For those of you who have lived and/or raised children abroad, is re-entry really as shocking as my research has lead me to believe? All four of my children have lived in Mexico most of their lives. I made it a point to go see grandpa in San Diego every few months and participated in activities with other home schoolers while there. We even traveled and lived in hotels for just a few months when dh's job allowed, but the majority of their childhood has been spent in Mexico. Our oldest is the only one who remembers living in the U.S. until the age of four. We were set to move back to the U.S. this month, but the move has been delayed due to DH's work assignment. Still, we are moving back sooner than later. Boxes have been packed and shipped, friends and family have been made aware of our plans, and our dc have come to accept that we will be in the states by the beginning of next school year. Only recently did I begin to think about the shock that we may be in for. It also occurred to me that my son has already realized that he may be very different than other 14 y/o boys raised in the states. He doesn't understand why some boys wear their pants blow their bums. He really doesn't get why many (not all) American teens use so much slang, talk back to and even yell at parents or other adults, and why so many people are seen using their cell phones when they are out eating with their family. These are just some of his observations from recent trips to the U.S. I know that these seem like minor issues, but our two oldest dc have concerns about relating with their peers. After reading Third Culture Kids: The Experience of Growing Up Among Worlds, I can already see situations when my kids will get defensive, irritated, or even offended when people begin to ask them questions about Mexico. In fact, it has happened before. How can I help to better prepare them for the culture shock? How can I help them to deal with some of the questions they will face about violence, drug cartels, and politics? They are still young, but some people in the past have thought it Ok to begin questioning them about these topics. What else should I begin speaking to them about? What about dh and I? I know I faced some shock on two week visits, but it didn't seem too bad and wore off after a few days. Am I kidding myself here? Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

I strongly suggest you not do this. There is construction going on at the border, and it annoys the customs agent who has to lift the gate for you. Also, you risk turning the wrong way and heading into Tijuana.. If you insist, make sure to move to the far LEFT lane ASAP upon entering the freeway from the Camino de la Plaza entrance. I would visit the Chula Vista Nature center, La Jolla Shores, or the beach in Del Mar, just behind the Stratford Inn. Other places: Sea Port Village Check out some of the trails. (San Elijo, Tecelote Canyon, Torrey Pines, and many more to choose from. Quail Botanical gardens. If you go to North San Diego, breakfast at Pipes in Cardiff by the Sea is a must. The list can go on and on. What are your interests.

Has anybody had luck joining the AP Human Geography group? What did you put in the box where a professional link was asked for?

If time is your problem, I would vote Jane Eyre./ I think it is much easier, and a faster read than Mohicans. I am currently reading Last of the Mohicans, and I can say it is slow going. I am enjoying it, but have to admit that I read it in smaller chunks. I usually finish books in a day or so, but I can't seem to read this book for long periods. For that reason, I removed it from ds's reading list this year. I think I will save it for high school. HTH

:lurk5:

This coming year we will be doing ancients (GB for the oldest). My kids really enjoy doing memory work in the morning, so I need some recs. Oldest is 14 and our youngest is 8. Here is what I have so far. The Works of the 7 days of Creation plagues of Egypt The twelve disciples The 12 Tribes of Israel The gods of Ancient Egypt 12 Labors of Hercules 9 muses 12 titans I am sure I had more.... off to check my list. (Why am I having trouble coming up with things?) Has anybody actually done the Pharaohs? How did that go? They already know the 7 ancient wonders of the world, hills of Rome, and its rulers. Also, since I have you here and would prefer not to start a separate thread, can you also throw in ideas relating to Biology? kingdoms of living things Characteristics of mammals Characteristics of a fish Characteristics of reptiles Characteristics of amphibians Characteristics of an insect Six main types of invertebrates Main parts of a flower Body systems Parts of a plant cell Parts of an animal cell Bones in the human body? Maybe for oldest. This would be over the entire year, and we homeschool year around.

If you use any vintage books from free sites like google books, save them as PDF's. They are often not accessible outside the US. Also... Cosmetics Shampoo (to last you until you can find one you like) Depending on country... Floss, toothpaste, mouth wash, chap-stick hair brush (you'd be surprised) undies for you food items not available that you cannot live with out. In some parts of Mexico, we can't find peanut butter. erasers and pencils (also, depending on country) I am sure there is much more, but it is pretty late. Good luck with the move.

Is this it? http://www.box.net/shared/zt1kphlkd9

:grouphug: I am so sorry for what you are going through. Those poor babies.

We have 4. The comment we get the most is, "Don't you guys have cable?" I never knew what to say to that, but now dh steps in with, "Yeah, but what about the commercials?" I was so embarrassed the first time he did it, but then I noticed the looks on the other people's faces. I think they get that their comment is out of line after that, but I can't bring myself to do it.

