Thanks, all! That makes sense. I am not sure, but I was somewhat intimidated by teaching Saxon. I will probably give it a go and see if I need to later order dvds to supplement the instruction. DS is great with math concepts, but makes careless errors in his work. I don't think he will have too much difficulty following along, just in the area of corrections. ;)

I am pulling my DS (most likely!) out of private 5th grade. He is in a combo class (4 and 5) and has the same teacher as last year for 4th (a looping situation). His teacher is rude, grumpy, and has decided that DS is a troublemaker because he likes to READ. As in, if there is dead time in the class room (no instruction, no work to be completed) he wants to read. This is not ok for her. She was rude to him a couple of times on the first day and that really crushed him. He has had a lot of anxiety about the year due to this teacher and while we love our school (and hope to return next year, probably) we will not stay for this year. It is an unfortunate situation and feels like we are "breaking up" with our school because it is very small and really has a family atmosphere. It is sad, and will be difficult for me to navigate socially (with the other parents), but we've got to do what is best for our kid. I home schooled for 1st grade years ago b/c he was very ahead in reading (started Kindy at mid-year 5th grade level) and I wanted to focus on the areas that he was at grade level or somewhat ahead instead of having an intesive, reading focused year.

Hello I am pulling DS out of private school (terrible teacher fit) for the year with hopes of him going back next year. He is a fifth grader this year and his school uses Saxon. I've been looking at Teaching Textbooks and I like the included instruction of concepts the program features, but I am concerned about DS getting behind. Anyone use TT and skip their child ahead to make it more equivalent to Saxon or use Saxon with some extra materials? I saw DIVE mentioned, but am unfamiliar with this.

Jumping back into hsing this year and I've decided to go with a boxed curriculum b/c all of the options out there make my head spin. I love looking at it all, but then just reach a breaking point.

Just chiming in to say that there are many different forms of dyslexia and also dyscalculia that seems like it could be the real underlying problem. I know you mentioned you had extensive testing done, but I would see an educational psychologist to have her tested specifically for dyscalculia. http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/what-is-dyscalculia

:iagree:

Any suggestions for pencil sharpeners, not the $1 plastic kind, but either electric or hand crank? I've almost pulled the trigger on a vintage electric one from ebay like the model I had years ago, but I'm on the fence.

We like these too! Many, but not all of the Ticonderogas are made with Microban.

I agree w/ pp. Traditional school would most definitely not be like this great camp group experience! FWIW, DS has a class of kids that could fall into this category. They are for the most part, very high achieving and gifted kids. The rigors and routine of traditional school leave almost no time for collaboration, creativity, or expression. It's sad really. There is good instruction but everything is so micromanaged due to time constraints...

Yes! Independence and lists! DS needs autonomy and if we decided to hs again, I would absolutely need to structure our day/his work time so he could be arranging it to his liking, spell expectations out in clear written directions, and try to diffuse/not engage the small stuff. I can really relate to both of these replies. Thank you!

OP here, thank you for all of the advice and encouragement! I really, truly appreciate it! DS is looping this year in his parochial school. We had some difficulties last year with his main teacher and as things stand now, he is slated to have her again unless something changes. Then we had a terrible experience/series of events with a specials teacher at the end of last year that I have yet to completely shake. Both of these factors have made me reevaluate traditional school for my DC. There are some very wonderful things about our school and I know that no school/situation is perfect, but I am praying for peace and direction about this fall.

Anyone take on homeschooling with a child who has a strong or difficult personality? I am considering hsing my oldest again--we homeschooled 1st grade and he is now going into 5th. Right now it is simply a contingency plan but personality clashing gives pause. Any tips or helpful btdt appreciated!