What works for us (clarification: it worked today :lol: ): gentle transition into the morning, allowing her to choose when she finished the tasks we decided upon for the day (for example, she claims to hate her math program, so she typically chooses to do that last when she has the option) and lots of reading aloud while she drew. She also likes to make up games, particularly during math, so I always try to encourage that as well. A few weeks ago, I also implemented a weekly meeting on Sunday nights where we discuss upcoming events for the week, reminders that lessons occur every weekday that we are home and what our goals are. It has helped keep me accountable and it reminds my 8 yo that some directed learning is part of her life! Hope this helps. I know how stressful it can be to return to the routine.

Someone on here suggested a dice game, rolling a double die and summing it up. I started playing it with my 8 yo dd. I just keep tally marks of each correct answer and she absolutely loves it. She asks to play it. Just imagine my shock and disbelief. lol

I just started TT with my 8 yo daughter who is not keen on math. I have been very happy so far. It's early days, yet, and she still complains about doing it, but the lessons build on one another and all I have to do is supplement in the weak areas. Removing myself from the math equation has allowed our homeschooling to really flourish this year. Depending on your son, you might consider dispensing with the workbook and only ordering the CDs. I require my daughter to write her answers in the book, as I feel that the act of writing it down helps cement it in her mind, but that's our family. Good luck to you! Math was the most stressful part of our day due to my insecurities about being able to teach it. I understand that some people feel that TT is not at grade level, but at this point, I am interested in competency. We are already below grade level due to my switching math curricula too many times. Live and learn. :) We also use LoF as a supplement. We love Fred!

My 8 yo free spirit is a pretty good natural speller, but lately she has voiced a desire to learn the mechanics of spelling. Any favorite programs out there? We've used Spelling Workout, which I liked but she did not. She locks up when faced with workbook pages. Thanks!

Has anyone purchased the vids or any other products from the HoMath website? I'm curious whether it is a worthwhile purchase. I struggle with teaching math and as a result DD is frustrated and hates it. :( This looks like a promising site that could help both of us. Thanks for your help!

My husband has the same dream, different motivations. :) I'm all ears on this post. One of my concerns is being so far from the fantastic cultural opportunities our city offers. The library is also very good; I would definitely miss it. We are looking at moving over an 1 hour outside the city, so it wouldn't be impossible to come in, but I would have to be much more judicious in selecting our activities. Apprehensive but excited as well, although nothing is confirmed yet. Good luck, and I look forward to reading other posts!

:grouphug:

Apologies if someone has already posted something like this, but I have been able to manage (not completely break), my sugar addiction by first eliminating virtually all of the white, refined sugar from my diet. Then, I replaced white sugar with maple syrup, honey, and rapadura (for baking). One article I read recommended no more than 3 tbs/day of natural sugar. Sorry-can't seem to locate it again on google. I've also found that the sugar in so many recipes can be easily halved with no discernible difference in taste. After a few months, I now find that I cannot abide too much of a sweet taste, whereas before I felt I couldn't get enough. That being said, I do fall of the wagon more than I would like. Chocolate and occasional Starbucks trips are my weaknesses. Can't seem to avoid the pumpkin spice lattes, even when I feel awful after I drink one. :glare: Anyway, I used to be someone whose tea had to be sugared so much that I could set my teeth on edge, and now I drink my tea with no sweetener. Good luck and go easy on yourself. This is a tough habit to break!

Thanks for posing the question and the thoughtful replies! I needed to hear this today...just ordered SM 1B for my 8 yo today. I administered the assessment tests today, and let's just say there were more gaps than I expected...:001_huh: Looking forward to getting started with it.

We're reading The Magician's Nephew at night and Blackberry Hollow during the day.

My 8 yo daughter is enjoying XtraMath.org. It is an adaptive website that is helping her to master her addition facts. It will continue through division at this time. The lessons are extremely short, no more than 8 minutes. I have found it to be a great supplement to her math program. And it is FREE.

You might search for playgroups or co-ops in your area if you are looking for activities for your boys. My daughter has never attended ps, so I have no experience with this, but I have heard people recommend de-schooling, which is just a period of time (determined by you) during which your kids can decompress from a school routine and begin to develop a different rhythm. You might even consider keeping a journal of what they choose to do during the day. I finally started doing that this year and I've really been surprised by what I've discovered about my daughter: interests I never really paid close attention to, etc. Frequent trips to the library, lots of time for reading and reflection, then you can begin to focus on the academic side. There are many wonderful resources out there for homeschool families. Best of luck to you!

:iagree: Just read great books together, spend time outdoors, play math games: http://www.mamajennblogs.com/ has tremendous math resources. My daughter is a newly minted 3rd grader, and I finally feel like I have a handle on homeschooling. Take it slowly and enjoy each moment. Sounds like you have everything well in hand.

You might consider Lebanon or Mt. Juliet in Wilson County. There is a big homeschool community in Wilson county, and I-840 should make the commute to Smyrna easier. You could always check on Google maps. Good luck with your home search and welcome to the area!

Thanks for sharing!