Maps Charts Graphs A Language Smarts Comprehension Plus A

For breakfast, we had Lucky Charms and green soy milk. We made green shamrock-shaped sugar cookies last night for today. (Usually we do green rice krispy treats, but my dd is in braces this year and feels they would be too sticky.) We are having Reuben Dip made with corned beef and sauerkraut today for dinner, served with rye crackers. We wear green, of course. We play a little Bing Crosby (Top O' the Morning His Irish Collection). When my dd was younger, we would watch the Veggie Tale clip on St. Patrick.

I used to do a quarter. I had a friend who did gold dollar coins dated the year of the child's birth.

My aspie brother has always preferred his room, too. Computers have always been his area of interest. He went to work during the summer with my dad who worked in IT. Do you have someone your ds could do that with? It wouldn't have to be paid, necessarily. My db was unpaid computer guy labor. He switched out computers and helped with software installation and that kind of thing. Aspies fit right in as computer guys. Also, I wanted to say that those hours spent doing unpaid computer stuff helped him get his first job out of college. I know you're an introvert, but maybe you could call or ask around to see if anybody needed someone with your son's skills to work for free. Just looking ahead to his future, it is probably important to get him out of his room a little bit.

Completely indulgent and not needed but so awesome looking: The BabyLit board books on Jane Eyre, Moby Dick, and Edgar Allan Poe. They are board books for toddlers but I bet they would help for my big picture thinker, don't you think? I really want an excuse to buy them. http://www.amazon.com/dp/1423624742/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1UVYM77JSKB2V&coliid=I1PYUPGVOVC1HC http://www.amazon.com/dp/1423632044/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1UVYM77JSKB2V&coliid=I350J7P2F2UGXR http://www.amazon.com/dp/1423635280/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1UVYM77JSKB2V&coliid=I1Y7R850SXH6YQ

We loved the Science Wiz kits, but they definitely require a parent. It's nice that all the supplies are there, though. If you are looking for less parent time required, you probably need to look at something else.

Obviously she was speaking from her own experience, but it sounds to me like she was only a SAHM during the baby/toddler years. That's a rough time. You do lose yourself a little bit. It doesn't mean that five years from now (assuming a happy good marriage), that you wouldn't find yourself again. I feel like she blames the stay-at-home-mom-ness rather than the stage of parenting a child that age. So I guess I largely disagree. .

I have two Aspie brothers. The older one is a college graduate and works in the computer field making tons of money. He is probably only slightly on the spectrum, and he is very independent and a go-getter. The area of relationships has been more of a struggle for him, but ulitmately worked out well, with his second wife. The younger Aspie brother lives at home at age 29, but he is a college graduate and works in the computer field. We, as a family, gave him lots of homework help and tutoring to get him through, but it all worked out. I don't think he will ever move out of my parent's house, but we did send him away to college where he did fine living in an apartment. He does not date at all, nor seem particularly interested. He spends a lot of time in his room and prefers that. It's a journey! :)

Could you give him a daily assignment list that includes all this regular work and, for instance, 1. Work on Saturn Rocket model for 20 minutes. 2. Read ______ book for 30 minutes (you specify the title.) 3. Work on Snap Circuits for 15 minutes. That kind of thing? Make those things NOT optional? It sounds like they are things he would want to do and would learn from, but he needs you to sort of "force" him to work on them to bother with. My dd is the same way, only hers is more in the fine arts realm. We must include things like art appreciation, guitar, piano, etc. on our school schedule as mandatory, and then she does them and is happy about it. If not, she won't bother.

How about a Timberdoodle curriculum package? They have a nice mix of hands on and such for a variety of learning style. Some of the science would have to be adjusted, but other than that, it could be very enjoyable.

