I would agree. I know this probably is just a semantic issue to some but I don't think so.

Thanks, OhElizabeth for your encouragement and perspective. I like what your friend said, "it's about the right book at the right time to get the right effect." Do you have classics that you would recommend (I mostly slept through English class in High School and read as liitle as I could get away with)?

Hey folks. I was just wondering if you have any suggestions for good DVDS and/or audio books of some of the classics. We pretty much have Jane Austen movies down. But I'm wondering about Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights and other books that you consider to be "classics". We picked up a Jane Eyre DVD that I borrowed from the library and it described it as "sens**l". I'm not looking for sens**l. The reason I chose that one was that it was 2 hours shorter than the others and talked about it being a good version. I'm looking for authentic versions that are true to the books, not modernized ones that felt "they" needed to include some s*x or sens**lity to draw in more viewers. Do you have DVDs or audio books that you would recommend?

I know I will be opening up a can of worms but here goes! From what I know, a classic is a book that has endured over time. I found this definition of a classic novel, "While there are many different definitions for what makes a classic novel, it is most commonly agreed that classic novels are novels of literary significance that have withstood the test of time and remained popular years after their publication. Generally, classic novels contain wide global themes that can be applied to any time period. A classic novel usually contains some kind of widespread, universal appeal that results in it being read and embraced by a wide audience of diverse people. Usually, it also contains some unique artistic quality, be it a brilliant storyline or an engaging writing style that sets it apart from other works of literature." This came from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-classic-novels.htm I've never really understood why certain books are considered classics. So with that in mind, and given the fact that my dd wants to know what Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights are about, I refreshed my memory by looking up about the books. I must confess that I never read either book, I only saw various versions of movies that were more or less based on the books. Here are my questions: 1) Is it imperative that my dd who has dyslexia "read" what are considered classics? By "read", I mean any of the following: read a simplified version, listen to an audio book, or watch a DVD based on the book. 2) Are there some classics that are the most or more important for her to read? We made it through Greek Mythology so that she now will know references to certain characters or stories should she run into them. Is the same argument true about classics? That is she doesn't "read" them, she'll be missing out on something? So many of them seem so dark and depressing, that is mostly why I am asking this. Thank you for your help in this.

I:iagree:Is there a support group nearby? I am so relieved that he's home. I will most definitely keep you and your family in my prayers. :grouphug: Karen

I TOTALLY agree!!!! :iagree: :iagree:

I used to reply (when people asked me this question after the socialization question, of course) that we were taking it one year at a time. But I have come to a place where I know we're going all the way through until graduation. :001_smile:

I'm praying for you and your boy tonight. May God mightily intervene.:grouphug:

We have only just turned this corner to where I don't have to announce the night before that we will be doing school tomorrow!

I have two babies with Jesus in heaven. I lost them 12 years ago this month and it still brings sadness to my heart. The hardest thing is never having been able to hold them and tell them how much I love them. I don't know whether they were boys, girls or one of each. I long for heaven where I believe I will know them, they will know me and I will finally be able to love them. My prayers and :grouphug::grouphug: to all of you who have lost. It is so hard. I'm not sure that it's something you ever really get over. I think it's something you learn to live with. Blessings to you all and especially to you, the OP, for bringing it up. Some days I long to tell everyone but somehow just getting to acknowledge the loss here makes it much easier. All the other days it's just an invisible scar of motherhood that we bear silently. Thanks for letting it out in the open where things can heal. It's so GOOD to know that there are others who truly understand!

Welcome! Glad to have you join us and look forward to your questions and comments. I would echo much of what has already been said but also add to have some structure but mostly have fun. Find things (books, kits ) that allow you to enjoy your time with your child. You want this to be the beginning of many years of learning and joy. (I say this because I went hog-wild when I began and thought I had to do everything when I really just had to love my child and learn with her). So get some structure and have fun! :001_smile:

I know this is not funny and it was most likely the last resort, but I LOVE this. It made me laugh because I've had many many similar issues with dd who is now 15. What I LOVE about this, is the creativity piece, the troubleshooting piece. "OK, so it's not working having her put deodorant on in the AM, so I'm putting some in the car, and to make it hurt a little (a.k.a wake her up), I'm having HER pay for it. You go, ladies! There's a jungle/battle going on. Hold on tight! You can do this!!!! Even on days/weeks/months/years like this. :001_smile:

:iagree:It DOES get better but you have to go through it to get there. And it takes however long it takes to get there. I will keep you and your family are in my prayers. Lots of :grouphug::grouphug: coming your way.

