yes, I too see it as a character issue but also I suppose there is a draw to some games that are probably difficult for children (and adults) to get their mind off. The kids are very responsible in all other aspects of their lives. They help around the home without question. The 14 year old does a lot of jobs around the community and is well known for his hard work and responsible nature. As for Net Nanny, that is a great idea for all the children except the 14 year old as he is a computer whiz (programming and taking university computer science courses) and I'm sure Net Nanny would not be a problem for him to get around. I would rather their cooperation but until that happens Net Nanny might just be the ticket. I'm guessing that my best bet is to enforce the computer issue better. If they don't get their work done during the day they will have to do it at night ending their free time.

I should add that the deal was that as long as they get all their school work and chores done the 14 and 12 year old were permitted to have computer or TV time in the evening from about 7:30-9pm. I've tried having them do their school work during that time if I found them doing other things during the day but I still found that they went on other sites instead of doing their work.

I have five children, four homeschooling and one 2 year old. The older two 14 and 12 use the computer for a lot of their school work...math, science, computer science, writing etc. The problem is that if I am not sitting right next to them while they are working they toggle (?) to another site to play games etc.. It drives me NUTS. We took the computers and other electronics away for a week and I had very moody children but they appeared to understand why they were not permitted on them. How do others deal with this issue. Note: It is not feasible for me to sit beside them and ensure they do not go to other sites etc. The five year old needs me to help him as does the 10 year old special needs child plus the 2 year old keeps me on my toes. I could do an hour maybe two in the evening after the little ones go to bed but that doesn't seem like they would have enough time to get everything done. If they were getting everything done in a timely manner it might not bother me but they are not, our day drags on and on and on as they do "other things" besides school work. Help please!

Son K Hits: ixl math - he begs for this one! Math U See Primer Ladybird learn to read series (used this for all my kids to learn to read with great success) Five in a Row Magic School Bus Science kits (so simple but he loves them) Snap Circuits Zometools Daughter 5th Grade but with challenges so works at the grae 2-3 level Hits Sequential Spelling TT 3 Handwriting without tears cursive (she loves cursive writing) ixl math Five in a Row Misses All reading comprehension books Novel study Son Grade 9 Hits Life of Fred Algebra ixl math (although he is not a big fan I love it) Teencoder (programming) The Crucibles - The story of Chemistry. Such a great find and he loves it and I also find it very interesting. Misses History of the Ancient World -- we've started doing it together which has helped. I think I should have skipped to the next book -- Middle ages, as we've done so much Ancient World history I think we're both a bit tired of it. Chemistry Apologia - He finds it dry but is actually doing well in it so we'll keep plugging away

I'm feeling inspired. The mess is always "my problem" as the things get picked up from one space (ask daughter to clean the living room etc.) she takes them from that space and places them in another space where it doesn't belong. It drives me crazy as every day I am picking stuff up, cleaning etc. with little to show for it. The family wonders why I'm always "on them" about the house being messy but it just isn't comfortable for me to live in clutter and mess. I am ruthless in my getting rid of stuff but it appears so quickly when things don't get put away where they belong. I love the idea of de-cluttering and taking pictures of the offending item out of place.

Can anyone enlighted us as to how we would know "ETC" refered to the book The Education of Cyrus?

We camped at Disney Fort Wilderness. Flew in from Seattle with tents, sleeping bags, tarps..the works (Dad, mom and three kids). It poured while we set up the tent and we looked like a bunch of drowned rats and the temps went down to freezing but we had a great time. It was great to stay on-site for such a reasonable price. We purchased the meal plan so no cooking needed which was fantastic!

We camp. I did not grow up camping so my husband really had to sell me on it but it is great. We have 5 kids (ages 14 down to 2) and this summer I'm doing the Oregon/California coast with them (husband has to work)....I love the freedom of camping, the kids can tire themselves out mucking about in the campsite and they love it. I mean the kids LOVE camping..the campfires, the dirt, the adventure. It is a bit tiring for me but I think any holiday with the kids would be...cooking is a bit of a chore so I make it simple, fruit, hot-dogs, roast potatoes etc. And best of all the kids enjoy washing dishes outside (who knew!?). We've also done homeswaps with success but the airfare is always a factor. We live on a beatiful island in British Columbia....always a spot for a tent if anyone wants an inexpensive holiday...Just pitch your tent in the yard and enjoy the beaches and hikes!

