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.

Hi, my name is Stacie. I began homeschooling my two youngest daughters last year after an agonizing stint in the public school system. For most of my life, I worked as a life skills coach with developmentally disabled teens and adults. It was a very rewarding and fulfilling position. But, there comes a time when you must take a step back and evaluate your given situation. I did just that and left the work force to raise my girls. Now, a little bit about my young ladies. DD17: She always fared well in public school but started having problems during her sophomore year. For that reason, she has decided to use Cyber School (K12) to finish. She recently started her own babysitting/cleaning service and is doing quite well. I'm very proud of her. DD10: She is my challenging child. Her current diagnosis is ADHD w/ Asperger's Characteristics, Sensory Processing Disorder, Moderate Expressive Language Disorder. She has a pretty marked social deficit and is a very anxious little girl. We do not medicate at this time. I removed her from school after 3rd grade. Four years of public school/ remediation/special education and she was still reading on a 1st grade level and couldn't complete any math problems with a sum larger than 10 because she relied on her fingers. I am happy to report that after 1 year of homeschooling she has improved a full grade level in reading and can do multiple digit addition and subtraction without the use of her fingers or a calculator. This year we try multiplication and division along with some chapter books! DD8: She is such a little spitfire and a very happy little girl given everything she's had to endure in her short life. At 2, she was diagnosed with Chronic ITP. After almost 7 years, she is still not in remission but has not needed a treatment in over a year. I think this is largely in part to her being homeschooled. In kindergarten, I was told that she marches to the beat of her own drum and does her work when she feels like it. She has no sense of time. In 1st grade, she failed art! How is that possible?? Turns out she was turning her assignments in 2, sometimes 3, weeks late. She was also bringing home F's in math because of careless mistakes. I now know that she is also ADHD which explains a lot. Well, that's us in a nutshell. Thanks for reading. I hope to learn a lot from this forum. I'm glad to be here!

We have a Pitbull Mix. From May until October he's bathed once a month prior to putting on his flea treatment. From October to May, it's every other month. We live in the city and other than walks, he's mostly inside. Otherwise, it he's need bathed more often.

She did an amazing job! I liked and shared it.

I chose No but I think I would have been quite successful. I had a wonderful grandmother who did afterschool us. Thanks to her, I was ahead of the curve more often than not. However, I was also musically inclined and not being in school would have denied me many opportunities to sing. I grew up in a somewhat rural area and community art programs were very scarce.

My DD10's OT turned me on to "Heavy Work" last year. It's amazing and does wonders for her stemming (very subtle but definitely there) and anxiety. Here's the link: http://www.tmcsea.org/districtservices/documents/Heavy%20Work%20Activities%20List%20for%20Occupational%20Therapist.pdf I'm relatively new here but I've lurked for a while and see lots of familiar faces. HTH:)

My 2 youngest girls (both ADHD) strive with a routine. Last year we started around 10:00 but with it being our first homeschooling year, my expectations were very low. This year, having learned a few things myself last year, we'll start at 9 on the dot. We have some serious executive functioning/responsibility issues going on and it's my intention to work towards correcting some of them.

Aha Science sounds like what you're looking for. It's complete with little unit quizzes and such. I wanted to use it this year but decided to wait until next year. It looks very promising though! http://www.learning.com/providers/learning/product.htm?ahascience-35curriculum

Hi, Rainefox!:)

Hi, I've been lurking here for a while but only recently joined. We live in the Erie area.