Guest guest Posted February 7, 2011 Report Share Posted February 7, 2011 Are you any of you single parents? Seems like everyone homeschools you must be 2 parent households? From: Jenn <WldWestWoman@...>Autism and Aspergers Treatment Sent: Mon, February 7, 2011 8:14:35 AMSubject: Re: Re: homeschool vs. public Thanks so much for this! I start K12 with my son today, and needed to figure out a daily routine, and this helps TONS!!! We tried public school, but because of all my son's disabilities, his fear of germs, acting younger emotionally... I am scared for him to start Jr. High next year, and I know it won't work for him! Lately at his regular school he hasn't been doing any of his work, because he has a very hard time with reading comprehension, so he doesn't understand the written instructions, and his teachers can't give him 'one on one'. In Utah it is really hard to get an Aide for him. Lately, he has also been 'wandering' the halls at school, and recently they lost him at school! It didn't take long for them to find him, but it was a very scary experience! Last month we put him on a waiting list for K12, and he was approved last week! I am nervous and feeling overwhelmed about doing this, but when I think about Jr. High next year, that really scares me a lot more! At least now, I can give him the 'one on one' he needs, and the curriculum is already planned out for us. Thanks again!Jenn On Sun, Feb 6, 2011 at 10:28 PM, Deborah Hitchcock <debshitchcock@...> wrote: Music with headphones and chewing gum helps. Is this a BIG no no for you’re parenting? Understand our children need stimulation. An ADHD child most definitely and AS children! Try letting the child choose his/her own music and with promises they can use the music player and gum (sugar free if u choose) if they are to do the work but let them know it’s a privilege! If they aren’t doing the work then the headphones/gum are taken away. Once they do a small amount of problems, try letting them chew on something i.e. gum, sucker etc. In addition to chewing and music you may try a computer chair so that they can swirl/twirl this allows them to fidget. Sit back and watch do some observation. Don’t get on to them let them do it their way, say nothing when they twirl or bounce. Observe only. The reason being is to allowing them to make these movements, it will help their concentration so that they can get more done and hopefully without you being the police and shadowing them. Try it, sit back and watch. Don’t have a computer chair? Remember the bouncy balls? Stimulate them with the big bouncy balls….the ones we had when we were kids with a handle? Let them sit on these while doing their work they can roll around while sitting their on their bottoms creates stimulation. You may need a lower table/ coffee table etc for the right height. The balls allows them to roll with their behinds on the ball, bounce if they want to (slightly) because they can’t do big movements and write it restricts them in a way and also distracts them with allowing them to move at the same time. Make sense? I hope Im saying this right! A routine of exercise before the work calms them down enough to be willing to get it done with the props that I mentioned above. If you have a daily routine like we did (even though it was really tough for me to get my kids started and continue doing this…it takes time) walking, riding bike, bouncing on trampoline etc., it does something to their brains and they are more willing (with being told their schedule; “we are going on a bike ride and when we return we will do our math†after you return from exercise tell them it’s now time for math. Then do the five problems at intervals. Then sit back and watch, observe from a distance, tweak to whatever works for the child. I had to make it fun and walk with them and we played games along the way and I taught them safety rules of the road along the way. I’ve even did this in the rain so that the routine would stick. They were always reluctant but once we got going it worked. Besides it was good quality time with them. With exception of my children’s ages (big age difference) so it was hard to walk slow because of the smaller one and the older one wanting to do races and get far beyond us. This is when I allowed the bicycle to come in to play with the little one. Then the older one (not understanding his little sister can’t do the things he does) wanted to race. Anyway, we got through it and I found it was relaxing homework/ during this period it was summer and I was trying on home school before school began to see if I wanted to do this for them each. It worked for us and homework/school work was not as bad as it was before! I realize some of you are Home School but perhaps an exercise program “before†that tough subject that’s been so hard before may help. If you do this stick to a routine! Debs From: Autism and Aspergers Treatment [mailto:Autism and Aspergers Treatment ] On Behalf Of Lora JBSent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 6:05 PMAutism and Aspergers Treatment Subject: RE: Re: homeschool vs. public What might help your son with math is to give it to him in small doses. Instead of giving him 20 problems to do at once; start with five, and then do a second and third session later in the day. If you normally do an hour of math a day, just break it up into three 20-minute sessions. I know this isn't always possible, but it helps my son who has attention issues along with Aspergers. I'm homeschooling my two sons, so I know some days are harder than other. The other thing that I do some days is take the work outside. I don't know why this works, but doing math at a picnic table in the park is easier for my son than doing it at his desk or the kitchen table. Luckily, I live in Southern California, so the weather allows us to do this all year. Good luck. Thanks,Lora Autism and Aspergers Treatment From: cmurray326@...Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 03:20:37 +0000Subject: Re: homeschool vs. public Hi everyone:This is new to us too. I have been homeschooling since my son has been in fifth grade and wanted to ask if these characteristics sound familiar. He did fine in school up until 7th grade. He was a little behind in math and now he does well in English/Social Studies but falls apart with math. He really gets upset and all he can think about is the amount of work to do instead of focusing on the one problem. The same thing is happening with directions. Sometimes he is just not understanding them and if he doesn't see its importance he gets frustrated. He was diagnosed with just ADHD when he was little but they recently mentioned Asperger's. Let me know if this sounds familiar.Thanks, : )>> I homeschool, and have done so before I had a diagnosis. My daughter is 10 and > has Aspergers. Some days (like today) can be a huge struggle. Some days (like > today) I just want to scream (ok, I admit, I did already) and send her down the > street to the public school. There are several reasons why I just can't bring > myself to do so: 1) She's all over the place academically, very bright, reads > ahead, poor comprehension, no understanding of phrases, excellent use of > vocabulary but doesn't understand the meanings when someone else uses them, > terrified of math and is 2 years behind. At home, I can address each one of > these issues by meeting her where she is instead of her having to get lost in a > group environment. 2) Her self esteem is healthy.  By being able to supervise > all of her socializing, I can ensure she is around kids who help build her up > instead of tearing her down. 3) Along the same lines, healthy examples of > correct behavior. Having a girl Aspie, they tend to imitate so it's vitally > important that she has kids around her who are presenting positive behavior. 4) > No IEP's! I'll admit, I've never had to go through the process, but I've read > more than my share of others experiences. A lot can be said for not having to > fight for accomodations in a classroom. My daughter can appear so NT and > functions fairly well in a classroom that I know it would be a battle for her to > get any services. 5) Our local schools stink.  She's 5th grade, which is middle > school in our area.  Our local middle school is well known for dealing with > issues like sex, pregnancy, drugs and gangs. Simply put, she's safer at home. > > > There are other reasons, but I won't bore you with the details. My point is, > you have to weigh out all the pro's and cons. On one hand, it sounds really > nice to give over control to another adult during the day, but at the end of the > day you still have to deal with the results. It's nice to be fully in control > of your child's education, to address problems as soon as you see them, and > to make accomodations where necessary. You can switch up styles, curriculum, > pacing, methods, even location. You can let them run around between subjects, > or between math problems, they can eat a snack in your classroom, and they can > regulate their environment better (no flourescents, no other children to > distract, no school bells ringing and interrupting.) But it's not easy! > > > Kiara > > > > > ________________________________> From: <chadderboxesmom@...>> Autism and Aspergers Treatment > Sent: Tue, February 1, 2011 3:12:53 PM> Subject: homeschool vs. public> >  > I would like to know who homeschools and who uses public school. The reason for > this is because report cards came out again and he is below level on reading and > math. My son is in a room specifically designed for children with autism. Now > after seeing his S/N report card (he's in first so they don't have letter grades > for that level yet). I was told they were pushed at school and he was being > disagreeable with them. So I decided to let up at home and let him veg out when > he got here. Also b/c we just recently had a baby (shortly after school > started). The first 9 weeks grading period came out and we decided that it was > a combination of him having ADHD and the new baby. I also thought that it may > have something to do with the fact that he and teacher may not get along (battle > of wills thing). > >     Now today I get the 2nd 9 weeks report card and as I said earlier, he is > still working at below level and the comment reads as follows, "C is continuing > to chatter in class or else gazes into space and is unresponsive. He appears to > be more calm in the afternoon, but has NO interest in doing ANY schoolwork. He > will sometimes respond verbally-and then fades out again. We work one on one > with him everyday-but most of the time he refuses to co-operate. We will > continue to work w/ him. When he does respond, he is very bright & very sweet.> > So apparently I need to supplement him at home (which I will never forgive > myself for stopping in the first place) any recommendations on a curriculum? I > pulled out one of his level K readers and he read a word here or there. He > acted like he didn't know how to read, yet if it something he wants to find on > the internet to watch he can read through lists of words to find the one he > wants, but can't read words like mom or mop? Come on, what's the deal? Why > does this have to be such a fight constantly? He's frustrated, I'm frustrated > and it just ends in a fight and both of us crying. WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO BE SO > HARD??? Somedays I can see the speciality in autism, today is just not one of > those days.> > From a very frustrated mom.> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2011 Report Share Posted February 7, 2011 It isn't impossible to homeschool if you are a single parent, but you would need to be very well organised and prepared to spend most of your hours at home supervising school work. Or else you need a reliable source of income that allows you to be at home. It comes down to what you value most, and what you are prepared to sacrifice, and what is actually possible for you. Unfortunately, in the real world wealth plays a large part in determining what you can give to, and do for, your children. We all have to do the best we can in our circumstances. For some people, that means homeschooling may not be a viable option. I don't believe saying "I can't do that" makes anyone a bad parent. I suspect our children actually need a lot less than what we feel we need to give them. On 8/02/2011 8:53 AM, ne D wrote:  Are you any of you single parents? Seems like everyone homeschools you must be 2 parent households?   From: Jenn <WldWestWoman@...> To: Autism and Aspergers Treatment Sent: Mon, February 7, 2011 8:14:35 AM Subject: Re: Re: homeschool vs. public  Thanks so much for this! I start K12 with my son today, and needed to figure out a daily routine, and this helps TONS!!! We tried public school, but because of all my son's disabilities, his fear of germs, acting younger emotionally... I am scared for him to start Jr. High next year, and I know it won't work for him!  Lately at his regular school he hasn't been doing any of his work, because he has a very hard time with reading comprehension, so he doesn't understand the written instructions, and his teachers can't give him 'one on one'. In Utah it is really hard to get an Aide for him. Lately, he has also been 'wandering' the halls at school, and recently they lost him at school! It didn't take long for them to find him, but it was a very scary experience!  Last month we put him on a waiting list for K12, and he was approved last week! I am nervous and feeling overwhelmed about doing this, but when I think about Jr. High next year, that really scares me a lot more! At least now, I can give him the 'one on one' he needs, and the curriculum is already planned out for us.  Thanks again! Jenn  On Sun, Feb 6, 2011 at 10:28 PM, Deborah Hitchcock <debshitchcock@...> wrote:  Music with headphones and chewing gum helps. Is this a BIG no no for you’re parenting? Understand our children need stimulation. An ADHD child most definitely and AS children! Try letting the child choose his/her own music and with promises they can use the music player and gum (sugar free if u choose) if they are to do the work but let them know it’s a privilege! If they aren’t doing the work then the headphones/gum are taken away.  Once they do a small amount of problems, try letting them chew on something i.e. gum, sucker etc.  In addition to chewing and music you may try a computer chair so that they can swirl/twirl this allows them to fidget. Sit back and watch do some observation. Don’t get on to them let them do it their way, say nothing when they twirl or bounce. Observe only. The reason being is to allowing them to make these movements, it will help their concentration so that they can get more done and hopefully without you being the police and shadowing them. Try it, sit back and watch. Don’t have a computer chair? Remember the bouncy balls? Stimulate them with the big bouncy balls….the ones we had when we were kids with a handle? Let them sit on these while doing their work they can roll around while sitting their on their bottoms creates stimulation. You may need a lower table/ coffee table etc for the right height. The balls allows them to roll with their behinds on the ball, bounce if they want to (slightly) because they can’t do big movements and write it restricts them in a way and also distracts them with allowing them to move at the same time. Make sense? I hope Im saying this right!  A routine of exercise before the work calms them down enough to be willing to get it done with the props that I mentioned above. If you have a daily routine like we did (even though it was really tough for me to get my kids started and continue doing this…it takes time) walking, riding bike, bouncing on trampoline etc., it does something to their brains and they are more willing (with being told their schedule; “we are going on a bike ride and when we return we will do our math†after you return from exercise tell them it’s now time for math. Then do the five problems at intervals. Then sit back and watch, observe from a distance, tweak to whatever works for the child. I had to make it fun and walk with them and we played games along the way and I taught them safety rules of the road along the way. I’ve even did this in the rain so that the routine would stick. They were always reluctant but once we got going it worked. Besides it was good quality time with them. With exception of my children’s ages (big age difference) so it was hard to walk slow because of the smaller one and the older one wanting to do races and get far beyond us. This is when I allowed the bicycle to come in to play with the little one. Then the older one (not understanding his little sister can’t do the things he does) wanted to race. Anyway, we got through it and I found it was relaxing homework/ during this period it was summer and I was trying on home school before school began to see if I wanted to do this for them each.  It worked for us and homework/school work was not as bad as it was before! I realize some of you are Home School but perhaps an exercise program “before†that tough subject that’s been so hard before may help. If you do this stick to a routine! Debs  From: Autism and Aspergers Treatment [mailto:Autism and Aspergers Treatment ] On Behalf Of Lora JB Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 6:05 PM Autism and Aspergers Treatment Subject: RE: Re: homeschool vs. public   What might help your son with math is to give it to him in small doses. Instead of giving him 20 problems to do at once; start with five, and then do a second and third session later in the day.  If you normally do an hour of math a day, just break it up into three 20-minute sessions. I know this isn't always possible, but it helps my son who has attention issues along with Aspergers.  I'm homeschooling my two sons, so I know some days are harder than other. The other thing that I do some days is take the work outside.  I don't know why this works, but doing math at a picnic table in the park is easier for my son than doing it at his desk or the kitchen table. Luckily, I live in Southern California, so the weather allows us to do this all year.  