You are so kind and thoughtful to recognize this. I am a graduate degreed violin instructor. I studied with wonderful Russians out of the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow. I have concerto competitions under my belt, and orchestral experience that would be highly esteemed by anyone interested in my resume. Not a single student I've had knows this and my rates certainly don't reflect it. I take very few students and interview carefully when an opening comes available. I'm a good teacher, and that's why people find me. I prefer to keep it that way. Ask around... we do exist.

DS is 9-1/2, and you described him! "Homeschooling a black hole" describes it perfectly. In some ways, it's like going back to parenting a 2 year old... Engaging the malaise doesn't work here, but distraction does. It's not like I can hand him a wooden spoon, and he's amazed... but, a funny comment, an odd observation (our cat is good for these), etc can sometimes be all that's needed to get DS's head out of the gray cloud, engaging with me in a positive way... and we can work from there. Other times, I can hear the negative commentary is really aimed back at him. I don't ignore this, but I don't correct it. Instead I say, "It sounds like you're really frustrated. Can you talk to me about what exactly is frustrating you right now? I'd like to help." I used to correct him... which only instigated defense of his position. We've worked through a LOT this way. Of course, there are times when we've exercised, had a great breakfast, I've made sure he has something nice to drink... and he just wants to argue with whatever school related activity I place in front of him. I send him to his room for some quiet time (which he doesn't interpret as punishment--he knows he needs it), and tell him, "When you come back and tell me you're ready to do school, I'm here." We both know it's futile to do school when he's in full blown funk mode... and I'm happy to wait. Of course, there are fun things waiting on the other side of school, so there is incentive for him to work through his funk on a specific timeline. Being the parent that floats above that gray cloud has been the most useful bit for me. But boy, watch out when we're both in a gray cloud. :) ETA: YES to LOTS AND LOTS of hugs and cuddles... DS is a big guy, but crawls right up in bed between DH and I and we just "huggle" him silly!

Dare I say it? Peri menopause. Sorry! The age is right. And the early morning waking thing is one of the lesser known symptoms. Chart your symptoms, and you'll likely see some connections if this is hormonal. Sometimes, I found that the waking, accompanied by restlessness, eventually led to racing thoughts/anxiety. And there was no way I was going back to sleep then. I've found I'm more sensitive to stimulants than I used to be, so I've found it helpful to avoid caffeine and alcohol at the times this impacts me most. Cool room at night, exercise, and low key chill time an hour prior to bed (no screens) all help.

Well, good to know! I've requested The Cat of Bubastes via ILL, and will take a read before assigning.

I'm a violin instructor... and not knowing your DDs instructor, there are any number of possibilities here... He could be feeding the "new song" thrill a bit too much. He could be appropriately challenging what he considers to be her level of ability. He could be enjoying your daughter's enthusiasm so very much that he gets carried away in the material he wants to cover. I'd say it's time for a conversation. :) I do think it's a good idea to ask for weekly goals. But, before that, you might consider what your daughter's energy commitment can be each day to this instrument. Even passions can become burdens! Helping the young student maintain energy and drive means indulging the passion, and providing boundaries for it, when necessary. As mom, you're the best person to evaluate that... because ultimately, you don't want the instructor driving this train. You want your daughter's abilities, enjoyment, and well being doing that. :)

We study the Bible using CAP's God's Great Covenant. It provides a solid foundation of understanding and exposure to the scriptures as they are written... no fluff. But I'm finding it doesn't really do the daily work of inspiring, motivating, and reminding, the way morning prayer can do (we're Anglican). As much as I love morning prayer, it isn't something I can sustain with DS. I tend to devote more time to MP during Advent and Lent. So, I'm looking for a devotional that's solid in it's theology that's short enough to read in about 10 minutes--that DS can do on his own. Something that inspires and encourages thoughtfulness about how our faith is lived out. But nothing that dips into the overly sentimental, or legalism that can sometimes accompany heavily marketed Christian children's books. Ideas? Any searchable terms you can think of that might make my search more fruitful? Thanks! ETA: Something old is OK!