:iagree::iagree:I would wholeheartedly second this one. They are so small and in a couple of years (you can make it one day at a time!) you will realize one day that some obnoxious behavior has disappeared. Hang in there. You can do it! Hugs to you! :grouphug::grouphug:

Hey hive, I found this site that looks really good for what I am looking for and might help some of you. It's called Education.com and is entitled, "Free Worksheets & Printables" Here's the link:http://www.education.com/worksheets/ By the way, it's not just science.I just found some cool longitude/latitude pages. Enjoy :-) Let me know if this helps you, OK? Blessings, Karen

I'm looking for free blank science diagrams that my dd can fill in related to Health & Anatomy. Examples of ones I'm looking for: a plant cell, muscles of the body, the heart, respiratory system (sinus, lungs), digestive system, tooth, parts of the skin, lymphatic system, endocrine system, the brain, bones, and the arteries. Are there any freebies out there that you know of?

I LOVED this. Thanks for reminding us of why and how we homeschool, so that our children can learn in a way that works for them. :001_smile:

OhElizabeth, My dd is very similar to what you have said. I thought TOPS would be great as well (hands-on, straight forward) but she just didn't relate to them. I am also considering BIO 101 and Chem 101. My dd loves history and narratives so that's why I thought they might be good. If I could ask, where did you get your lab equipment? Thanks.

Got it! Thanks folks for your help! :001_smile:

Ohhhhhh... I'm just rereading your replies and think I am just getting what you are saying. The interactive kit doesn't have it all, is what you are saying. That in each new student packet there are new cards for that level? The interactive kit has all the tiles for all the levels but not all the cards for all the levels, is that right?

I have purchased the Spelling Interactive Kit. I guess I wasn't clear about that. So I have all the tiles and cards I need for Levels 1 - 7, don't I? If I do, then I'm back to wondering if I need to buy a student packet for Level 2 (along with the Teacher's Manual)? I am assuming that the answer to this question applies to all the other levels as well (Levels 3 - 7)?

Hello hive, Do I need to purchase the student packets that go with AAS 2 and up or can I get by with the Teacher's Manuals? I have the basic kit that goes with it (tiles, cards). Just looking for ways to save money but only if it makes sense. Figured I'd ask y'all what you thought.

:iagree::iagree: I am also a former JH/HS teacher. My subject was Math. Nevertheless, I find it totally useless to assign work that is expected to be completed within a certain time frame and then not hand it back corrected within a reasonable time frame. I absolutely agree with fhjmom. Make an appointment to find out what the expectations are on both ends (student and teacher) and if that is unsatisfactory, meet the department chair. What kind of a message is given if you expect a student to tow the line but the teacher doesn't have the decency to show that #1 he cared enough to look it over and grade it and #2 didn't even hand it back. I can appreciate a portfolio being kept for each student and that they can copy what needs to be copied to take home and look over things. But 10 minutes in class would never be enough time for me to look things over,even for a Math test, let alone an English paper. Personally, I'd want the papers back. And, I just don't get that about tests. When I made up tests in the PS, I always handed ALL the work back. I just made up new tests for the next year. How hard is that? I personally think ALL the work should be handed back. PERIOD.

:iagree:AMEN to that! It has to work for you and your family. No guilt over whomever says whatever. You have to do what works for you. My husband is the same way with funerals. He has never gotten over the open-casket wake & funeral of an uncle he was forced to attend when he was a young boy. I'll say it again. It has to work for you (and not your mother or anyone else). A card is more than enough. The person that you would be honoring (your aunt) will not be present (as in alive) to notice your presence or lack thereof . Therefore do what's right for you :-) (Sorry I keep saying the same thing but it's because I have come to FINALLY see that for myself and my family).

:iagree:With the above & :iagree:with staying home. If you think it will work for your son to draw a heart that says, "I'm sorry" that is very sweet. Up until a few years ago, I have spent my life feeling like I had to EXPLAIN and APOLOGIZE for everything I I did/said or didn't do/say that I thought (key words) didn't meet up to someone else's expectations. It was the worst with family members. And then one day I realized that 1) I didn't owe anyone an explanation (not even God since He already knew) and 2) I have a special needs child also and I have to do what works for us as a family. PERIOD, no questions asked, no explanations needed. You NEED to do what works for you and your family. PERIOD. Sending a note will be enough and will bless them because you're not there (and stressed) and because you don't send notes very often. Be at peace and be home. Hugs and prayers sent your way, :grouphug: P.S. However you address the card (one card will do), it'll be fine. Personally, I think "mother" works for both mother and mother-in-law. Just keep taking deep breaths and trust your heart. :001_smile: