'n Write PenAgain for kids or the adapted tripod grasp...See page two of the following link: http://ot.eku.edu/si...ting Grasps.pdf If you seek an OT eval, ensure that they check developmental motor, vestibular, visual perception, motor planning, pincer and core strength, and balance.

My DS used a Wilson tutor, 3 days per week at 45 min sessions each. Once July came, he worked with the tutor 1 hr per day at 4 days per week for a month. We did that for 4 straight years.

Maybe contact the Currey Ingram Academy in Brentwood and speak with staff about an NP recommendation.

DS schools to about 4pm. It can vary but not often. DS likes to stay up late as well, so we discussed allowing him to sleep later and school later. Son won't do that because he wants a stop time. That is his decision, so he doesn't balk when we send him to bed. Now, DS works independently in the morning, and then we sit down together after lunch and knock out subjects that require Mom. Once household chores are completed, DS is free to pursue his interests. Rewards...If I get attitude or an unhappy spirit, DS loses his phone and Internet privileges. I want DS to be intrinsically motivated. DS tells me when he wants to visit with friends or go somewhere. When reasonable, I try to meet his needs but make my requirements and his responsibilities clear. I cannot reward DS if he does not complete his work well. Sometimes we just stop everything and pick up coffee or tacos. I have been known to go off alone with him, or DH will take him somewhere with friends. DH will take the boys to visit a trade show, the gun range, a local veterans museum, and get milkshakes. DS needs time away from his sister and me. Friends..DS attends classes at our local homeschool cover on Friday, and he is active with our Church youth program. Teenage boys are strange birds There is one boy that is son's age, and they hang out maybe 2-3 times per year. He attends another Church and lives 30 minutes away. The two played AirSoft together a couple of weeks back and when I asked DS what they talked about, he told me they never spoke of anything noteworthy. The boy's mom told me he had a great time. Maybe at this age, teenage boys just want acceptance from their peers and to hang out. DS doesn't like feeling left out. Dragging work...Oh Dear...DS struggles with initiation but is showing improvement. 9th grade has been the year where we have locked down on day planning. DS and I meet in the morning and discuss homework and assignments. He writes everything down in his planner, and we review time management strategies. Sometimes DS uses a timer and stops after a predetermined time. I remind him to use his accommodations. I try to select appropriate materials that suit his learning style and I monitor. Our afternoon time is for the subjects that he struggles with completing. When son was younger, I tomato staked him. I sat beside him all day as he completed his work. Now, you could say that I tomato stake son's afternoon subjects.