My husband has temporal lobe epilepsy and had a right temporal lobechtomy at the age of 27. It did reduce the frequency of the seizures, however, he still continues to have complex partial seizures. We have found a multi drug therapy to work best for him -- vimpat, extended release Tegretol, along with a small nightly dose of Topamax. I share those specifics b/c they are drugs that offer better therapeutic control of complex partial/ temporal lobe seizures. There are studies on going at the National Institutes of Health which your daughter may qualify for. We found the work up to be most helpful and my husbands surgery was performed there. (At no cost to us as it is research). I wish you all the best and if I can be of any help please do PM me.

Adding prayers!!!!!

Gosh. I'm just a mom with one third grader, but my soul says "this is gold." Print worthy!

I'm dealing with this for the first time as mom of a 9 year old, so I'll just share my observations and hope they help. DS had to deal with antagonizing behavior in a team sport for the first time this year, and I wish I'd spent less time focused on the other child's motives. What mattered, and I now see in hindsight, is that the activity failed to meet the goals for which I had DS participating in it--fun confidence building. I guess if every activity DS participated in went like this, it would be harder. But it was specific to this team, and one kid. So, we let it go and joined a new team. Now here's the interesting part. The new team has some challenging kids, boys and girls DS's age. But the coach is full-on engaged 100 percent of the time. Those kids get 2 water breaks, but the coach puts them through their activities and is constantly encouraging, coming alongside. Not-a-single-problem. All. Season. So, I say the "problem" is the coach. And based on the conversation you shared, I'd be fully confident that things are not going to get better. There are some kids who do just fine with laid back teachers/coaches. And then, there are kids (like The Antagonizer) who need a fully engaged coach to keep his/her energies focused, and that makes the whole class breathe a sigh of relief. Your kiddo, if he's like mine, needs a sigh of relief... I wish I'd seen that earlier. Hugs, Doodlebug

Song School Latin is coming to mind. It's introduced via CD lessons and there's a workbook to accompany.

I'm almost in the same position (minus a new baby--congrats!). We loved Prima Latina in 3rd grade. Latina Christiana I, however, seems a big leap from where DS is currently (entering 4th). I don't think there's anything wrong with repeating. But why do that when you can try a new curriculum? ;) I say that because reading posts here, I know there are plenty of GREAT Latin programs that are not teacher intensive. I'd be far more excited about a new simple program than repeating Prima Latina. Stella

I've used shower board for years, transporting it for co ops. It does the job. But I generally have to replace shower board every 2-3 years. (And that's when I'm at my absolute wits end because NOTHING will erase without spray cleaner and paper towels/rags). Over time they become harder to dry erase. And I've tried every cleaning/rejuvenation trick on pinterest with limited results. But for a stationary home board, magnetic white board would be my choice... even if I had to get a slightly smaller board to remain on budget. The magnetic feature is nice, but they're just so darned nice to write on! And they seem so easy to thoroughly erase with a dry erase sponge without using 409 or a magic eraser. So, magnetic board gets my vote!

Thank you so much. I have a just completed third grade boy here, and I'm very much in the phase of wondering how on earth we're going to make it. He's a dear child. I love him. But I had no idea... just none... that it was going to be this ever lovin hard. Thank you for being a bright spot in my day!

Yes, please!!! Awesome!

Totally not dismissing it! I'm just excited to find that it's an option. :001_tt1: <<< That kind of "really?" Thanks for the suggestion!!!

Lori, THANK YOU! So much!!! WOW!

Great Suggestions! DS read Journey to the Center of the Earth and Around the World in 80 Days this past year. So, I'm thinking we'll bypass Verne in favor of something else. I had him try Call of the Wild a few months ago after we picked it up at a library sale, and it didn't excite him... He likes fantasy and animal stories and I think London's incredible description of natural forces totally got DS too close to the action. We may try it again as a read aloud or an audio book. A Christmas Carol -- check! Going on the list. Swallows and Amazons -- I know nothing about this book -- looking into it! Thank you! (We've read The Hobbit and Treasure Island). Anne of Green Gables for a guy? Really? I don't recognize Hear My Cry and Iggie's House! I'll look into those! I'm embarrassed to admit that I've had Number the Stars for quite a while! I was just waiting for DS to grow up a bit... Wait no more! On the list. Ooh, more titles for me to check out. Thank you!!! I'm so glad you said this. I missed the whole fairy genre as a child and would love to explore it a bit. Question... If I had to choose between Robert Louis Stevenson's "Kidnapped" or "Dr. Doolittle," which would you choose? Thanks so much!

