Thanks for this. I've heard such good things about Bird, but it always seemed too easy. I may need to change my thoughts on it. I've never heard of Tanton. I'll look into that one as well.

I've been ignoring my daughter's math issues for too long, thinking that she just needed more review. I know that is not the case and don't know where to go from here. She has been diagnosed as dyslexic and has made great progress through intensive work. First, here is her background: Rod and Staff through third grade. Starting in third grade, I noticed a lack of progression/understanding. We stopped where we were and spent fourth grade on Semple Math. This seemed to help her understanding of numbers to some extent. With what she had learned to this point, I felt comfortable moving her into Teaching Textbooks grade 5. I felt like she was on the right track. She did well in fifth and sixth until midway through the year. I worked more closely with her and realized that she didn't really know what she was doing and had done. I worked with her for the rest of the year, mostly on fractions because that's where she seemed stuck. I decided to move away from Teaching Textbooks since it didn't seem to be helping. I changed to CLE because it is so spiral. She wasn't retained information, so I thought that would help. She tested into the fourth grade book. So at this point, we are halfway through fourth grade in CLE. I'm seeing the same issue as always. Here are her main problems: Mixes up numbers 63 becomes 36. Mostly when reading the number. Doesn't understand direction or the number line well. Struggles with months, days, and clocks. Took a long time memorizing facts and still forgets at times Estimations are always way off during regular conversation. It took 2 days but she would say it took 15 days. Memorized algorithms, but when she forgets them, it's like starting over. Still asks me, "What is a fraction?" after working on them for a year. Cannot tell me if a fraction is more or less than one, even with a picture. Decimals are now difficult because she doesn't seem to grasp place value. She just asked me today if you can subtract zero from zero. So I'm at a loss at this point. I feel like there's no catching up. I feel like I've failed in this area. How should I move on from here?

I wanted to add that I love your user name. One of my favorite books recently.

Such incredible advice! I have so much to think through.

Thanks! I'll check it out.

I'm in the very super early planning stage of creating a website that provides a rating system for a type of product. Early, as in I have no idea how to make it happen. All I know is I want to do this but my technological abilities don't reach beyond basic computer usage. Who better to turn to than The Hive? If you've taken on this project before, how did you get started? What resources did you use to create the website or educate yourself? Did you have to learn the technology side of it, or did you use the help of others to create your site? I don't think I want to use a free web hosting site because there seem to be too many limitations. Thanks for any advice you have. I really want to make this happen!

Love- Veritas Press Self-Paced modern history. This is our last year using this. It's been a great learning tool for my dyslexic daughter. We'll be ready for some more meat next year. Tiner's The World of Chemistry. It's the only science book that we've really used so far. My daughter is reading it on her own and answering the review questions. This is a huge leap in our homeschool. We discuss each chapter and go over mistakes. When she finishes this, we'll dig into more "fun" chemistry. Easy Grammar. For all the subjects that my daughter struggles with, it's nice to have a git er done program that she finds easy! Apples and Pears. We are in book C and continue to see steady improvement. Ok- CLE math. It gets done and I think the constant repetition is helping. We had to go back several grade levels, but we're getting through a book every 2 weeks or so. Hate- Bible Study Guide for all Ages. We both dread bible time, so it's time to move to something else. Don't know what yet.

CLE fan here! I used it with my son for many years. My daughter is struggling with retention, so we switched to CLE. We started it 2 weeks ago. I really like the fact focus each day.

I wish I knew where to specifically find what graphic novels are out there. I've stumbled across them here and there, but haven't actually looked for them.

She listens to them, but not regularly. She's such a visual learner that audio books aren't always super helpful. I've thought about having her listen to the audio book while following along in the actual book. We'll see.

Thanks for the responses. It's good to know that this could be a stepping stone in reading the actual books. This may be a nice break from other readers assigned this year.

While requesting library books for our school year, I accidentally checked out A Wrinkle in Time Graphic Novel instead of the regular book. After flipping through it, I'm wondering if I may keep this copy for my 12 year old daughter to read. Her favorite books have always been graphic novels. The only books that she checks out for herself are graphic novels, how to draw books, and regular chapter books based off of different anime. She eventually wants to be an animator. So is this ok? Does it have any educational benefit to use graphic novels for more classic literature? She is dyslexic, so I think that is one reason she prefers this style. I think since the words are more spread out, they don't jumble on the page as easily. She may never read the more difficult novels on her own without me reading them to her or through audio books. Unfortunately, she's a very visual learner. She doesn't always follow audio books well, although she does better when I read to her. Any thoughts?