Poor academics is what is causing people to leave (mostly). We just moved here in the summer and I loved the idea of the small school and the focus on the outdoors, they have a huge veggie garden, beautiful home ec. kitchen and an amazing property, fields, forests, creeks, playground and playing fields. I looked forward to sending two of my children. I mentioned to my husband that if they "did it right" it would be awesome for the kids....I pulled my 5 year old out after 3 days of school (due to the lack of any supervision and discipline as well, as some other academic concerns -- mostly filler stuff) and my 11 year old would be home too but for now she is going to finish out the year and we'll see what happens for next year. Despite the wonderful resources the children remain in the classrooms for most of the day doing, well, not much as far as I can tell! The days are long but only 4 times a week. I guess I see this as an opportunity to create a learning environment that uses the benefits of location and create a family like atmosphere in the school that appreciates each child. I would love to be allowed to run some workshops etc. I think that if there is going to be change it is going to happen now and I want to try for the sake of the children in the system (like I said, most of mine are at home with me and we are all loving it -- 14 year old boy, 10 year old girl, 5 year old boy and 2 year old boy)...I know that not all parents can homeschool their children for whatever reason and if I can help make their experience better then I think everyone benefits.

Yes, I hear you about homeschooling being more than just a rejection of the public school. They have asked me to come up with ideas because they know that my other children won't be joining the school so I can see both sides of the issue. They are interested in trying to keep the students they have currently and try to stop the students from choosing to go off island for education, I can't imagine sending a 9 year old off to another island at 7am and picking him or her up at almost 6pm if there is a school down the street they can attend. So why are so many parents choosing this route and how can our school be better. I feel like we have an opportunity to think outside the box and create something really unique.

Awesome, this is exactly what I was looking for....Can't wait to bring these ideas to the school...keep them coming....

Long story but I have one daughter in the local public school and 4 at home with me. We live in a very small, isolated community (an island with 1000 people) and the school is currently dying with only 18 students from K-8 (two classes). I sit on the PAC and although I don't agree with how public schools educate children I am involved for my 11 year old who really wants to be there (with a special needs sister close in age this gives her a bit of breathing room). A lot of the kids on the island go off island to school (a huge commute) and there are at least 4 homeschool families. The school has asked me to figure out what would bring kids back to the school. I'm putting it out to all of you...what would you need to see in a public school (anything at all) that would entice you to consider enrolling your child? I really am having a difficult time with this because I have a few that could also go to the school but I find myself unwilling to even consider it due mostly to bureaucracy and the fact I LOVE having my kids at home with me. The reality is that if the school closes our little island will suffer a great deal. So I guess my question would be: What would your ideal Public school look like -- physically, academically, socially etc.?

Thank you for this Ettina, this was exactly what I needed to read today. My little girl is 10 and deals with FAS. I struggle to parent and teach her but together we are learning what works and what doesn't (this week we had to have a ceremonial fire to burn her reading comprehension book because she just doesn't get it and it was causing so much grief for her and for me. We tried, it didn't work, time to move on and find a new approach. All I can teach her is that is we can try but if it doesn't work, move on and try a different way -- she can learn, she is capable, we just need to find the way that works for her...not alway easy.

We're on beautiful Mayne Island (southern Gulf Islands)...moved here in July from Vancouver. The funding situation is discouraging to say the least...each year there are more contraints and hoops which is getting tiresome. I plan to phone the Ministry this week to figure out what is going on and to see what I can do to change it. I don't think fear of the media is a concern of mine. It is well known that private schools receive funding and I'd like to see the Ministry mess with that as I'm sure a lot of the parents from the private schools would be up in arms.

Put in an order for Zometools Snap circuits Some science kits (don't usually go for these but I think he'll like them) And Tons of Audio books because I'm tired of listening to the Odyssey titles we currently have!) Still have money left over for art supplies. Thanks for all the great suggestions