Per DS's interests, he will be studying modern history and literature 1850-present this next school year. (I'm really excited about this -- he's going to LOVE this). I'm learning right along with him, so I'd appreciate any MUST READ suggestions that aren't on my list. Or, if you know of a specific title we shouldn't miss by an author listed below, please do share!!! So far, my lit list under consideration includes: Arthur Conan Doyle: Sherlock Holmes (titles yet to be determined) H.G. Wells: War of the Worlds (Great Illustrated Classics) Frances Hodgson: The Lost Prince/ Little Lord Fauntleroy Robert Louis Stevenson: Kidnapped James Barrie: Peter Pan? or, Carlo Collodi: Pinnocchio Jean Lee Latham: Carry on Mr. Bowditch; various biographies Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings (read aloud?) Lang's Fairy books... my gut says DS would balk at the idea of reading these. Ditch or ? We've read a lot of Rudyard Kipling already. Science fiction? I know some of you will pull titles that I've totally forgotten, or remind me of a genre I've totally neglected. Thanks in advance!!!

Since the do-overs aren't effective... Let him slam the door. And then take it down without a word. When he asks about it, "The door was being used inappropriately, so we took it down. Could you please pass the bean dip?" Best advice... Don't engage his anger with your own irritation/frustration/etc. Do-overs can work if the battle myth is dispelled, and he feels like he's on your team. I'm working through this book with DS now. So far, I'm loving it... and DS thinks it's pretty interesting. We'll see! ETA: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Big hugs.

Natchez is a romantic little get-away, but not a place I'd take little ones. You can tour a few homes, see the bluffs, eat a nice meal, and that's Natchez. But in New Orleans, there's a lot more to see and do for everyone. Aquarium, insectarium, Audubon zoo, Cabildo (LA State Museum -- Napolean's Death mask)... I'm just getting started. Definitely, New Orleans.

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:iagree: My DS wasn't ready for cursive until last summer (just completed second grade). So, we started it over the summer and then transitioned to some cursive copy work late fall of his third grade year. It worked out beautifully. And, now that DS is nine, we're just at the point of beginning to need some typing... Meaning, the things he'd like to do are motivating a desire to type.

As with most things, I think this depends on what you hope to gain from issuing grades. If you're hoping to push a third grader to be more accountable (or yourself), I would pat you on the back in humble frustration and add in a hearty "I feel your pain." But I would steer you in a different direction. If you have a first born perfectionist who doesn't seem to understand that ONE missed word on a spelling assignment IS NOT utter failure, I'd encourage you to issue grades in the subjects where this is an issue. This is exactly the reason I felt it necessary to grade math and spelling tests. The two problems missed became less of an issue when I was able to say, "That's a 90 percent, which is an A! Good job!"

AAS (1-3): Pros: Very engaging and colorful, clear structure and format, pick up and go (once you get into the rhythm of it) Cons: Teacher dependent, lots of fiddly bits (tiles, cards), time consuming because of the various exercises, expensive. Our experience was that this method of spelling is very effective, but when rule-based spelling is the only tool a child has in their spelling tool box, it can make the prospect of writing daunting. Spelling Workout C: Pros: Rule based spelling lists with an emphasis on whole words/ less syllabic strategy. Cumulative review every 5 lessons. Interesting lead-in stories utilizing list words -- my DS loved these, though I'm not sure they really helped his spelling. Spelling done in 15 minutes. Less teacher involvement. Inexpensive. Cons: Enough errors in directions/ spelling rule application to make it frustrating for DS and I. Out of four spelling exercises per list, only one was truly helpful in cementing spelling concepts. Thus, this curriculum was more teacher dependent than I had initially hoped. And not to be ignored... the pages fell out of the student work book one month in.