Sorry it took so long. First off, let me start by saying that after-schooling a child that is attending a private K in Mexico is very doable. From my experience, they do not send home a bunch of busy work. Traditionally, K is only about 4 hours here. In Private school this includes dance, music, and movement, as well as breaks, and snack time. Some schools are changing that, though. So your ds is 4. Right? That means he will be entering segundo (4 year old K) Does he write already? If not, I would hold off on the writing. Private schools in Mexico have a very specific way that they teach writing. Most use the Libro Magico for phonics, reading and writing. It begins with tracing out shapes and lines and progresses to writing letters. Usually, children are able to write in cursive once they graduate K-5. I would wait and see what your school of choice is doing, before proceeding. Homework will usually be copy work. The teacher will send home a cuaderno. Regular wide line rule (think US wide lined paper, but not the one with blue, red, and a dotted line in the middle) Kids are not taught to begin writing huge letters. My son actually had to use regular paper when we started WWE, because he had been taught to write on smaller lines. http://www.lumen.com.mx/catalog/detalle.php?IDSUB=193&TITULO=CUADERNO%20COSIDO%20FORMA%20ITALIANA%20SHOT%20POINT&MARCA=Shot%20Point Math: If you are planning on teaching addition, subtraction, etc... Go for it. It will alow your ds to learn the lingo in English and I can't imagine it doing anything other than complimenting what he will do in school. K4 will start with the numbers and shapes in Spanish. I think by the end of first year ds had to know and write the numbers through 100. He also did some addition, but it was basic. 5k year, if I recall, was when multiplication and division was introduced. It was a gentle approach, and much of it was similar to Singapore Math 1A+B. Reading/Spelling: If you feel your ds is ready, proceed, but if you feel that it begins to cause confusion later on I would stop and hold off. I actually allowed ds to learn in Spanish first. Spanish is a phonetic language and very easy to learn to read. Learning to read in English was a breeze, afterwards. Science: Go for it. I don't recall Science being very strong in any of the Private K schools I am familiar with. That will change as your ds gets older. Every thing else sounds like a good idea. There will be art in school, but I can't imagine any child not wanting more at home. Geography.. We did it. Ds loved using maps and finding different countries. Hebrew Torah: What a fantastic idea. It will be something unique and special for your little guy. These are probably the best years to after school while schooling in Mexico. I think Laura mentioned letting ds play with playmates for language learning. I think you will come to find in Mexico that children that age are not out and about much. Society is very family centered. Kids play with cousins, siblings, and spend most of their time with their own family until they are a bit older. If you meet other families and set up a play dates, great, but they won't likely be playing in the front yard. Even at parks in the gated communities, the kids that age are playing with mom and dad. Most importantly, have fun. Enjoy the adventure. You know your child best and can judge what will work. If you have any questions about any thing, feel free to IM me. It was a real culture shock for me, but my entire family has learned a lot along the way. Good luck!

Double Post

Were you looking for a Mexican style chocolate cocoa? I know there is a brand sold stateside that is from Mexico. http://www.tienditamex.com/products-page/edibles/ibarra-chocolate/ You may also be able to find Abuelita brand. They are pretty much the same. This is what my kids use for hot cocoa. You need to use a whisk, though. You may have some bits on the bottom, so a ladle is a good idea. It has a sweet cinnamon and chocolate flavor. I would say it is sweeter than what is sold in places like Oaxaca, but it is also because it is a retail brand. In Oaxaca there are similar chocolates sold that are made by the locals. Smooth and yummy. oops. Tangent over. :p

Yikes, Noooo. :svengo: Different type of chocolate. LOL It was the first thing that came yo my mind as well. Until I saw the part about the chiles.

I have never heard of it and had to google. I think you were supposed to strain it. Is it sweet at all? The only thing I can think of to do with it is make mole. That can be a bit time consuming, though. What kind of cocoa were you hoping for?

Hello there. I have lived in Mexico for about 8 years. One of my sons attended a private k here, so I am familiar with the system and the amount of work given. I am actually heading to bed, but will pop in tomorrow with some info. Short answer: very doable during the K years. Is your ds already enrolled? If you have the book list, I may be able to give you some feedback on those, and how they will mesh. HTH

Oh dear. I do remember her. She and her family will be in my prayers.

This is for an adult who only attended school through 6th grade and grew up in a non-English speaking home with parents that did not know how to read. I can't imagine the school was very good. They grew up in an area known for bad schools and drive by shootings. This person is interested in finishing school. They do not feel their grammar/spelling/writing are up to a level that will allow them to do high school level work, so they would like to brush up. They are planning on doing online school, not GED, since the goal is education in preparation for possible college, and everyday life. Would AG work? Thoughts on what I might recommend?

I thought I would bump this thread with some of what I have found. I still have to review the books to pick and choose, but I thought it might be helpful to others. I am still searching, and will be moving on to Librivox next. I should be done by Monday evening. I also have found some interactive online tools, as well as documentaries. I will list those later, once my list is complete. http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Children%27s_History_%28Bookshelf%29 Scroll down to get the American History book list. Of Plimouth Plantation * http://mith.umd.edu//eada/html/display.php?docs=bradford_history.xml Frederick Douglas a Biography http://www.gutenberg.org/files/18757/18757-h/18757-h.htm The Everyday life of Abraham Lincoln http://www.gutenberg.org/files/18757/18757-h/18757-h.htm Life of Harriet Beacher Stowe http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/6702/pg6702.html Susan B. Anthony http://www.gutenberg.org/files/18757/18757-h/18757-h.htm

I don't understand why flash cards would not be seen as educational material. :confused:

Not sure what age your dc are. My ds will be doing the following. Map work: Pin pointing locations of various battles and color coded according to which side was victorious. Attach information about each battle. (date, name of battle, location, and casualties, generals involved, etc) <----- This part is to help him work on his research skills. Writing: Short bios of important people. Maybe one longer on on a person of his choice. Also, ds will probably make a scrapbook of the historical flags of the time.

Thank you. I this is what I was thinking. Well put This, too. It looks like the class is a class on how to make ramen noodles. I would pay for that.

Could it be a class to learn how to make Japanese Ramen noodles from scratch and learn various recipes? If so, maybe those who purchased the deal just want to learn how to make something from scratch, make diverse food, or just meet other people. I can buy Italian noodles fairly cheap, but I would love to learn how to make them from scratch. (even if I don't do it often) Plus, learning different Italian food recipes would be worth taking a class. Just a thought.

Maybe we can get an official in a kilt. If he bakes cupcakes, even better.

Wow