I am using only the writing part of Pre-Level A.

Oh my, that sounds painful. I don't have an idea of what they'll, but I do hope they can take care of quickly and without too much pain. Poor guy. Keep us posted!

I was also going to suggest CQLA or Meaningful Composition. I'm using the writing part of CQLA right now with my ds8. I really like the way she teaches writing. It's very step by step, which is what my ds needed! She also does and editing step called the "Checklist Challenge" that is wonderful - very thorough, well beyond the basics. My son just finished a half-page report today, and said "Wow, Mom, look at all we got from just fourteen key words!". :001_smile:

Well, it is not surprising that someone who works in the preschool/public school setting encourages going that route. She may not realize how much she's discouraging you. At any rate, it's unfortunate that she didn't encourage you to do wha't best for your family. You are going to be fine. You know and love your kids. It sounds like you've prepared well. You will learn together! Some things you try won't work well. Other things will turn out wonderfully. You'll learng to adjust as your figure out what works best for your teaching style, your child's learning style, and what you want for your family. Sometimes you'll get discouraged, but you'll come here and we'll cheer you on! :thumbup1:

I second the recommendation for Biblioplan. Inexpensive, easy to use, flexible, good book choices.

I will certainly pray this with you. I'm also praying for healing and peace. Be kind to yourself, take the time you need to grieve as well as heal physically.

Thanks! I would have completely missed this, math "genius" that I am. :001_rolleyes: My boys will love it. I'm thinking pizza for supper, with chocolate pie for dessert. How about salad with pie shaped lettuce?! Or not...that's a little too much work for me. :laugh:

Yes, for my son (3rd grade), it just didn't work. I have switched to teaching him note-taking and key word outlines, and he is finally "getting it"! :thumbup1:

Praying for your ds, you & your dh, and everyone who is making decisions for his treatment. I pray there will be wisdom & clarity, and that your son's heart can soften and change. :grouphug:

Oh, my. This is a LOT! I noticed you weren't around, but I totally missed that your kids were sick. :sad: I can't imagine what that was like, by yourself in a new place! I'm glad everyone is on the mend Don't forget take care of yourself too! :grouphug:

But the party's never over when you can keep adding smilies! :hurray: :thumbup1: :willy_nilly: :001_tt1: (I wanted to add more lyrics, but.....I think that may be the sum total of words in that song.) Anyway, thanks for putting in my head. Or not. :blink:

Thanks for the update. Poor little guy, I can't imagine how hard it must be for you to see him hurting. I'll continue to pray for your and your family.

Well, apparently the dog that belongs to Danestress is not a great dane! :blink: Maybe her dog does this :drool5: or this :seeya: or even this :nopity:, but apparently he is NOT :Angel_anim:.

Hmmm... I'm pretty sure that Danestress is Dana. If not, she's an awful lot like her. :confused: I've been missing Erica as well. She's got a lot more self-discipline than I could ever muster. :p

:iagree: :hurray: Better stop now, or I'll be sitting here all day. I'm outta here...:auto:

I'm so sorry. Need a hug? :grouphug: OR some of this? :nopity: :001_tongue:

This sounds so difficult. Praying for healing, strength, and endurance for you.

Praying here. (((Kay)))

What a great picture! It sounds like a fun time. I got an error message when I clicked on your link, but was able to get there by clicking on the blog link in your signature.

(((Jean))), I can't imagine how frightening that must have been for you! I'm praying today for healing, wise doctors, and clarity of thinking and peace of mind for you and your family.

Barb and Claire - hugs and prayers for both of you. God holds you and your precious little ones in His hands.

Praying for a successful surgery and quick recovery! And peace as you anticipate the surgery.

Stacy, I would encourage you to focus on establishing a daily routine. Not necessarily a schedule, but a "list" of what's going to happen every day and in what order. Something like this: Breakfast, chores, schoolwork, 30 minutes free time after schoolwork is done. After lunch, read together 30 minutes, then quiet time for an hour. (Just a loose example.) Pick a few basic school subjects that you want to start with. You can add in the rest of what you want to do gradually, after you've established good routines and habits. After you decide on your school subjects and routine, talk with your kids about what your plans. Don't ask their permission or look for them to be excited. Just let them know your expectations. Then, most importantly, establish that until the schoolwork is completed, nothing else happens. When you're doing schoolwork and the bad attitude/whining hits, I would respond like this: "We're doing school right now, and I expect you to have a good attitude and cooperate. I don't have time to waste on bad attitudes and whining. You can sit at your desk and let me know when you're ready to do your work with a good attitude." Then I would walk away. Be close enough to monitor and deal with the child if needed, but don't try to talk them into cooperation, or "wait" on them. Just go on with your day. Work with your other children, take care of the little ones, do your housework. Be matter of fact and calm, but firm. And, btw, I would not let them have anything at their desk (or wherever they are) except for the schoolwork. We've had a lot of craziness in the last couple of years (building a house, moving), but we've been able to keep moving ahead with school, primarily because we had already established the expectation and routine of doing it every day. I still run into occasional bad attitudes, but I basically do what I outlined above. With four kids, I truly do not have time to coddle a child with bad attitudes. If they choose that path, they know their life will be rather boring and unpleasant. :cool: Hang in there. You can do this! The hardest part is forging a new path with different expectations. Kids are going to resist, it's more fun to do other things. :rolleyes: But you might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly they come around once they know that you're going to be firm.

I guess I should answer my own poll. :) My dh has agreed to let me homeschool, but it would not be his choice. His perspective: Public school is what's "normal", we live in a good school system, school worked for me. Therefore, my children would be best educated in the public school. He sees homeschooling as a good option for those who are in poor school systems or when a child isn't functioning well in the school setting. I often wonder if this issue has creates more of a wedge between us than I would realize. So much of my time and energy gets devoted to schooling (it's inevitable!), and then of course there's money that's spent on books and curriculum. I do try to be very aware of his expectations regarding education, so that (hopefully) he can feel confident that they're being educated well.

Two questions: What is your dh's attitude toward you homeschooling your children? If your dh is not completely supportive, do you think this issue has created a "wedge" in your relationship? I realize the exact wording doesn't work for everyone here....so if you're divorced/remarried, or for the guys here, feel free to answer this in the way that best fits your family situation! ETA: I just realized that this discussion could have the potential to go down a path that's against board rules: "No Spouse Bashing The Internet (and this site in particular) is not the appropriate place to complain about your husband (or wife) or to ask for marital counseling. Call a friend instead." That's not my intention at all! So please keep that in mind when answering, so that we can respect the intent of her guidelines.