Well I am going to out on a limb and say .... wait. Keep reading together, researching together what she loves, chatting, museums - whatever is her passion (and yours). I just wrote a thread last week about my 13 year old son blossoming. Last year he couldn't read a Bob Book but this year he is reading novels and getting his math correct and writing amazing things. He needed to mature and from what I hear from others - that happens around 12...13...14. I like to take the path of try a little, step back, try again, refocus. So we did do phonics, he would balk, we would do something else. He reads by memorization. Can she talk about her process of reading? Does she "hear" the different sounds (my son can't and this used to bother me - not anymore). Can you support her in finding ways that work for her to enjoy books? (My son LOVES books on tape and us reading to him.) Does she have other interests and passions she can pursue with a bit of time spent on phonics/reading? I hope this helps, I know when you are in the "thick of it" watching your kids struggle, it's hard for both of you. I just wanted to offer another way of thinking about it. Good luck and please keep us updated! Best, Kimberly

Ugh - I'm so sorry for you and your son. I hope your approval comes ASAP. :)

My son is really liking the Udacity Intro to Physics class. And it's free! Do you really have to wait the 30 days? I hope someone from your state knows more but that doesn't seem right. Link for the Physics: http://www.udacity.com/overview/Course/ph100/CourseRev/1 Very challenging and fun!

I was reading a very old post about helping siblings get along. One very wise Mama (and I don't remember who - so if it was you - please chime in!) said that in order to promote sibling harmony she had to set the tone. If she was smiling, helpful, and generous she noticed her children acted that way too. This got me thinking....;) How do I set the tone for other things in my house? How do I set the tone for loving history, writing for fun and communication, science as an intellectual playground, and a passion for learning? I have been putting a pot of tea and lit candle on the table in the mornings while the older boys work on their math. I have been asking my darling 13 year old boy questions when we are out walking like, "if you are putting a roof on the duck house (he is) is it area you need or perimeter?" I have been ordering more history DVD's from the library and have introduced my older boys to my current favorite African American Lives. This has spurred my oldest to get really interested in genealogy. I have been taking out books for myself (!!) from the library instead of just children's books (I have two younger kids too). AND I've been taking picture books and chapter books out from the kids section I want to read. I have been writing reviews (in our family review book) of the books I've read and movies we've watched. I have been writing silly things, like yesterday I wrote the story of a new element found - POO POO Onium. Can you guess where this element is found? (I'm a bit punchy with no sleep from teething baby :) I find that the more I am involved in real learning and questioning and gathering that my children follow suit. So how do you set the tone in your house - for harmony, learning, full fledged living? I'd love to hear! :bigear:

:grouphug: Awww.... thank you all! I am so relieved we are at this point. Anyone who is watching their kid struggle my heart goes out to you. I've been there! Really I was sooooo close to calling in "troops" (like tutors and such) and slamming him with phonics lessons. But I'm glad I trusted my gut and really put my time and energy on his strengths. It would have killed this lovely young man's confidence and pride. But I understand why some go that path. I once heard being a therapist (I am) described as a way to feel like a failure every hour of the day (because you can never really quantify changes happening). I would include parenting in that analogy! Ok, others struggling, hang on! My son could not read a Bob book a year ago! He could not do simple math! He could not remember the difference between the division and multiplication symbol! He could not give correct pronunciation of all the vowels! And now......hooozah! :grouphug:

Oh Doodler I have been stalking your posts! :;): It is the reason why I decided to post today. I don't think there is enough discussion on readiness, waiting, interest led options for kids with special needs. Not that it will work for everyone but I think a discussion needs to be had that it might work for some. And that we can support each other in trying it out. :) Thanks for the congrats and please keep posting!

I hope this helps someone on a bad day. My 13 year old son is blossoming! A year ago he couldn't remember his multiplication tables, could barely read a Bob book, couldn't follow more than one direction at a time, didn't know his phone number. He couldn't (and still can't) hear phonics - he memorizes words (this used to worry me). I was losing my faith and mind but maturity is wonderful. Today he is reading chapter books (currently "The King of Mulberry Street"), doing AOPS Algebra by himself and doing it right, knows his phone number :), loves learning how to cook and is taking care of all the animals. He is writing really dense and beautiful prose and essays. He wants to "read all the good books" and watch films about their authors. He would like to have an intense study of the Periodic Table of the Elements. And more comes up every day.... Now, I don't have the magic bullet, but I will say we were very hands-off and gentle with this kid. I would try some phonics, he would balk, and I would back off. So he got some instruction over the years in math, phonics, and science. Mostly he got read to, listened to audio books, joined in conversations, went to museums, followed his interests with gusto and support from us. He loves animals, wants to be a vet, has worked for a vet at his farm for over a year. I guess I just wanted to share because I'm breathing again. I want others to know that relief might be just around the corner. A year or even six months can make a big difference (especially in the early teen years). And that you can homeschool in a way that suits your child's needs and interests. He is strong and confident and happy. He is learning (and at a rapid pace!). YAY!

Thank you! Both links are for the same product. Do you have a link to your daughter's program?

I was looking at Harvard's expectations for second language learning. They expect you to be able to write and read fluently and to pronounce adequately. He's not going to Harvard but I do work back from their recommendations. This will make sense for my son who wants to be a doctor of infectious diseases working for the UN. He will learn to speak very quickly while he is on the job. So now the problem is... what to use for French language learning that doesn't focus specifically on speaking the language (aka Rosetta Stone). What are you all using? Thanks!

We love the AoPS videos! I think they only have pre algebra and algebra right now. They do have online classes.

Thinkwell has CD ROM's - you have to buy them extra. They don't have the worksheets so they are useless to resell. You get smartpoints if you order through the co-op. Does Derek Owens have DVD's?

I agree! My son is loving this.

And a great link for anyone interested - free class! It's really good. http://www.udacity.com/overview/Course/ph100/CourseRev/1

Does anyone have any videos or live demonstrations? Thanks!

The first one is perfect - thanks!!