My son is a lefty and used Handwriting without Tears successfully, but his handwriting is still awful...

I found the home instructor's guide to be very useful in addition to the workbook and textbook. I also added in intensive practice for 3A. -Adriana

I have much younger children, so I am not experienced with the middle school environment. However, my son is a rising 4th grader and has ADHD. This last year was his first in public school, after a stint of homeschooling and before that private school. We don't have the same emphasis here in our public school on academic excellence from the community, and he did get some ribbing for being a teacher's pet and getting straight A's. In any case, I would focus on making sure your son's adhd is being adequately handled (my son's medication makes all the difference to his ability to excel). If your son has anger management issues with his current medication, try another family. We started on Adderall and I did not like some of the moodiness that it brought out in a pretty non-moody child. We switched to concerta and have none of those issues. Many times I believe that a really intelligent ADHD child is defeated because of organizational issues more than anything else...and that leads to poor self-esteem. It sounds like you have many issues going on. I hope you get the support and encouragement that you need. I guess I would focus less on comparing your situation to others and just see what you can do to make the love of learning come out in your son. Keep looking for people who will be a good match for your son and his interest....scouts, a club, something along those lines. -Adriana

I think it was pretty unusual. Charles had a dream to go across to the Pacific and really wanted to be away from people. They only settled in De Smet because her mother wanted her children to have quality schooling. Here is more about their homesites: http://www.lauraingallswilder.com/homesites.asp

I am finding this a fascinating thread. I just mapped Aldi's and see that there are 2 within 20 miles of me. I am going to check it out. Thank you for all the great ideas here.

I just read a great article in Martha Stewart Living about the thyroid problems and it sounds very familiar to what you are dealing with. If you can read it, you may find it interesting. Adriana

Does he have a fever? When my daughter had appendicitis (she was 5) it was very fast. She woke up with a 103 fever and a pain in her right side. However, she is very stoic and they did not believe she had it (they were pressing on the area and she was not crying out) until her white blood count came back high and then off to the hospital she went. Her appendix was pretty bad when they took it out that night, but had not burst, than goodness. So, definitely call the doc...in her case fever + pain + high WBC were all the indicators. Adriana

Another good guide I just thought of is by Nancy Pearl called "Book crush : for kids and teens : recommended reading for every mood, moment, and interest." Now there is a wide variety of list types there and some may not appeal, but some lists are definitely sure to pique your teen's interest. -Adriana

There are lots of great YA books out there! Our public library teen site, Teenspoint.org has reviews and recommendations (booklists). Jim Trelease has a book called "Read all about it! : great read-aloud stories, poems, and newspaper pieces for preteens and teens" that may introduce new favorites as well. -Adriana

We get a new one each season and through it away at fall (when it's ripped up). It is lots of fun for kids 3-9 or so. Younger than that, and they fall (as my almost 2 year old was doing). It does rip up the grass, so make sure you pick it up after each session. Adriana

When we were homeschooling I played the chapter, we did our oral review (questions), they did their written narration, and then our activities. We also took the cd on vacation, etc., for reinforcement.

Jim Dale, Tim Curry, and, of course, Jim Weiss. Also, Brendan Fraser is pretty good on "Dragon Rider" (Cornelia Funke).

That is handy. Thanks!

We are! I love Wegman's so much. We are getting one here in Fredericksburg and one is opening not too far off of Route 29 at Gainesville. There is one up by my parent's in the Dulles area too. It really is more like an experience, not just a shopping trip.

Many herbs are really easy to grow. Right now in my garden I have a couple of different kinds of basil (try thai or the red-leafed one for a spicier flavor), thyme, oregano (basic greek), nasturtium (not really an herb, but these have a fabulous edible flower - sprinkle it in salads), two big flat-leafed parsley (the best!), dill...I don't grow rosemary because I hate the taste. I also have huge lavendar bushes on my side hill - these smell wonderfully. -Adriana

The 2 year old crying - her tylenol wore off during the night and her fever went back up to 103. It's been a long morning, although she's sleeping now...

Oh good! I told the kids I would take them sometime in the next few weeks, but I wanted to make sure it wasn't a bust. The last couple of kids movies we saw really were bad (like The Bee Movie) - and that was at home. I would hate to pay all that money at the theater for a bad one. -Adriana

We have had family arguments comparing the two. My DH, I, and my DS prefer the original. My DD loves the newer one (she is 7). I don't like that one either...it is really creepy. Adriana

So many...but the worst for me is "I'll Love You Forever." I can't read it. Many of Patricia Mclachlan's books make me emotional, although not exactly sad.

Seeing a movie in the theatre has become a rare treat. Maybe we will go more when the kids are all able to go the show together, but by then my DS won't want to see what my youngest DD can handle. So, we wait to get them on DVD from Netflix. Adriana

This looks awesome! My DS is also 9 and rising 4th, and this would be advanced for him.

Oh, we love Jack Prelutsky's books, especially Awful Ogre's Awful Day. It really appealed to my son. My oldest daughter likes more classic things, so she gravitates to anthologies. We also love Shel Silverstein and having the kids memorize a poem every once in a while for the grandparents is a great way to go. I'll think of some more and post soon...

Read out loud as much as you can Pick a group of animals to study, or a biome, and make a book Make a lapbook about something Unit study of any sort that your kids love Lots of outside time - pick something to look for, and go on an "X" hunt -Adriana

My 2 oldest are a rising 2nd and 4th grader in public school. I like their school but wish it was a little more difficult. My 3rd is going to a small home-based PK and my 4th is at home with me. We don't afterschool so much during the school year, but we will be augmenting during the summer. I am considering adding in Latin again (we started last aug). We also do piano for my DD. Adriana

I am very interested in Pokemon learning league - very cool. We used Headsprout for my son in 1st grade to get him to the next level in reading. It was well done. We also use GeeGuides, an online art curriculum. http://www.geeguides.com/parents/ -Adriana