Good luck.  Thanks, Lora    Autism and Aspergers Treatment From: cmurray326@... Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 03:20:37 +0000 Subject: Re: homeschool vs. public  Hi everyone: This is new to us too. I have been homeschooling since my son has been in fifth grade and wanted to ask if these characteristics sound familiar. He did fine in school up until 7th grade. He was a little behind in math and now he does well in English/Social Studies but falls apart with math. He really gets upset and all he can think about is the amount of work to do instead of focusing on the one problem. The same thing is happening with directions. Sometimes he is just not understanding them and if he doesn't see its importance he gets frustrated. He was diagnosed with just ADHD when he was little but they recently mentioned Asperger's. Let me know if this sounds familiar. Thanks, : ) > > I homeschool, and have done so before I had a diagnosis. My daughter is 10 and > has Aspergers. Some days (like today) can be a huge struggle. Some days (like > today) I just want to scream (ok, I admit, I did already) and send her down the > street to the public school. There are several reasons why I just can't bring > myself to do so: 1) She's all over the place academically, very bright, reads > ahead, poor comprehension, no understanding of phrases, excellent use of > vocabulary but doesn't understand the meanings when someone else uses them, > terrified of math and is 2 years behind. At home, I can address each one of > these issues by meeting her where she is instead of her having to get lost in a > group environment. 2) Her self esteem is healthy.  By being able to supervise > all of her socializing, I can ensure she is around kids who help build her up > instead of tearing her down. 3) Along the same lines, healthy examples of > correct behavior. Having a girl Aspie, they tend to imitate so it's vitally > important that she has kids around her who are presenting positive behavior. 4) > No IEP's! I'll admit, I've never had to go through the process, but I've read > more than my share of others experiences. A lot can be said for not having to > fight for accomodations in a classroom. My daughter can appear so NT and > functions fairly well in a classroom that I know it would be a battle for her to > get any services. 5) Our local schools stink.  She's 5th grade, which is middle > school in our area.  Our local middle school is well known for dealing with > issues like sex, pregnancy, drugs and gangs. Simply put, she's safer at home. > > > There are other reasons, but I won't bore you with the details. My point is, > you have to weigh out all the pro's and cons. On one hand, it sounds really > nice to give over control to another adult during the day, but at the end of the > day you still have to deal with the results. It's nice to be fully in control > of your child's education, to address problems as soon as you see them, and > to make accomodations where necessary. You can switch up styles, curriculum, > pacing, methods, even location. You can let them run around between subjects, > or between math problems, they can eat a snack in your classroom, and they can > regulate their environment better (no flourescents, no other children to > distract, no school bells ringing and interrupting.) But it's not easy! > > > Kiara > > > > > ________________________________ > From: <chadderboxesmom@...> > Autism and Aspergers Treatment > Sent: Tue, February 1, 2011 3:12:53 PM > Subject: homeschool vs. public > >  > I would like to know who homeschools and who uses public school. The reason for > this is because report cards came out again and he is below level on reading and > math. My son is in a room specifically designed for children with autism. Now > after seeing his S/N report card (he's in first so they don't have letter grades > for that level yet). I was told they were pushed at school and he was being > disagreeable with them. So I decided to let up at home and let him veg out when > he got here. Also b/c we just recently had a baby (shortly after school > started). The first 9 weeks grading period came out and we decided that it was > a combination of him having ADHD and the new baby. I also thought that it may > have something to do with the fact that he and teacher may not get along (battle > of wills thing). > >     Now today I get the 2nd 9 weeks report card and as I said earlier, he is > still working at below level and the comment reads as follows, "C is continuing > to chatter in class or else gazes into space and is unresponsive. He appears to > be more calm in the afternoon, but has NO interest in doing ANY schoolwork. He > will sometimes respond verbally-and then fades out again. We work one on one > with him everyday-but most of the time he refuses to co-operate. We will > continue to work w/ him. When he does respond, he is very bright & very sweet. > > So apparently I need to supplement him at home (which I will never forgive > myself for stopping in the first place) any recommendations on a curriculum? I > pulled out one of his level K readers and he read a word here or there. He > acted like he didn't know how to read, yet if it something he wants to find on > the internet to watch he can read through lists of words to find the one he > wants, but can't read words like mom or mop? Come on, what's the deal? Why > does this have to be such a fight constantly? He's frustrated, I'm frustrated > and it just ends in a fight and both of us crying. WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO BE SO > HARD??? Somedays I can see the speciality in autism, today is just not one of > those days. > > >From a very frustrated mom. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2011 Report Share Posted February 7, 2011 Though now we share a home with my significant other, I have always homeschooled as a single parent. I had my mother to babysit up until her death last year. I worked mostly part time over the years, up to 30 hours per week. We homeschooled during my off time and on weekends. Now that my daughter is older she spends a little time home alone and has assignments to complete independently. We utilize another homeschool family for childcare/playtime one day per week. I refused to let my marital status prevent me from what I felt was the right thing to do. I did however, choose a line of work that was flexible so I didn't have to work 40 hours week M-F, and I was also willing to live less affluently than we could have if I worked more. I will also say that flexibility is the key in making it work, IMO, not necessarily being organized. I am *so* not organized, as I have ADD. But I used nontraditional styles, such as unschooling and unit studies instead of very structured lesson based programs for a long time. That made for a fun and relaxed educational environment, and my daughter thrived more then than she is now that we've switched to a heavier curriculum. From: Riley <klriley@...>Autism and Aspergers Treatment Sent: Mon, February 7, 2011 4:16:43 PMSubject: Re: \another question It isn't impossible to homeschool if you are a single parent, but you would need to be very well organised and prepared to spend most of your hours at home supervising school work. Or else you need a reliable source of income that allows you to be at home. It comes down to what you value most, and what you are prepared to sacrifice, and what is actually possible for you. Unfortunately, in the real world wealth plays a large part in determining what you can give to, and do for, your children. We all have to do the best we can in our circumstances. For some people, that means homeschooling may not be a viable option. I don't believe saying "I can't do that" makes anyone a bad parent. I suspect our children actually need a lot less than what we feel we need to give them.On 8/02/2011 8:53 AM, ne D wrote: Are you any of you single parents? Seems like everyone homeschools you must be 2 parent households? From: Jenn <WldWestWoman@...>Autism and Aspergers Treatment Sent: Mon, February 7, 2011 8:14:35 AMSubject: Re: Re: homeschool vs. public Thanks so much for this! I start K12 with my son today, and needed to figure out a daily routine, and this helps TONS!!! We tried public school, but because of all my son's disabilities, his fear of germs, acting younger emotionally... I am scared for him to start Jr. High next year, and I know it won't work for him! Lately at his regular school he hasn't been doing any of his work, because he has a very hard time with reading comprehension, so he doesn't understand the written instructions, and his teachers can't give him 'one on one'. In Utah it is really hard to get an Aide for him. Lately, he has also been 'wandering' the halls at school, and recently they lost him at school! It didn't take long for them to find him, but it was a very scary experience! Last month we put him on a waiting list for K12, and he was approved last week! I am nervous and feeling overwhelmed about doing this, but when I think about Jr. High next year, that really scares me a lot more! At least now, I can give him the 'one on one' he needs, and the curriculum is already planned out for us. Thanks again!Jenn On Sun, Feb 6, 2011 at 10:28 PM, Deborah Hitchcock <debshitchcock@...> wrote: Music with headphones and chewing gum helps. Is this a BIG no no for you’re parenting? Understand our children need stimulation. An ADHD child most definitely and AS children! Try letting the child choose his/her own music and with promises they can use the music player and gum (sugar free if u choose) if they are to do the work but let them know it’s a privilege! If they aren’t doing the work then the headphones/gum are taken away. Once they do a small amount of problems, try letting them chew on something i.e. gum, sucker etc. In addition to chewing and music you may try a computer chair so that they can swirl/twirl this allows them to fidget. Sit back and watch do some observation. Don’t get on to them let them do it their way, say nothing when they twirl or bounce. Observe only. The reason being is to allowing them to make these movements, it will help their concentration so that they can get more done and hopefully without you being the police and shadowing them. Try it, sit back and watch. Don’t have a computer chair? Remember the bouncy balls? Stimulate them with the big bouncy balls….the ones we had when we were kids with a handle? Let them sit on these while doing their work they can roll around while sitting their on their bottoms creates stimulation. You may need a lower table/ coffee table etc for the right height. The balls allows them to roll with their behinds on the ball, bounce if they want to (slightly) because they can’t do big movements and write it restricts them in a way and also distracts them with allowing them to move at the same time. Make sense? I hope Im saying this right! A routine of exercise before the work calms them down enough to be willing to get it done with the props that I mentioned above. If you have a daily routine like we did (even though it was really tough for me to get my kids started and continue doing this…it takes time) walking, riding bike, bouncing on trampoline etc., it does something to their brains and they are more willing (with being told their schedule; “we are going on a bike ride and when we return we will do our math†after you return from exercise tell them it’s now time for math. Then do the five problems at intervals. Then sit back and watch, observe from a distance, tweak to whatever works for the child. I had to make it fun and walk with them and we played games along the way and I taught them safety rules of the road along the way. I’ve even did this in the rain so that the routine would stick. They were always reluctant but once we got going it worked. Besides it was good quality time with them. With exception of my children’s ages (big age difference) so it was hard to walk slow because of the smaller