My ds is getting extra phonic worksheets/practice at school with a tutor 3x a week. This is in addition to the work we are doing at home. Anyway, he's moved up 2 reading levels :lol: He is so proud of himself and just wants to work harder.

My dh said I could start looking for a dining set since we are hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. Well, I popped on Craigslist and found one on the first pass! It's being delivered as I write this (thanks to dh & friend). I've attached a pic. of the set - $600 :hurray: for all of it!

Both my sons are easily distracted. I've found my ds(7) does his best work in the study w/background music on (music that he likes really keeps him at his table). Also, I'm not sure how your day is broken down, but I find doing 15 min. of seat work at a time really helps. We take breaks to literally run around the house:lol:

I like this: 1/4 cup dijon 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper Combine and rub all over the meat. You don't need to marinade just put on before popping in the oven.

I think both 4 & 7 yr old would enjoy Follow That Bird. I remember taking my 4 yr. old sister to see this when I was 14 :lol: Good times!

My ds(6) attends classes at our local school. The teacher there wants his comprehension to build before moving him up in reading. We do daily phonics and reading (I ask questions about reading). Suggestions on materials to help with comprehension? Just checking to see if there is material or method that could help.

that was when gas perm lenses were new and very expensive. My younger sister's both got soft contacts at 12. Have you taken your dd into the eye doctor to sample some contacts? My office has disposable samples that anyone can just come in and try to see if they like them. If she can put them in and take them out with ease she's ready.

When my boys where smaller I'd be able to hit the Carter's outlet store and find coats on sale from $5-$8. I've also had success at the children's outlet store - Once Upon a Child. Not sure if you have any of these in your area. Good Luck!

I have watched this years episdoes on hulu.com.

I love all the suggestions! Great ideas that I will be implementing tomorrow. I love this board :lol:

I did pick up a copy of The Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading and we have phonic workbooks which he loves. I spoke with his teacher this morning and she said that his reading is fine but it's his comprehension that is at a lower level. He doesn't retell the story/events sequentionally. So I'm going to work on this a bit more and see if we can't get his comprehension up to his reading level.

My ds is considered an "emergent" reader right now at school and brings home level "B" books. He reads level "G" to me, yes he sounds out words, but can read the story. So, I'm gathering he needs to be reading w/o sounding out, etc. I know there is a range in 1st grade and he will be receiving extra help at school along with several of his classmates. I guess I never realized how much focus is on sight words which isn't something we covered in K. Just sharing because I'm feeling a bit discouraged this morning. Thanks for listening!

My ds is about finished with the last Miquon Math book. Should I start on Singapore, MM? I love that DS has been challenged in how he thinks with Miquon. Having to figure everything out really seems to cement concepts in his mind. Suggestions? What have others followed Miquon with?

My ds(1st) is also redoing writing if it's not his "best" work. I love that his teacher refers to first grade as their job. We've always talked about school that way and how you always do your best. Yeah!!!! Love it when teachers are thinking like me :lol:

I would try and work something out with your buyer. Typically your 1st offer will be your best offer. Friends that live in a very desirable part of Sandy, UT didn't even try to negotiate with the buyer back in April because they had an offer so quickly (lower than wanted) and so many other interested parties. Their house has been a rental for 6 months and now the market price of their house is less than the offer they received. If the house is in Sugar House/The Avenues I can see the draw. I also know that "as is" still means buyers will be asking for things once they have an inspection. It still is a buyers market.

I wrote earlier in the school year of helping my ds(1st) read better. Well, baggy books have been coming home. He is level B....levels are A - J. His friend, who also happens to sit next to hime, is on level F. My ds noticed the friend's level yesterday as the baggy books were being put away (this is not announced by the teacher at any time). Anyway, DS annnounced last night that he is going to read better and promptly sat down and not only read 4 early readers to me, but then read them again to his older brother. This ds is clearly motivated by others and doesn't like to ever come in last. So, in this instance ps is helping me out greatly! Can't duplicate this at home and I tried all last year.

I keep spreadsheets for our church and mom's group. I feel pretty good about my expertise ( I was an assistant for V.P. for many years). pm me if you want - I think I could be of some help.

Recently one book I was going to check out had pages ripped out and I promptly took it to the librarian. I also have come across blacked out words. I see you live in Utah - me too - and am wondering if this is a "Utah" thing.

My ds(4th) brought home info on Mad Science NASA: future space explorers. He's very interested in doing this afterschool (one day a week for 6 weeks). Has anyone's child participated in Mad Science? Was it fun, eductional, etc. Worth the money? Thanks!

Thank you for all the responses. I love the idea of bringing in books on tape and taking turns reading books a level or two up. I've ordered OPGTR and can't wait to get it. We do lots of read alouds and he loves to listen, so I know there is a reader in him:001_smile:.

I was 17, but not regular until 19 when my weight increased to where I looked healthy and not like a stick. Although, I wouldn't mind being a little more stickish now!

I was always the smallest/shortest in class. I started high school at 5' (14 yrs). The summer between my sophmore and junior year of high school I went from 5'2" to 5'8". You never know where you're going to end up :001_smile:

Homeschooled my oldest for 2 years and private school last year. DS(4th) and DS (1st) afterschoolingto keep challenged and fill in any gaps. Public school because I work during school hours and couldn't homeschool anymore. Always a homeschooler at heart! My ds says we have been and will always be the dc primary teachers. He helps tons and I love it!

I'm using Rod & Staff Phonics with my DS(1st) and I am seeing progress. I feel like he's stuck.....only reading phonics practice readers. He is sooooo afraid to try harder books "I can't do it". Any suggestions on other curriculum to use. On another note, he pretty much where he the teacher expects him to be (not me) and the math test was so much reading he had a hard time and now he says "I'm not a math person":blink: Which is so far from the truth because he totally has his dad's engineer mind.

My dc love these! I somtimes add a few mini choc. chips to the tops. I always have some in the freezer to pull out. I typically use whole wheat flour and applesauce instead of butter. Enjoy :D Banana Muffins Yield12 muffins, or 48 mini muffins Ingredients 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 large bananas, mashed 3/4 cup white sugar 1 egg 1/3 cup butter, melted Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat muffin pans with non-stick spray, or use paper liners. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. Combine bananas, sugar, egg, and melted butter in a large bowl. Fold in flour mixture, and mix until smooth. Scoop into muffin pans. Bake in preheated oven. Bake mini muffins for 10 to 15 minutes, and large muffins for 25 to 30 minutes. Muffins will spring back when lightly tapped.