I know many ALs work ahead several years in one or many subjects. In your experience, was/is your AL firmly in the logic stage in terms of mental/emotional development (related to schoolwork) or is it more like they do a higher level content but more in a grammar stage way? For example, I see many people say their kids do higher reading comprehension activites but perhaps orally instead of written. Or higher maths but perhaps short of proofs. Or...? My oldest is almost 9yo and I'm seeing a change in him in how he approaches some of his schoolwork. It seems more like what I've read about the logic stage student extrapolating connections. He's always done that but it seems much more evolved now and as a consequence much of his schoolwork is too easy again. Grammar stage activities like copying, reciting, and narrating seem like busywork now and he kind of rolls his eyes at them. We don't do a lot of that anymore but it still pops up in some of his programs. He has a third grade reading book with story maps and other story plot things and he says it's for babies. He's really getting into BF History of Science which he follows the lesson guide on his own, does the reading, does the experiments and notebooking on his own, and I believe that's targeted for 3-6 grade. His Spanish book is for grades 4-6 and is way easy, but he needs the vocabulary practice. W&R Narrative 1 and MCT Town is really easy for him. I don't plan on skipping levels in those things but I'm thinking of looking at logic stage (middle school) programs for history, science, foreign language, logic, probably others. Just looking for general experiences as we enter this new area. I'm not trying to rush him or anything but suddenly many of his things seem like busywork.

Since we're SIP and no longer doing co-ops and stuff I decided to have my kids practice public speaking with their charter school supervising teacher during their monthly Zoom meetings. Kids are almost 9 and almost 6. So far they've done oral book reports and poetry recitation. This month we're working on poster board presentations about fundamental human needs. Other ideas: How-to presentation but on what? When I was in school we did how to make a sandwich but that seemed silly to me at the time. My five year old loves to draw so maybe a how to draw one of his favorite characters. Music. They mostly play piano right now and could do a little history presentation about their chosen piece. Or possibly a biographical presentation about the composer. Then perform the piece. Other ideas that could easily be done via Zoom? The main goals are to think about the audience and their needs, basic public speaking skills like talking loud and slow enough, and just getting acclimated to performing in front of an audience. I care more about the process than the topics.

Is there something in particular she's interested in? I would look for possible certificate programs through universities (there are online ones), apprenticeship programs, and internships (many are remote right now) as a way to investigate what she may want to pursue, if you can find something appropriate for her age.

I'm surprised you had to go in at all for a simple ear infection. Are they not doing video appointments? Even before COVID I didn't have to bring my kids or myself in for simple things like that. Right now I only have to go in for blood work, infusions, and surgeries.

Thank you. Sounds like Killgallon will be fine anytime after our current work.

Oh thank you. I'll have to look for the book with the correct phrases and see where it fits in with MCT.

Keep us updated please! This program might be on my list for next year if they work out this issue.

My 8yo does reading and discussion first then he does labs whenever they come up. If we need any items he can't find on his own he will add it to our grocery list and I'll buy it, or we'll figure out a workaround. I do not plan or prepare much ahead except for special equipment to stock our science supplies or kits that go along. This happens during the school day most of the time. The exception is if there are chemicals, heat, or other dangerous things involved; that waits until the weekend when another adult is available to keep the preschooler from underfoot. I will also read aloud and do labs together at times. This usually includes the younger kids too and is during the school day when the fancy strikes. I keep the science stuff accessible so it's usually when the kids ask. We will do messy science play type demonstrations on weekends usually so I can have another set of adult hands to help control the chaos.

For LA I would look at Evan More Daily Six Trait Writing, a handwriting book if needed, and something fun like a Thinking Tree journal on a topic she likes.

My third grader is doing W&R Narrative and MCT Town this semester. Next semester I plan to do Treasured Conversations. We'll likely stick with W&R and MCT long term but throw other things in as well (we school year round). My understanding of Killgallon Elementary Sentence Composing is that the sentences are often broken down by clauses but the book doesn't use the grammatical terminology. I would prefer for DS to have an understanding of the grammar aspects while doing this. So where would Killgallon fit in best in relation to the MCT sequence? Or even in relation to W&R, although so far W&R is much behind MCT in terms of grammar but perhaps there is other overlap that is relevant.

My kids do the SM textbooks 1-3 orally with me and we use other programs for practice. We use MM blue units for targeted skill practice, mostly for grade 3-6 material. We do not use the SM workbooks but I'm considering it for SM6.

I wouldn't worry about it but perhaps he would like Draw Write Now.

My third grader has been doing BA Online plus MM Blue worktexts for drilling certain things like long multiplication and long division. The MM is just one sheet a day that he does as a warm up (this is rotated with other quick warm up type worksheets like Evan More dailies). It works great and is not too much at all. ETA: I just saw your most recent post that you're going with Singapore. SM is a great program too and you could still add a page of MM targeted practice if you want.

I use MM Blue worktexts for any area that I want my kids to do extra targeted practice. I scroll through and print probably about half, but making sure to get through the end, and that's always been plenty.

I would try SM since she says she wants it and you have it. It's a solid program. For levels 1-3 I use just the textbook to either teach new concepts or review/discuss concepts, all orally. You might consider fast tracking through SM 2 in that way to hit all the places that she struggles. Then if she needs more targeted practice (like it sounds like she does on place value) you can spend extra time on that then move onto doing Singapore 3 however you normally would.

Teach Your Monster to Read

Also check out Teach Your Monster to Read. It's a free online phonics game he should be able to do independently for extra practice.

Thanks everyone. I feel better. I guess I wouldn't want home to be too comfortable for too long anyway.

Oh thanks I'll look to see if that works on our doors.

Yes we do have filters circulating the whole house. It helps some. Towels might help on a couple of our windows.

I'm in the CA valley and haven't been outside. The smoke still seeps into the house no matter what we do. Its exacerbating my CROHN'S disease and I had to increase steroids at a time when I'm recovering from colon surgery and a huge flareup. Ugh.

Yes I've been having this problem as we use pumpkin all year long. I finally found a few cans at the store and was able to order a dozen on Amazon subscription.

My oldest is only 8yo but I get stressed thinking about how our house is too small for everyone to have their own room, especially when the kids get older. I'd like to be able to house our kids for their first few years of college, if they want. I've been trying to think of creative ways to squeeze another room into our house (and budget for it ahead of time which is why I think about this now) but I just don't think it's possible with our layout. We currently have one room that's all office space. I'm just wondering...how much do older teens and young adults need a desk? I'm wondering if maybe they do just as well with lap desks on their bed at that age versus when their younger and benefit from dedicated study space, plus a college kid presumably would study on campus too. Then perhaps we wouldn't need an office space. I have three kids so that only allows for one kid to have their own room if we go without a dedicated office so it would only be for while in college. So what's your experience with college kids at home? What's their lifestyle like? Any college kids share a room with siblings and how do you think that affects their choice to stay at home versus moving out?

I have no idea what my city is doing but we definitely won't be trick or treating. We will be making Halloween crafts and costumes, decorating spooky cupcakes, and watching Hocus Pocus with a big bucket of candy. Oh, and Zooming with the cousins.

I only thought of the cogat because I might be interested in joining Mensa after the pandemic is under control. I want to see if our local chapter is active first though. In future I might be interested in certain programs for DS so I'll have to look into what tests are needed.