We used a lawn company last year. I loved the way my yard looked. We still had the creeping Charlie, but it seemed to be more under control. I think I'm going to do what I can to get through the rest of the summer and use a company starting in the spring. I hate to pay so much, but I told my hubby, "The grass really is greener on our side of the fence!"

I really could care less about a perfectly manicured lawn. Unfortunately, I live in a subdivision that does care. Time to move to the country. I think my lawnmower has different height levels. I'll have to look into that. A family member gave us a spreader. I'll start with the weed and feed. Then I'll seed in fall.

My lawn is about half grass and half weeds. The only one I know for sure is Creeping Charlie. I have no idea how to make my yard nice again. I cannot spend a lot of money on my yard. I'd like to have it looking halfway decent by next summer. Any tips?

I love to build my own science courses because I never find any one thing that I like. This year, I cannot figure out how to make my resources fit with each other. My plans include: Exploring the world of chemistry by Tiner The Elements by McHenry Chemistry 101 DVDs TOPS Science for experiments Elements of Faith-Devotional based on chemistry Archimedes and the Door of Science-reader Itch-reader or read aloud Has anyone used at least 2 of the top 3 resources together? How did you combine them? Should I just do one at a time? What about Tiner's book first and then The Elements with the DVDs sprinkled in here and there? We'll be using TOPS every day that we do science since we have longer lessons 2 times per week. Any other way to make these resources blend better?

A Single Shroud A Proud Taste of Scarlet and Miniver Catherine, Called Birdy The Bronze Bow The Door in the Wall

I've really enjoyed reading through this thread. I'm a numbers girl, so I always work through numbers of lessons to complete plus days to complete them to come up with a 160 day lesson plan. Each day has 6 subjects. My dd does 4 before lunch and break. Two more after break. While I like the organization of our day, sometimes I don't feel like we have enough time in our day for the extras during the school year. My dd is involved with a few youth programs, theater, skating, art classes, and friend time. She easily gets overwhelmed with our busy days. Our summers tend to be the opposite. Most programs don't go through the summer. She goes to one summer camp and we take a 2 week vacation. Other than that, she asks to do school because it's too hot outside and she's bored. I've decided to change my schedule from 160 six subject days to 240 four subject days. This seems so much better for my family. Less stress during the "school year" and less boredom over the summer. Basically covering the same amount of work in 3 weeks instead of 2. Love it!!!

Thank you, everyone! Now I have to figure out which one to choose. I just started Own Your Life by Sally Clarkson. I already feel very touched by her words. I am still looking for a more homeschool based book. I'm going to check out everyone's suggestions. Targhee, I've never read The Abolition of Man. I'd love to hear why it's your favorite homeschooling book.

My 12 year old dyslexic daughter has made leaps and bounds in her schooling. She took what felt like a lifetime to learn basic arithmetic. She was finally at grade level in her math using Teaching Textbooks, but doesn't retain anything relating to fractions. We've worked on them for about 6 months now, and she just asked me what a fraction is. Obviously she needs to learn it differently. I tend to do a lot of talking when I teach, but her eyes just glaze over. I think she needs more visual or hands on. What is out there that will help? I don't know if I'm looking for a completely new math curriculum or something to help with just fractions.

Sally Clarkson's books are definitely intriguing. I'm trying to decide on which one to read first. There doesn't seem to be any homeschool based books though. I like the concept of Teaching from Rest, but the book seems largely aimed to parents with younger children or multiple children. I would love something like this that was written toward mom's of older kids. How do you teach from Rest when you're looking toward high school or college?

I have been looking at some great samples of inspirational homeschool books, but none that really fit my stage of life. I am a Christian homeschooler of one middle school girl. My eldest just graduated. I don't want to read books about how to schedule multiple children or how to handle toddlers. I don't want to change my methodology, but I do want something that is motivational. Any ideas?

My daughter used reading eggs and reading eggspress until she outgrew it. She is dyslexic, so she used it until 11 years old. She loved it, and was a little sad when I didn't renew it. I felt like it helped her retain some of the skills that she was learning. She loved to see how she was improving, which was important for a child that is behind the average skill level.

Yes, I remember. I used it on and off with my older child. That should be really helpful.

I've decided to switch from teaching textbooks to CLE next year. My daughter could benefit from the constant review of CLE. If I give her the placement test, will it tell me which specific books she needs to review or just what grade to start?