This is exactly what we do,too. As soon as I see it coming, it's off to her room. I would probably handle it slightly different if there were any sort of warning but there isn't. She's either happy and easy going or miserable and ticked at everything and everyone.

I'm not sure how helpful this will be so take it for what it's worth. I gave my DD's the language to walk through the steps by themselves. Once they had the language mastered, they mastered subtraction. Example: When looking at a problem like 50-27...." I start with the ones columns. Can I take 7 from zero? Nope, because 7 is bigger. I have to borrow." Until they mastered the language, I had them correct their own work by adding. They caught on pretty quick.

That's very interesting. Is this happening only with school work or is it anytime? If it's related to academics, does he seem to do this with certain subjects more than others? If so, maybe it's a stress or anxiety response?? Does he seem to do it more after having worked for a while or just after a break? If so, it could be his way of self regulating or calming down?? I really have no idea just throwing my thoughts out there. It really could be a number of things. I'm a new forum member and don't know if your son has any current diagnoses or what they are. I would venture to say that Tourette's Syndrome seems like a possibility.

I keep just the portfolio I submit to the district. Aside from that, I've stashed away a few art projects and kept all the photos. The rest we threw away and had lots of fun doing it, too!

WHOA!!! Are you kidding me?? I'm sorry but what a load of crap!! PA Law clearly states that you are required to provide proof of 180 days of education or 900 hours (K-8)/ 990 hours (9-12). Did they specific request hours? If they did, they are in violation of the law. Also, as long as you showed at least one sample from each of the required subjects and a list of materials used your obligation has been met. Where I live, we had an evaluator come to the house. She was a very nice lady. After she did her paper work, I hand delivered the portfolios to the superintendents office where they underwent yet another evaluation. This evaluator was also pleasant and even called me to question about DD10's progress. There was no trouble at all and I didn't go overboard with the samples either. Seeing as how your daughter's portfolio was approved, I don't know if I would fight it or not. But I would certainly make sure to include a copy of the law, highlighting the important sections with next years portfolio.

Almost 2 years ago, my BMI was 44. I didn't know that, I used a calculator to figure it out just now lol. I just knew I was headed in a very bad direction. Anyway, I made a promise to myself that I would drop 100lbs. by my 40th birthday. Today, my BMI is just over 30 and I've lost 86 lbs. I'm thinking I may hit my goal. 14 pounds in 7 months should be a breeze. I will admit, I have some sagging going on and need some serious work on muscle tone but I'm healthier than I've ever been. I'll gladly accept the sag!

I have to share this because not only am I one proud mama but DD10 is over the moon about it. She finally rode a "big girl" roller coaster! I know it's not a big deal really but for her it is. Given the insufferable anxiety she has, I never thought she would do it. We've been working on this goal for a couple of years now. It's a goal she set herself and there was no way I was letting it go. I knew if I could coax her onto the ride she would love it. She loves to spin, swing, bounce, and smell stuff to the exclusion of all other things if you let her. Anyway, she did it and she loved it! I'm happy!:lol: Ok, back to the academics. DD10 has huge reading issues. I highly suspect dyslexia although there's no official diagnosis. We did AAS Level 1 last year but she hated it. This year, I got Spectrum Phonics Grade 2 and 3 and we're using it. She doesn't seem to mind those. I also got Evan Moors Read and Understand Stories(grade 2 and 3) and she is doing well with those also. The reading level seems to be about right for her. In addition, she also reads out loud to me for 15 minutes a day. It's all she can handle or I'd have her do more. I generally have her read a few pages silently first and then out loud to me because she seems to do better that way. However, she tries to read too fast. I've began using a line guide and it seems to slow her down some. In addition, her accuracy and fluency are lacking. She guesses at a lot of words. She doesn't stop for periods or commas. I read out loud to her and her sister at various points throughout the day. But I wonder if I should be modeling for her during our independent session. I guess my question is if anyone has suggestions so I can help my daughter read?

We started back up last week. With exception to the first day (no academics, just fun stuff), we did almost our entire schedule for the year. We have yet to start keyboarding, computer, social studies, instrument, and health. But our schedule is slightly different this year and it seems to be working well so far. This week we'll add computer and health. We would have done it last week but the local amusement park was calling our name on Friday! Seeing as how we started a unit on forces and motion, I figured it was definitely a field trip worth taking! By Week 3, we'll be at full speed and hopefully, settling in nicely.

Constipation has never been an issue here. However, hygiene has always been an issue. When DD10 was a toddler she used to "finger paint" every morning. We tried everything we could to make it so she couldn't get to her diaper but she outsmarted us every time...Grrrr!! Anyway, I second the suggestion for flushable wipes. They are definitely a panty saver around here. Also, I put a big note right above the hand soap on the bathroom sink that said "Remember to use me when you are finished." It helped.

:iagree: I am all for and promote "active" ignoring. It is by far the best technique I have found for dealing with tantrums and other inappropriate outbursts directed towards me. I am grateful for the day when I sat in on job training teaching me how to do it effectively. Both DD10 and DD8 are SN, active ignoring is truly the only way I manage to keep my sanity throughout the day. Chin up and charge the mountain, Mama! This, too, shall pass.:grouphug:

This year our first day was a complete blast! The day started with a treasure hunt to find small backpacks filled with the basic supplies they would need this year. We followed up by starting our School Days Paper Chain in neon colors no less. After that they perused our curriculum, put their names inside the books, and we went over the routine for this year. I had intended on a field trip to a local nature spot but we were rained out. Instead, we spent the entire afternoon playing "Erie in a Box". It's exactly like Monopoly except the business and street names are local. Much to the girls' disappointment, I won! I must admit it was a close game!

DD10 was recently diagnosed with a Moderate Expressive Language Disorder. As of yet, we have not done anything with it. The whole situation is upsetting actually. I had her evaluated by a SLP through the agency that services her behavioral needs. This was in May. At the meeting to discuss the evaluation, I was told that there were a couple of areas where she showed some issues but it was "nothing major". Overall, she did very well. It was recommended she do ST once a week for 45 minutes through the summer. DD10 refused and because they said is was nothing major, I let it slide. BAD, BAD, BAD MOMMY!!! At the beginning of August, I finally received a copy of the evaluation. It stated that DD10 had a Moderate Expressive Language Disorder and it's recommended she receive ST once a week for 6 months. I have yet to follow up with the therapy. However, I'll be keeping my eye on this thread for recommendations for helpful home tips that I can incorporate into our school day (much like the OT we are still doing from last year, but that's another story).

I'll try to remember that, Ellie. I worry because I tend to be long winded.

Thanks for the book recommendations! :001_smile: I've read tons and agree completely. Both DD10 and DD8 are very much visual learners. Guess I'm lucky on that front! I try to make everything as visual as possible. I've also learned that they are both cut and dry. They don't want to know a million ways to do something. Just show them one way and practice, practice, practice! They are definitely mastery based learners. It took me all of last year to really get a handle on their learning style. This year is so much better and they are eating it up!

We are in the Erie area. We absolutely love it here.