Unless it's working in a way that nothing else is, I personally would drop Time 4 Learning. UNLESS it really works. It all depends on how your kids learn best, and only you can judge that. Assuming you drop T4L, I would modify your subjects in the following way: LA: WWE,Macmillian -Grammer,Spelling and Comprehension books.(again with a lot of writing assignments within these books) (I would drop the Comprehension books unless your kiddoes need extra test practice for that. WWE has plenty of comprehension.) Reading:Classic Literature list Mom assigned with Lesson pathways and Book adventure questions (Reading, Yea! However, unless your kids like them, I would drop the Book Adventure questions. I don't care for them and don't think they add anything of value. I don't know what Lesson Pathways is.) Maths: SM and MM (Pick either SM or MM. These are both solid programs. No need to double up.) Science: Singapore Science , Time4Learning Life Science and Physical Science (I would just stick with one science. If you drop T4L, then do Singapore.) Geography: Daily Geography ,Seterra ,Shephard software and Reading books (Pick one thing at a time. Finish it, then move onto the next thing. For instance, just do the Daily Geography book until you're done. Then move on to Seterra. Don't try to squeeze them all in at the same time.) Electives: Typing web and Code Programming (Unless there is a compelling reason to do web and code programming, I would drop those until your kids learn to type.) My Future Plans for next Year: LA: WWE ,IEW(Theme based),Analytical Grammer or Easy Grammer w/Daily grams(which grammer would be better),Spelling workout, (Pick one writing program, either WWE or IEW, not both. Pick one grammar. I have not used either of those so cannot recommend which is best.) Vocabulary from Classical Roots (You could drop spelling workout and just make your vocabulary words also spelling words. That would streamline.) Literature:May be some Guides-Memoria or ? (I like reading books from WTM lists. We don't do guides at this age. Enjoy the stories.) Maths: SM with CWP,BA 3 and 4(Would it be wise to start Beast Academy along all these Math Programs?),Math Express Speed Maths,Hands on Equation and How is Chalkdust Basic Math for Grade 6(As am planning to use Chalkdust in the long run through High School)and if any helpful free Math videos lessons other than Khan Academy esp. for Fractions and Decimals? (Pick one math. Singapore Math is very solid. Don't worry about Chalkdust until you are actually using it.) Science:Apologia/Mr.Q and Library books with Documentaries(Is Mr. Q a rigorous Science curriculum for Middle Schoolers?) (Pick one science. I'm not an Apologia fan, but I am also not familar with Mr. Q.) HTH! Kim

Ooh, I've been waiting for this! (Editing because I've made changes already!) Math: Finish Horizons Pre-Algebra. Start Horizons Algebra. Also continue with Singapore Primary level 4 (vsl here. Hard is easy and easy is hard.) Writing with Skill level 1. Grammar: Voyages in English 8. Literature: WTM recommendations for Early Modern Times. I'm really excited about the fairy tales. Is that weird? And Don Quixote. Usborne has a cute young reader version I just ordered! History: SOTW Early Modern Times, plus Classical Conversations flashcards on New World (we just memorize the events and dates, but the visuals on the cards are absolutely helpful). Comprehension Plus D Abeka Spelling/Vocab for 8th grade Maps Charts Graphs H Science unit studies on Einstein, Forensics, Cats, Dogs, and Teeth, in no particular order. French: So You Really Want to Learn French 1 Bible: Notgrass Draw to Learn Psalms Some workbooks on genre and figurative language. Abeka Health 8

Maybe do a Literature Pocket or History Pocket (by Evan Moor)? We really enjoyed Evan Moor's Tall Tales Literature Pocket. I bought cool versions of the tall tales, some in graphic novel format (like this: http://www.amazon.com/The-Tall-Tale-Paul-Bunyan/dp/1434222683/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391012108&sr=8-1&keywords=paul+bunyan+graphic+novel and we just enjoyed it. I didn't do it exactly as is. I used a binder and scrapbook paper and modified some things, but we had a good time. The Sentence Family is also a really fun, nice way to do something different for grammar. Or I Laid an Egg on Aunt Ruth's Head or The Adventures of Genius Boy and Grammar Girl. HTH!

Key to Algebra might be good.

That's interesting. I have mixed feelings. In one way, it could be huge relief. My dd really struggles with math, and I think she has a real math disability, but since I have been homeschooling her for several years one-on-one, she is at grade level, and they won't diagnose unless she falls way behind grade level. But she certainly struggles much more than I ever did with math. She won't be going into a career that requires much of it, almost certainly. However, I don't want to limit her options. She will very likely go to our local community college first, which lets everybody in. But sometimes I dream of affording a four-year university start to finish. Very mixed feelings.

We're using Horizon's Pre-Algebra, and I really like it. It seems to introduce just one idea at a time, but it also includes review problems to keep stuff learned fresh. I do use the white board and my own "flair" to teach, plus I do not own the TM (I'm a math major and my kid is a VSL so TM's aren't usually that helpful to me anyway), but it's going really well for us.

Okay, this is coming from a mom of a visual-spatial learner who is slow and concurrently doing Pre-Algebra (because she's ready) and Singapore 3A (to further cement various arithmetic skills), so take these suggestions with that in mind... If it's clear that he understands what to do after 4 problems, then why are you making him do 30? If the mistakes are not conceptual, but careless, make him correct them, but don't hold him back. Does he write slow? I got Horizons Pre-Algebra for my kid because it's a workbook style and she can write right in it. I also have Horizons Algebra waiting in the wings. Only assign 1/4 of the problems. Some kids don't need to do 30. Is he a visual learner? Did he learn his multiplcation facts at one point and now he forgets some sometimes? Then hang the multiplication chart up and be done with it. If he forgets, he can glance at the chart. If he is a visual learner, this will actually help solidify the facts more in his mind. Is he a hands on learner? Maybe look at some algebra manipulatives? I do think you need to do something different. It really could be as simple as assigning fewer problems and moving forward. You know your kid best. Also, it sounds like he is only doing 3 subjects. Are any of those his preferred subjects or his strength areas? If not, you need to rethink what you are focusing on. Different kids have different gifts. We homeschool in order to meet our kids where they are and let them grow into who they are supposed to be. If he loves history, for instance, you are making a grave mistake by not taking any time to do it. Set a timer for the hard areas and then consider them done for the day. Don't let them eat up the whole day and take away from the fun/desirable subjects. Hugs.

First grade? Oh my gosh. Drop it. Get fun grammar stuff. Grammar Tales, Parts of Speech Tales, Punctuation Vacation, Eats Shoots and Leaves. Have FUN with it. There really are a lot of fun grammar things out there, but you have to look. Oh, Schoolhouse Rock is another fun thing! You might look into Language Smarts B for second grade. The assignments are very short and colorful, if you want some kind of written output. The Sentence Family is pretty great, although I believe it's geared for 4th grade-ish. Humpties is a gentle cute grammar workbook. I think there are some Montessori grammar manipulatives, too. Enjoy! And personally, I like Writing with Ease 1 (modified a little) better than WWW, but YMMV.

Maps Charts Graphs, the entire series Comprehension Plus Language Smarts The Adventures of Genius Boy and Grammar Girl Horizons Pre-Algebra

One thing that helped at our house was a picture schedule. So if there were certain tasks that needed to be completed, say, before going to church on Sunday morning, then it ALL went on the schedule, with both a colorful picture and a caption. Go potty, brush teeth, put on deodorant, feed cat, get dressed, etc. EVERYTHING. Laminate it. Hand the schedule to the child, turn off the distraction (computer/tv/whatever), and have them check off each item as its completed with a dry erase marker. Every few minutes (for the first few weeks -- it does get better), "Are you working your schedule?" That keeps them on task. That's what worked for us. We had different schedules for different days. I handed the appropriate one to the child. She's a huge dawdler, but it did work. Eventually, she just worked her schedule automatically. It's been a few years now, and her schedule is a lot more simplified because many things have become automatic, but she still has one. I had her draw it herself, and it's posted in her bathroom. HTH!

((hugs)) It's hard when they don't learn like we do, isn't it? When their brain doesn't even THINK the same way we do. It's hard. Going strictly WTM doesn't work for every kid. You have to modify. It sounds like you know that, but you don't want to further let go of the traditional materials. What are you using for grammar? Fourth grade is the perfect time for the uber-fun Sentence Family. We also continued to read Scholastic's Grammar Tales and watch Schoolhouse Rock in 4th grade. Make it fun. Did you know in all my adult life, I never had to tell someone which words in my sentences were nouns, though? Keep it in perspective. Also, take a look at, say, an 8th grade English book like Voyages in English. To me, the content is the same as the lower levels. Why mess with it for years and years when you get it again and again and again? You really might have to honor your son's learning style more fully than you are now. If he's not retaining the way you are teaching, why are you wasting your time? Change it up. Yes, he does have to do English. No, he does not have do it in the traditional way. You said he likes to read. Get a book tub full of books that will appeal to him, on stories or topics that work for you. If he likes picture books, get them on fun history topics or science topics. Tell him to read for 15 or 30 minutes a day from that book tub. He's a boy, so he might also be interested in the Horrible Histories and Horrible Sciences books. What about graphic novels? Timberdoodle has quite a few. Amazon carries a ton. We have graphic novels of Columbus' voyages, of Shakespearean plays, of Max Axiom science concepts. Good luck, Mom, and good for you for noticing and honoring your son's struggles!

Would you write out how you pronounce these all differently? I can't imagine. Carry, fairy and ferry all sound the same to me.

PMing you, OP.

Hidden costs: School supplies!! They really nail you on school supplies at our ps. Probably $100 on the basic list, and that doesn't count extra projects and whatnot. Birthday presents for the now once a month birthday parties you get invited to. That's about $15 a month. I second the food expenses. I have a food allergy kid, and it can be much more expensive to feed them for school than at home. Plus if the class is going to have cupcakes or do some food activity, that's extra money to find an appropriate substitute so my kid won't feel left out. It can really add up. I totally agree with the ILLNESS. They really don't want the kids to stay home and keep the illness to themselves. (Actually, your medical costs seem a lot better than ours would be.) Sleep deprivation is a big deal. My kid got WAY less sleep when in ps than when we homeschool. It can't be good for them, plus it lowers their immune system's ability to fight the rampant illness. Also, it's much harder to deal with stressful situations when you are not getting enough sleep (Mom). Clothes can be an added expense, especially if uniforms are required, because then you need two sets of clothes because who is going to wear their uniform the rest of the day once school is out? If no uniforms are required, then it often becomes about being trendy or having the same shoes as the other kids and such, which can get expensive. Not saying that trends don't affect homeschoolers, but your daily appearance doesn't need to be a fashion show at home. Best of luck in your decision!

I prefer the US ed. I have tried both. Standards is more colorful all the way through, but I far prefer the topic distribution in the US edition. No, I don't think you will get in trouble with this. Singapore math US edition is a very solid curriculum.