[Stephen Hawking has died.]

Oh, no!

:(

[Tips for adding a second student?]

Well, I did a “trial run†yesterday, as DD is out of school on vacation. I know it’s not a true homeschool situation but more of a “can Mom physically and emotionally handle two 2e homeschool kids?†It went ok, more ok for the kids than me. DS was occupied, DD was too, but I’d need more planned things for her. She depended a lot on PBS and I’m sure she’ll get bored of that all day. And DS will have to have more independent work once things are set up better. We worked a lot on not interrupting and being quiet (I’ll need to buy headphones), and not being disgruntled.

 

There was a lot of meltdown from DS doing work in the am before DD woke up. It may improve with practice in the am or just knowledge he has less free time in the am. We also didn’t get in our two daily walks because of poor weather (we usually walk a couple miles). And we did homework in the evening for about 40 min. We shortchanged science and history, so I’ll need better resources for that.

 

Personally, I was running around crazy, though. For me, unless I have a better system, it was hard. I was distracted, disorganized, and had a hard time. I know better planning will help. And working with the kids on routines will help too. I was productive most of the day, which was good (physically I’m sometimes unable to be). I planned on waking up early today to prep for today, but Daylight Savings is still affecting me. Come to think of it, maybe that’s also why DS has such trouble doing work in the am...

 

Well, another had experiment day today. DS has coop so I can evaluate one on one time with DD today.

[Dysgraphia]

I agree with previous posters that a lot depends on what the student needs. Some have upper body or strength weakness and need strength training. Some might need vision therapy.

 

We used HWT for print and started with cursive. We’re now using Logic of English with cursive because we started it for spelling, not because we didn’t like HWT.

 

As long as the print strokes are minimal and pencil lifting is minimal, any method is fine. Whole body writing (with arm in the air, with feet on the ground, with eyes closed), can help cement the letter formation.

 

Practice and age/maturity can help with desire to practice. DS9 just recently has been willing to write independently and chooses to do so over typing sometimes. He’s also old enough that his desire to be perfect in everything is lessening and he understands that isn’t practical so the speed has increased.

 

In general, cursive has been easier and more legible for DS, typing is a requirement for most subjects, and practice will be necessary for a while still.

[Good NPR article about dyslexia]

I can’t believe any schools are still teaching the whole language approach. The data is so clear for phonetic language development.

Our school system uses it. They pretend it’s a combo of phonics, sight word memorization, thinking about what word would make sense, etc. It’s horrible, truly. It really encourages sight word memorization instead of phonics, guessing, etc. it’s been proven to be horrible for people with known dyslexia and pretty bad for neurotypical people too.

[Tips for adding a second student?]

Thanks for the advice. I’m still processing. The school isn’t “badâ€, but they are no good for kids with any learning differences. DD has friends there and they are good at making school cutesy. She seems ok with it some days, and others days not. Her enjoyment of school is related to if someone had a birthday, or a special event. It’s very mercurial so I don’t have an easy time deciding what would be best for her. (Whereas DS at this age HATED school everyday without exception). She also doesn’t report much of her day to me, even when it’s been a horrible day per her teacher, and there is a big lack of communication. Academically, I’m sure she’d benefit from learning to read instead of sight word recognition, especially if she ends up having dyslexia. And after working through letter formation, that should be better too. The schools never teach spelling here so that will always have to be taught at home if I want her to have that.

 

The routine would have to be changed a lot. DS could probably do more independently but I would have to either set up things ahead of time for him or work with him to DIY. Which probably needs to happen soonish, anyway.

 

Looking at material ahead of time is helpful. I tend to do chunks on the weekend but daily is better for me to comprehend and teach.

[My intelligent dd has no interest in extracurriculars...worried about scholarship apps]

School + job = enough, in my mind. I wouldn’t have worked in high school, plus extracurriculars. It would’ve been too much. I agree with PP that her doing something for herself might be beneficial. Or finding work/volunteer related to a future career. Unless she’s already doing that. I’m which case, awesome. Maybe there’s a personal hobby she’d like to pick up. More may be more, but not always better for each individual. (Hugs)

[Tips for adding a second student?]

