We had similar situations. They were different but similar. Instead of framing it as a punishment, I considered natural social consequences related to what he did. In your son's case, of course not being able to be trusted with the phone would be a big one. "I'm sorry, but I can't trust that you will only listen to music and not cheat on your work. It will take some time to earn that trust back with me." My son cheated in a board game and because of that whenever he asked to be the banker for awhile he was told that he couldn't be trusted with that responsibility. If you help him to see that being trusted has rewards associated with it, he may be more likely to try to show you that they can be trusted to earn the natural rewards that come from being a trustworthy person.

I say continue to teach it the way you are instructed by the guide. The Singapore method is not the way that I learned math, and it was actually quite difficult for me to wrap my brain around when we began at first as well. However, now that my son is in 4A, I see the benefits of the methods and am glad that I continued the methods with him. He can quickly do many difficult calculations in his head. The parts that seem convoluted to many of us who didn't learn this way, are done in split seconds in his head without a second thought. It's still not natural to me, and often takes me more time to think it through than writing out a standard algorithm, but for a child who learned this way from the beginning, it's like magic.

I think of IEW techniques like I think of the multiple ways that Singapore teaches my child to tackle a math problem. There are multiple ways to go about the task of writing. We will learn many methods (not just IEW). That way when he has completed schooling with me, he can then pick and choose the techniques that work best for him when confronted with a writing task.

I only buy PDFs that I plan to use right away. I put guides and teacher's manuals on my ipad and print student pages as they are needed each week.

You need the instructor's guide. :) You may not need the workbook, but the instructor's guide does refer to the workbook throughout. In my opinion, you really need both.

I know you said you didn't want to switch programs, but I've found Math Mammoth to be a good supplement when my son needs extra practice with Singapore. The reason I like it is because it has directions written for the student on the pages so it's something he can do independently while still receiving additional instruction and practice. Sometimes hearing/reading the same thing in a different way helps it to click. The methods used in MM mirror those in Singapore so it's a good match.

Yes, but the OP is speaking of using Singapore 1A so I believe the elementary series is what she meant when she posed her question. :)

We really love and enjoy Life of Fred, however I would *never* use it as our only math curriculum (never). We use Singapore.

This one is great!! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IUFSPM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002IUFSPM&linkCode=as2&tag=whispesprin0e-20 We don't own this one, but I've played it and am debating getting it right now: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043KJW5M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0043KJW5M&linkCode=as2&tag=whispesprin0e-20 My 9 year old is getting this for Christmas. There are cheaper sets too, but this one is the best starter set: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005E7A3OM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005E7A3OM&linkCode=as2&tag=whispesprin0e-20 This is one we really like but it looks like it isn't shipping until after Christmas. :( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004U5R5BI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004U5R5BI&linkCode=as2&tag=whispesprin0e-20

Piano Anne is a nice resource. This is a full beginning note reading curriculum with printable workbook pages, ipad activities, videos, etc http://pianoanne.blogspot.ca/p/barnyard-friends.html http://pianoanne.blogspot.ca/p/music-discoveries.html We love these printable piano games. :) http://pianoanne.blogspot.ca/p/free-printables.html Color In My Piano is good too. http://colorinmypiano.com This is a link to a page on Color My Piano with my different piano learning links. :) http://colorinmypiano.com/links/

It looks quite beautiful. However the lack of windows and natural light would drive me a bit batty.

My son can read books and words that are far above his grade level, but doesn't always fully comprehend what he's read. If you ask him a fact question from the reading, he can answer. If you ask him a question that requires synthesizing the information and giving an answer that is implied but not stated in the reading, he will struggle. I think reading level would be a combination of word difficulty and comprehension.