one and the older one wanting to do races and get far beyond us. This is when I allowed the bicycle to come in to play with the little one. Then the older one (not understanding his little sister can’t do the things he does) wanted to race. Anyway, we got through it and I found it was relaxing homework/ during this period it was summer and I was trying on home school before school began to see if I wanted to do this for them each. It worked for us and homework/school work was not as bad as it was before! I realize some of you are Home School but perhaps an exercise program “before†that tough subject that’s been so hard before may help. If you do this stick to a routine! Debs From: Autism and Aspergers Treatment [mailto:Autism and Aspergers Treatment ] On Behalf Of Lora JBSent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 6:05 PMAutism and Aspergers Treatment Subject: RE: Re: homeschool vs. public What might help your son with math is to give it to him in small doses. Instead of giving him 20 problems to do at once; start with five, and then do a second and third session later in the day. If you normally do an hour of math a day, just break it up into three 20-minute sessions. I know this isn't always possible, but it helps my son who has attention issues along with Aspergers. I'm homeschooling my two sons, so I know some days are harder than other. The other thing that I do some days is take the work outside. I don't know why this works, but doing math at a picnic table in the park is easier for my son than doing it at his desk or the kitchen table. Luckily, I live in Southern California, so the weather allows us to do this all year. Good luck. Thanks,Lora Autism and Aspergers Treatment From: cmurray326@...Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 03:20:37 +0000Subject: Re: homeschool vs. public Hi everyone:This is new to us too. I have been homeschooling since my son has been in fifth grade and wanted to ask if these characteristics sound familiar. He did fine in school up until 7th grade. He was a little behind in math and now he does well in English/Social Studies but falls apart with math. He really gets upset and all he can think about is the amount of work to do instead of focusing on the one problem. The same thing is happening with directions. Sometimes he is just not understanding them and if he doesn't see its importance he gets frustrated. He was diagnosed with just ADHD when he was little but they recently mentioned Asperger's. Let me know if this sounds familiar.Thanks, : )>> I homeschool, and have done so before I had a diagnosis. My daughter is 10 and > has Aspergers. Some days (like today) can be a huge struggle. Some days (like > today) I just want to scream (ok, I admit, I did already) and send her down the > street to the public school. There are several reasons why I just can't bring > myself to do so: 1) She's all over the place academically, very bright, reads > ahead, poor comprehension, no understanding of phrases, excellent use of > vocabulary but doesn't understand the meanings when someone else uses them, > terrified of math and is 2 years behind. At home, I can address each one of > these issues by meeting her where she is instead of her having to get lost in a > group environment. 2) Her self esteem is healthy.  By being able to supervise > all of her socializing, I can ensure she is around kids who help build her up > instead of tearing her down. 3) Along the same lines, healthy examples of > correct behavior. Having a girl Aspie, they tend to imitate so it's vitally > important that she has kids around her who are presenting positive behavior. 4) > No IEP's! I'll admit, I've never had to go through the process, but I've read > more than my share of others experiences. A lot can be said for not having to > fight for accomodations in a classroom. My daughter can appear so NT and > functions fairly well in a classroom that I know it would be a battle for her to > get any services. 5) Our local schools stink.  She's 5th grade, which is middle > school in our area.  Our local middle school is well known for dealing with > issues like sex, pregnancy, drugs and gangs. Simply put, she's safer at home. > > > There are other reasons, but I won't bore you with the details. My point is, > you have to weigh out all the pro's and cons. On one hand, it sounds really > nice to give over control to another adult during the day, but at the end of the > day you still have to deal with the results. It's nice to be fully in control > of your child's education, to address problems as soon as you see them, and > to make accomodations where necessary. You can switch up styles, curriculum, > pacing, methods, even location. You can let them run around between subjects, > or between math problems, they can eat a snack in your classroom, and they can > regulate their environment better (no flourescents, no other children to > distract, no school bells ringing and interrupting.) But it's not easy! > > > Kiara > > > > > ________________________________> From: <chadderboxesmom@...>> Autism and Aspergers Treatment > Sent: Tue, February 1, 2011 3:12:53 PM> Subject: homeschool vs. public> >  > I would like to know who homeschools and who uses public school. The reason for > this is because report cards came out again and he is below level on reading and > math. My son is in a room specifically designed for children with autism. Now > after seeing his S/N report card (he's in first so they don't have letter grades > for that level yet). I was told they were pushed at school and he was being > disagreeable with them. So I decided to let up at home and let him veg out when > he got here. Also b/c we just recently had a baby (shortly after school > started). The first 9 weeks grading period came out and we decided that it was > a combination of him having ADHD and the new baby. I also thought that it may > have something to do with the fact that he and teacher may not get along (battle > of wills thing). > >     Now today I get the 2nd 9 weeks report card and as I said earlier, he is > still working at below level and the comment reads as follows, "C is continuing > to chatter in class or else gazes into space and is unresponsive. He appears to > be more calm in the afternoon, but has NO interest in doing ANY schoolwork. He > will sometimes respond verbally-and then fades out again. We work one on one > with him everyday-but most of the time he refuses to co-operate. We will > continue to work w/ him. When he does respond, he is very bright & very sweet.