I'm so sorry about the diagnosis. We have used Reading Horizons (younger version) for my son. It's a good program, my son liked it and used it willingly. We are taking a break because I felt we needed more review at this stage. I'm not sure I'd recommend for severe dyslexia. It moves quite fast at times. But it might be good for your 8 year old. We only did the online version and didn't order the printed mateials - Explode the Code is working for us. Their customer service is very good and you can arrange a free trial to try it. I like the look of the Lexia sample though and am looking into that now too. It's nice to have a break from book work every now and then. You might want to look at Touchphonics as well from Rainbow Resource. The letters are very tactile for tracing, touching, etc. I've ordered just the letters, not the entire system.

Gosh, I'm glad I'm not the only one. I find myself looking for stuff to buy and trolling through Rainbow Resource to see if something catches my eye. I thought there was something wrong me! I feel like science or history, even though we've got tons of stuff.

I haven't used it but I see that Sassafras Science has Anatomy out now at Rainbow Resource.

I feel your pain, but I also felt that school was going on too late when we started after 10:00. So I set my alarm for 7:30, and get going slowly. My son likes to play, watch TV and generally do his thing in the morning, so I get to read the paper, check email, etc which helps to get me going. We start latest 9:30, sometimes earlier if I can manage it. Works for us, but you have to know yourself and go with what works for your family!

Lots and lots of audio books. My son is pretty well addicted to them - in his room playing, the bath, the car, you name it!

Math can be tricky and what some kids/families love, it seems others definitely do not! I find it helpful to look at examples of the math books, either on line or ideally in person. There are a lot of conferences this time of year, so perhaps you could look at something there? We find online math doesn't work for us either. We tried a few things and have settled on CLE which is working really well - solid without being overkill. We don't do everything in a lesson or the timed drills, but many people do. If you search the forums you will find a great number of threads on math, but ultimately you know your own kids. The great thing about some programs is they are either free (MEP I believe - I didn't like having to print my own stuff!) or quite cheap (Math Mammoth often appears at Homeschool Buyers Co-op and CLE you can buy just one book to see if you like it). Good luck!

I had a comparing moment recently even though I try not to. My sister's 7 year old can read Harry Potter, just finished playing hockey for the season and is starting baseball - both sports that are huge here in Canada. We've got early readers and martial arts, which I'm really happy about, but sometimes I find myself imagining that other life. Then I snap back and am so grateful for my son and the progress he's making. But it's hard sometimes.

Sounds a lot like my son, although his reading is still what would be considered below grade. He has good days and days when numbers are written backwards or upside down. Generally now he recognizes and corrects without my having to say anything. One thing that seems to be helping him is a solid OG program with rules eg when do we add just "s" and when is it "es"; when do we double a consonant and why, etc. Strangely enough his spelling now seems to be going better than his reading! If Apples and Pears is working, that's great. One thing I have heard is that with kids with a strong visual memory, it's important for them not to see too many misspellings of a word. So I haven't allowed to to make up his own spelling, and if he needs help I help him spell it correctly. Typing with spellcheck can be good for this!

What about living math books and/or DVDs? There was a recent post about great math books and we love the series by Stuart Murphy. My son has learned all his math concepts that way before we even get to them in the curriculum. Sonlight has a great series of math DVDs that might also be nice to free up some of your time!

Another vote for CLE!

We've really enjoyed the Thames & Kosmos Chemistry 500 set. Also anything by 4M.

We use CLE exclusively - I have used Singapore in the past and I think it would be a lot to do both in my opinion. What about supplementing with lots of games, on line stuff if she likes that, etc. Rainbow Resource has lots of math games, some of them just simple things like dice - more fun than flashcards! My son loves the games.

Artistic Pursuits? Different levels for various grades plus one in particular that focuses on art history. Look at all of them on Rainbow Resources.

I haven't used WWS, but from what you've described, I'd describe the events of the past using past tense verbs. Then start a new paragraph with something like "Today, St. Basil's Cathedral is in ruins/remains an excellent example of..." and then add any other detail you think relevant. You may slip into the past tense again if you are describing events in the cathedral's past, such as fires, rebuilding, additions. I think you find it will come naturally once you start writing!

Haven't tried this but thought it looked interesting. http://www.explorationeducation.com/index.htm

We've used CLE Math for two years and live in the city. The math books don't really have pictures of people. The story problems have been around nature, farming, animals, the zoo, weather, etc.

We also used and liked HWOT and had good success with it, but I waited until I thought my son was ready. Lots of children, especially boys, aren't really ready at 5. You can order the materials and see, starting with the wooden letters and the chalk board drawing, before progressing onto paper. In the meantime, I'd suggest lots of activities to strenghten hand muscles and co-ordination. I remember quite a lot being written on this board, perhaps also on the Learning Challenges one. Playing with play-doh/clay, painting, writing letters in sand/shaving cream, etc. I'm sure if you search for writing lots will come up!

I checked and you're right, but that's funny because I doubt I would have bought it without one, even at half price. So there must have been something. I'd suggest emailing her and asking to see something. I had previously looked at the Arrow and decided it wasn't right for us right now, but the poetry is great because it's kind of standalone and we can do it over some time. I don't buy anything without being able to see it either, and even then I've made mistakes!

We enjoyed Evan Moor's Beginning Geography series and our subscription to Little Passports which my son loved. We also have Trip Around the World which I don't really love, but others have enjoyed it.

We really enjoy the Mathstart books by Stuart J. Murphy.

I do - must be the time of year! I'm trying to rediscover things I've bought and never got to - and they will still be new to us!

Yes, you can - I downloaded it and don't have any other Arrow issues. Looks really fun!

An earlier post just a few entries down called "Trying 2 New Things" might have something that will help.

The Little Broomstick by Mary Stewart might fit the bill. Also, while The Secret Garden isn't about traditional magic per se, what happens to the characters is magical.

We listened to the CDs in the car to get the sense of the story. I read the relevant chapter we were on at home so we could do it slowly and then we did the mapwork, questions, colouring, etc. It worked well. Videos also worked well, and lots of books from the guide!