Likely out of K but starting as first grade at home. I need to place her for math but I’m guessing at least mid first. Reading I’ll do a phonics check and start where she’s at, likely digraphs. Writing will be a start over with basics.

 

School issues- reading taught with whole word approach (memorizing sight words, guessing encouraged), phonetic words treated as sight words, writing pages of work per day with no correction, no handwriting, no spelling, child misplaced (left behind in classroom, taken to wrong exit, etc), boredom, assembly line testing that is inaccurate, lack of special services for most disabilities. Gifted pull out only next year for a subject (math or reading) for 30 min. Gifted program based on production.

 

School could possibly be modifiable with lots of afterschooling in reading, spelling, and writing. After doing that with DS I don’t think I can do it with DD, but maybe.

 

A big line in my mind was crossed recently in my state, but it’s political in nature, so I can’t address it in this forum. I’m uncertain if I’m willing to have an elementary child in schools here ever again. I wanted to homeschool her before now because of academics. I figured I’d stick it out and homeschool her for the summer with reading and writing. But the political issue is forcing my hand. I’m going to ponder it some, but not for long.

[My son is not doing well]

(Hugs). I hope the pain resolves. It’s horrible to see loved ones in pain.

[Porn is not the worst thing - S/O Young Teens + Social Media]

I struggle with this. DS will likely need a smart phone or tablet for a while because the help it provides with his learning disabilities is necessary. I can disable the general internet, but need access for education. I disable general app downloads but I have approved some that later needed to be removed. We use you tube sometimes for educational videos. I don’t want a slippery slope so I guess it will have to be continual restrictive use and homework by me to know what’s acceptable. It’s a lot of work!

[Tips for adding a second student?]

I’m sure you have tips for me! It’s likely I will be adding DD6 to homeschool with DS9 (DS is 2e, dyslexia, dysgraphia, undiagnosed but likely adhd). I have DD6 in public school K. She is also 2e, gifted with ADHD. I suspect the possibility of dyslexia because of her “slowness†to pick up reading compared with her IQ (though using junky program at school so who knows?). Her tester doesn’t recommend testing for dyslexia until treatment (meds) for ADHD are given, so I need to find another new tester, so grain of salt and all that.

 

I had her in public K as a trial, planning on keeping her in if she liked it and did well so I could focus on DS. It’s not working out awesomely.

 

Currently DS and I school about five hours, with multiple short breaks for play/exercise. 2-3 times per week we also do homework in the afternoons for 30-60 min, which I’d like to increase to four days or so. Homework is usually fun school, like LEGO robotics or art or documentaries.

 

Positives- DS wakes up early and DD sleeps in, so I think I can maybe get 30 min of work one-on-one. DS also has a few things daily that could be done independently, maybe an hour per day once he’s set up with work. The kids get along well together, though maybe too much and may goof around a bit :)

 

“Negatives†- DS still needs a lot of one-on-one, for assistance, teaching, and guidance. I also have medical problems that cause schooling to be derailed (guessing two - four days a month). DD doesn’t have a diagnosis of dyslexia and if I start working with her and remediate her, it may not be possible to diagnose. (Last eval DS has showed no evidence of dyslexia to her, though he clearly skips words and lines and most comprehension questions he already knows beforehand, so maybe she just wasn’t very good). I have a little idea of what I’m getting into, and a moderate idea of how to school DD.

 

But both together? I’m worried I’ll be stretched too thin and not do them justice. I’m not a “fun†mom always and worry for DD it will be boring at home vs Exciting Public School, even if she doesn’t love it. I’m still struggling to help DS’s gifted interests because of the extreme knowledge level vs resources and reading requirements for higher level resources (but that’s a separate issue I suppose).

 

Anyway, tips on bringing in a second student are welcome!

[Advice needed - innappropriate pics on a phone **UPDATE in post #1**]

Hope it goes as smoothly as possible. What a horrible situation but it’s good she can be in a position to help prevent it from happening again to other people.