> > So apparently I need to supplement him at home (which I will never forgive > myself for stopping in the first place) any recommendations on a curriculum? I > pulled out one of his level K readers and he read a word here or there. He > acted like he didn't know how to read, yet if it something he wants to find on > the internet to watch he can read through lists of words to find the one he > wants, but can't read words like mom or mop? Come on, what's the deal? Why > does this have to be such a fight constantly? He's frustrated, I'm frustrated > and it just ends in a fight and both of us crying. WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO BE SO > HARD??? Somedays I can see the speciality in autism, today is just not one of > those days.> > >From a very frustrated mom.> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2011 Report Share Posted February 7, 2011 ne, we homeschool some of our children-- I'm lucky enough to stay home with my children while my husband works. I don't know how I would homeschool if I were a single parent, but honestly, I am at my wits end dealing with REGULAR school too! I feel like I spend more time helping the regularly schooled child (dearly loved AS son, 14) than I do homeschooling my younger children. I wouldn't rule out homeschooling. If it seems like the best option for you, there may be a creative way to make it work with your work schedule. There are lots of different options for homeschoolers these days--- I would research it and see if anything fits your needs as a single mom. Good luck! I would be interested to hear if this becomes a do-able option for you. -- On 2/7/2011 1:53 PM, ne D wrote: > Are you any of you single parents? Seems like everyone homeschools you must be 2 > parent households? > > > > > > > ________________________________ > From: Jenn<WldWestWoman@...> > Autism and Aspergers Treatment > Sent: Mon, February 7, 2011 8:14:35 AM > Subject: Re: Re: homeschool vs. public > > > Thanks so much for this! I start K12 with my son today, and needed to figure out > a daily routine, and this helps TONS!!! We tried public school, but because of > all my son's disabilities, his fear of germs, acting younger emotionally... I am > scared for him to start Jr. High next year, and I know it won't work for him! > > > Lately at his regular school he hasn't been doing any of his work, because he > has a very hard time with reading comprehension, so he doesn't understand the > written instructions, and his teachers can't give him 'one on one'. In Utah it > is really hard to get an Aide for him. Lately, he has also been 'wandering' the > halls at school, and recently they lost him at school! It didn't take long for > them to find him, but it was a very scary experience! > > Last month we put him on a waiting list for K12, and he was approved last week! > I am nervous and feeling overwhelmed about doing this, but when I think about > Jr. High next year, that really scares me a lot more! At least now, I can give > him the 'one on one' he needs, and the curriculum is already planned out for us. > > Thanks again! > Jenn > > > On Sun, Feb 6, 2011 at 10:28 PM, Deborah Hitchcock<debshitchcock@...> > wrote: > > > >> Music with headphones and chewing gum helps. Is this a BIG no no for you’re >> parenting? Understand our children need stimulation. An ADHD child most >> definitely and AS children! Try letting the child choose his/her own music and >> with promises they can use the music player and gum (sugar free if u choose) if >> they are to do the work but let them know it’s a privilege! If they aren’t doing >> the work then the headphones/gum are taken away. Once they do a small amount of >> problems, try letting them chew on something i.e. gum, sucker etc. >> >> >> In addition to chewing and music you may try a computer chair so that they can >> swirl/twirl this allows them to fidget. Sit back and watch do some observation. >> Don’t get on to them let them do it their way, say nothing when they twirl or >> bounce. Observe only. The reason being is to allowing them to make these >> movements, it will help their concentration so that they can get more done and >> hopefully without you being the police and shadowing them. Try it, sit back and >> watch. Don’t have a computer chair? Remember the bouncy balls? Stimulate them >> with the big bouncy balls….the ones we had when we were kids with a handle? Let >> them sit on these while doing their work they can roll around while sitting >> their on their bottoms creates stimulation. You may need a lower table/ coffee >> table etc for the right height. The balls allows them to roll with their behinds >> on the ball, bounce if they want to (slightly) because they can’t do big >> movements and write it restricts them in a way and also distracts them with >> allowing them to move at the same time. Make sense? I hope Im saying this right! >> >> A routine of exercise before the work calms them down enough to be willing to >> get it done with the props that I mentioned above. If you have a daily routine >> like we did (even though it was really tough for me to get my kids started and >> continue doing this…it takes time) walking, riding bike, bouncing on trampoline >> etc., it does something to their brains and they are more willing (with being >> told their schedule; “we are going on a bike ride and when we return we will do >> our math†after you return from exercise tell them it’s now time for math. Then >> do the five problems at intervals. Then sit back and watch, observe from