Spelling

from wilber01:

I don't recommend memorizing an arbitrary list of words each week, testing, and then moving on. Typically, the words will be forgotten the following week and it has never worked for us. What has worked the best for us is 1. Working on words that the child misses in his or her writing. I secretly keep a list so that my children don't feel pressure when they are writing. Sometimes we never get the words because overtime they correct themselves. The kids, even in middle school, only work on five words at a time... they don't know the words are from a list of their misspellings. 2. Reading, reading, reading 3. Writing using Microsoft Word with the setting that underlines misspellings as they are typed. (Make sure the auto correct is not on.) This points out to the child that immediate correction is needed. I strongly believe in practicing correctly. If a misspelled word is repeated, they are practicing incorrectly. 4. Casually point out the correct spelling of words when a child is writing by hand but don't push it or make a big deal over it.... contradicting my previous statement, if they don't fix it just let it slide. We always have that emotional aspect to deal with too!

from tomandkara:

We use Spelling Power and I really like it. We've been using it for about a year now.
Another thing that was an ace in my son's pocket is that we used an EXCELLENT phonics program when he was learning to read. He learned a lot of the rules of spelling from rules for sounding out words and he's been able to carry that over into his writing now. (We used Wilson Fundations, for the record.)
I think it's important to teach spelling, but you have to include a range of skills...1. Phonics skills (because if you learn the phonics rules you can use them to read or spell)2. Directed practice for words that are misspelled (and I think it makes more sense to use a list, like Spelling Power, that is built off of the most commonly used words since those are the ones you will encounter more)3. Dictionary skills (so you can find the correct spelling the old fashioned way)4. Word processing skills (because, let's face it, computers are a way of life now)
The thing I really like about Spelling Power is that the student is able to by-pass words he already knows how to spell. There is no studying of a list of 20 words for a week even though he can already spell 18 of them.
Hope that helps!

from cl-susanmercy:
We use Spelling Power. I too like that dd doesn't have to study a word list all week and then be tested on it, even tho she already knew most of the words. It gives her a lot of confidence when she makes it thru a list with maybe only a couple of practice words...especially when she spells some hard words correctly (like "annoyance" the other day, woohoo!) We tried Sequential Spelling for a semester and she asked to return to Spelling Power. I also agree with the PP about using words that your kids misspell in their writing. Those were some great ideas, btw! I've recently come across All About Spelling and it looks pretty good, but I've not used it (yet.) Those who do use it have nothing but praise for it. It looks like you could use it with a child of any age, including remediation of an older child with spelling difficulties.

Toddler Entertainment Ideas

From two_girls_mom2007:

I don't have any toddlers around anymore. But I have this distinct memory of trying to scrapbook or put pictures in a photo album when my youngest was somewhere between one and two, and she would just grab everything on the table and throw it down and mix everything up. I also remember checking on her in her crib once, and she had gotten a copy of "Chica Chica Boom Boom" in her crib and ripped it into tiny little shreds. So I know one can be destructive!! I just found these for you. Hope something helps. The lists of activities look like they might be for a little older, but they may come in handy at some point. The first article is specifically about having a toddler, though I did just skim it.. So if it is bad, sorry!
http://chfweb.net/articles/week29.htm
http://www.angelfire.com/mo/sasschool/preschoolers.html
http://www.loveathome.com/homeschool/littleones.htm
http://www.homeedmag.com/HEM/205/soqnas.html

From hbbk20:
I hate to say this...it gets such a bad rap, but does the TV calm him? Like a video? How about a mothers helper, will he play with another kid like a middle school aged home school friend? That would be helpful and maybe even helpful to the middle schooler to care for a child before going on to baby sit alone. Otherwise I did a lot of playpens, highchairs, bouncy chairs, gated off safe zones with toys and music and things to try and entertain the hoighly busy toddlers in my home, while I did my best to get anything else done, or an older kids homework time. Otherwise wait till Dad arrives hand him a busy toddler and do your school work at homework time. It is not easy with a toddler bouncy and busy but it can be done with some creative forethought and perhaps a little help. Remember....they are not toddlers for ever, and that busy stage can be re-focused much better as they age with Sports, Arts and other activity.

From a_and_b_c_for_me:

Right there with you with my 13 month old, who is just now giving up his morning nap and thus throwing our schedule for a loop. I do use nursing as a distraction for part of the time, but he'll only nurse for so long!
For sure, I'll be checking out the links in the above posts. I also just tolerate a certain amount of mess-making by him. Keeping snacks on-hand helps sometimes (but not always.) Finally, we do take breaks and resume some subjects once he's asleep in the early afternoon. It's harder that way for sure, and I still try to do as much as possible in the AM, but sometimes it's just easier that way. Flexibility is key. Too bad I'm not real good at that, lol!