[Updated -- Surgery went great!]

Awesome! Congratulations:)

[Suggest a good family audiobook with broad appeal?]

Lion, witch, and wardrobe series.

[Dr. Hive: What is up with my breathing?]

Illnesses can improve and worsen. It can depend on factors like body reserves, nutrition, immune system, rest, environment, activities, etc. In general, if you’re not continuing to improve, it may be a superimposed illness or residual concern.

[Dr. Hive: What is up with my breathing?]

Sounds like a type of pneumonia or residual cold symptoms. Prescription meds can help. I’d see a doctor.

[Dr. Hive: Medical mystery challenge]

Sounds like classic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. You can read more and DIY fix it at home, but the procedures can make the sensations worse at first.

 

Dizziness stinks! I hope you feel better soon.

[Let’s say you have “lost that homeschool feeling�]

I would try it. Is the school open yet or will it open in the summer? I’d ask for help with the school counselor if you think your older DS needs assistance, accommodations, etc.

 

If it doesn’t work out, the time by yourself while they’re away will at least give you a homeschool break and time to re-evaluate if needed.

[Help me find: A particular one-page vocabulary/reading level test?]

Or this - http://facstaff.bloomu.edu/dwalker/Documents/San%20Diego%20Quick%20Assessment.pdf

[Help me find: A particular one-page vocabulary/reading level test?]

Like this? http://www.diannecraft.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Quick-Word-Recognition-Placement-Test-with-Instructions.pdf

[Why do homeschool parents who publish books do this?]

Was the author’s response to the criticism on amazon? I didn’t see it.

 

I didn’t read the book. I do feel, for some gifted kids, acceleration when possible is very helpful. It can reduce the years of college, graduate, post graduate, and professional schooling. Cutting four years off 12 years of schooling can be a good idea. As can dual majors or dual degrees or truncated professional/college combinations. Or anything that works for that person, really. Or even spending extra time figuring out what you want to do.

[job update and ???]

I would also report to HR your issues while leaving (some places have an exit interview or survey).

 

I would let the new job know that I need the written offer documentation ASAP if you get a call for old job interview and maybe explain you have other job opportunities and need to see the offer so you can withdraw other applications. Unless the written offer is way different than your understanding of the position, I’d accept it as valid even without all the signatures and weeks to process. Once I had the paper offer and it looked good/signed, I’d withdraw my application from old job position, and when everything was processed, give a resignation.

 

I’m sorry your old job stunk.

 

My advice is based on the new position at old job not being processed either for weeks to months. I wouldn’t accept a new position at old location unless you think it will be many months before the new job will begin. Unless to get away from your supervisor you need to get out now. Then, all bets are off (IDK what is happening so I can’t advise on leaving ASAP).

[Buying a new Minivan....likely Toyota this time...need advice]

For cloth seats I install seat covers to protect them, and no longer allow eating or drinking except water. The kids are old enough that car food isn’t necessary. Cheap seat covers off market are made for any make/model. I’d skip a DVD player too.

 

I used a car shopper (not through a service but a one man business), because I hate haggling and such. He negotiated a price lower than a dealership, got a trade in for my junk car, and arranged for vehicle delivery, old car takeaway, and quick paperwork stuff. It’s definitely a good business because a lot of people hate car dealerships.

 

My last car was a Toyota and I loved it, but I never had one. We have an old dodge minivan, which I don’t like and seems to not be longevity-worthy vs a Toyota, but YMMV.

 

For a Florida vehicle, tinted windows and a shady spot or garage parking is best for keeping cool before driving, as you already know. I park out of the way to have some shade.

[I leave for France a week from tomorrow UPDATE about packing]

You are going to have an awesome time!! I’m jealous. Have an awesome and safe time!

[Anybody watching Ertugrul on Netflix??]

ETA - Turkish, sounds cool!

[Anybody watching Ertugrul on Netflix??]

Is it good? What part of history? I need to add to my list. There’s an Indian series called Siddhartha that I wanted to watch, but it’s a billion episodes so I’m not quite willing to commit, though it looked like it might be interesting historically.