I vote that you should share the Harry Potter themed math questions. :)

She's definitely not taking it to heart. I wouldn't look at this with your kids in the room. There is no nudity, but close. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2442749/Miley-Cyrus-simulates-sex-Terry-Richardson-shoot-swipes-Sinead-OConnor.html

I have the same issue with my 3rd grader. He never asks to go to regular school, but he doesn't always put forth 100% of his effort, he has a hard time pushing through a challenge, he gets upset when he doesn't know an answer. Sometimes his handwriting is beautiful and sometimes it is atrocious. I think some of these things are normal for a human being. I know that I don't put forth 100% effort every single day on every single thing that I do. Sometimes I feel great like I will conquer the world and some days I feel like I don't want to do anything and it's all a trudge and most days are somewhere in between. However, I would like him to try to push through and do excellent work most of the time and we have this talk often as well. One way that I approach it is by having him do things that are outside of his skill set in other areas and then use those as a source of praise and example for him. For instance, he plays piano. He can't just open any book and play a piece. He has to put forth the effort to read the music, work through it and practice it to be able to play it for others in a way that he could be proud. It's the same with swimming. There are things in swimming that take courage and push him beyond his physical limits at times, things that are new (like diving) that have to be learned and practiced, but once he puts in the effort, he is so proud of himself. Whenever we hit a stuck point with regular lessons, I bring it back to piano and swimming and how those require a lot of effort and practice, but I remind him to think of how proud of himself he feels when he's come through the other side with a beautiful piano piece he can play for others or a successful swimming practice. I dislike it when he says things like, "Mom, I always try to do my best for you." "No, baby, I want you to do your best for YOU." That's been really difficult to get across to him. "Do it for yourself, not for me."

In regards to the marijuana usage - what would be the difference if he said he stopped and had a glass of wine? It is now legal in some states, he's an adult, and what he had is most likely equal to that of a glass of wine. I'm so glad we homeschool so that my son will not have to go through this. Of course, I think it's ok to have to work hard and even sometimes to work late to get your work done. However, much of it seemed like work that would soon be forgotten as it wasn't very meaningful and was mostly memorization.

I'm planning art and music appreciation for this year and I've found some good resources that don't align with our history studies. Harmony Fine Arts does align with history studies, so I could use that. However, I was thinking about trying out some new resources. So do you think art and music appreciation is best done within the context of history following the timeline, or any old mash up will do? Thanks!

I see they have a 30 day trial account. I'll have to try that out. :) But my guess is that crazies like me will still buy the regular Singapore and add on the student version of Math Buddies if there are good explanations for the kids, etc.

Do any of your kids use special goggles for those with prescriptions? My son is just starting but he really doesn't like to wear goggles. I'm wondering if it's because they restrict his vision more than just not being able to wear his glasses and perhaps getting special goggles would be helpful? Also, do you do anything special for their hair and skin because of the chlorine?

We started typing very early 5 or 6. He picked it up very quickly and never had to go through the hunt and peck stage. He's 8 now and types faster than my husband. In fact the only thing that holds back his typing speed is stopping to think about how to spell words. IMO, the earlier the better.

Is your son in counseling? He will need a good third party to discuss this with. I agree with your feelings on this. I hope things will simmer down and you'll be able to take him in the summer as planned.

If you allow your child to play any sort of video game, I'd say this is one of the best you could choose. My son does single player only. It's not the type of game with only one path or where they are boxed in with only one correct way. It's as wide open as their imagination and I think that's why kids respond to it the way they do. He's not more into it than anything else he enjoys. I'm fine with it.

My 8 year old finished the first one in less than 24 hours. :( I estimate he played approximately 3 hours total. He did love it though.

The prices are bouncing around all over the place today, but when you put the camera and lens in your cart, it will then deduct $200 from your total before you check out. So yesterday when I bought it, I paid $527 for the camera with kit lens plus the 42-150mm lens (which is a stellar deal). HOWEVER, today the price went down to a total of $372.49 for BOTH!!! I called Amazon and they gave me a price adjustment and a refund of $154.00. I couldn't be happier. It looks like right now the camera + kit was at 359.99, and then it sold out, and the price went up. Then they restocked and the price went back down. I see now that the price is back up to $498 for the kit which is still a good deal when you pair it with the 14-150mm lens deal. I wouldn't be surprised if it goes down again today. If you buy it at the current price and you see it go down again, call them up and they will price adjust. In fact, they will price adjust within the next 30 days if the price goes lower. That's one of the reasons I love shopping at Amazon. The reason that price is going down is because they are selling out stock as the new model has just been leaked and is about to be announced. But cameras are like cars, you never buy them when they are fresh on the market. You'll pay the highest possible price for it, and you'll get to deal with all the issues. Buy right before the new model is released for the best deals.

Oh, I never thought of this. I bundle my guy up when he comes out too. We'll have to stop doing that!