a >> distance, tweak to whatever works for the child. I had to make it fun and walk >> with them and we played games along the way and I taught them safety rules of >> the road along the way. I’ve even did this in the rain so that the routine would >> stick. They were always reluctant but once we got going it worked. Besides it >> was good quality time with them. With exception of my children’s ages (big age >> difference) so it was hard to walk slow because of the smaller one and the older >> one wanting to do races and get far beyond us. This is when I allowed the >> bicycle to come in to play with the little one. Then the older one (not >> understanding his little sister can’t do the things he does) wanted to race. >> Anyway, we got through it and I found it was relaxing homework/ during this >> period it was summer and I was trying on home school before school began to see >> if I wanted to do this for them each. >> >> It worked for us and homework/school work was not as bad as it was before! I >> realize some of you are Home School but perhaps an exercise program “before†>> that tough subject that’s been so hard before may help. If you do this stick to >> a routine! >> Debs >> >> >> > ________________________________ > > >> From:Autism and Aspergers Treatment [mailto:Autism and Aspergers Treatment ] >> On Behalf Of Lora JB >> Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 6:05 PM >> Autism and Aspergers Treatment >> Subject: RE: Re: homeschool vs. public >> >> >> What might help your son with math is to give it to him in small doses. Instead >> of giving him 20 problems to do at once; start with five, and then do a second >> and third session later in the day. If you normally do an hour of math a day, >> just break it up into three 20-minute sessions. I know this isn't always >> possible, but it helps my son who has attention issues along with >> Aspergers. I'm homeschooling my two sons, so I know some days are harder than >> other. The other thing that I do some days is take the work outside. I don't >> know why this works, but doing math at a picnic table in the park is easier for >> my son than doing it at his desk or the kitchen table. Luckily, I live in >> Southern California, so the weather allows us to do this all year. >> >> Good luck. >> >> Thanks, >> Lora >> >> >> Autism and Aspergers Treatment >> From: cmurray326@... >> Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 03:20:37 +0000 >> Subject: Re: homeschool vs. public >> >> >> Hi everyone: >> This is new to us too. I have been homeschooling since my son has been in fifth >> grade and wanted to ask if these characteristics sound familiar. He did fine in >> school up until 7th grade. He was a little behind in math and now he does well >> in English/Social Studies but falls apart with math. He really gets upset and >> all he can think about is the amount of work to do instead of focusing on the >> one problem. The same thing is happening with directions. Sometimes he is just >> not understanding them and if he doesn't see its importance he gets frustrated. >> He was diagnosed with just ADHD when he was little but they recently mentioned >> Asperger's. Let me know if this sounds familiar. >> Thanks, : ) >> >> >> >>> I homeschool, and have done so before I had a diagnosis. My daughter is 10 >>> and >>> >>> has Aspergers. Some days (like today) can be a huge struggle. Some days >>> (like >>> >>> today) I just want to scream (ok, I admit, I did already) and send her down the >>> >>> street to the public school. There are several reasons why I just can't bring >>> >>> myself to do so: 1) She's all over the place academically, very bright, reads >>> > >>> ahead, poor comprehension, no understanding of phrases, excellent use of >>> vocabulary but doesn't understand the meanings when someone else uses them, >>> terrified of math and is 2 years behind. At home, I can address each one of >>> > >>> these issues by meeting her where she is instead of her having to get lost in >>> a >>> >>> group environment. 2) Her self esteem is healthy.  By being able to >>> supervise >>> >>> all of her socializing, I can ensure she is around kids who help build her up >>> > >>> instead of tearing her down. 3) Along the same lines, healthy examples of >>> correct behavior. Having a girl Aspie, they tend to imitate so it's vitally >>> important that she has kids around her who are presenting positive behavior. >>> 4) >>> >>> No IEP's! I'll admit, I've never had to go through the process, but I've read >>> >> >>> more than my share of others experiences. A lot can be said for not having to >>> >>> fight for accomodations in a classroom. My daughter can appear so NT and >>> functions fairly well in a classroom that I know it would be a battle for her >>> to >>> >>> get any services. 5) Our local schools stink.  She's 5th grade, which is >>> middle >>> >>> school in our area.  Our local middle school is well known for dealing with >>> > >>> issues like sex, pregnancy, drugs and gangs. Simply put, she's safer at home. >>> > >>> >>> There are other reasons, but I won't bore you with the details. My point is, >>> >> >>> you have to weigh out all the pro's and cons. On one hand, it sounds really >>> > >>> nice to give over control to another adult during the day, but at the end of >>> the >>> >>> day you still have to deal with the results. It's nice to be fully in >>> control >>> >>> of your child's education, to address problems as soon as you see them, and >>> to make accomodations where necessary. You can switch up styles, curriculum, >>> >>> pacing, methods, even location. You can let them run around between subjects, >>> >>> or between math problems, they can eat a snack in your classroom, and they >>> can >>> >>> regulate their environment better (no flourescents, no other children to >>> distract, no school bells ringing and interrupting.) But it's not easy! >>> >>> >>> Kiara >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> ________________________________ >>> From: <chadderboxesmom@...> >>> Autism and Aspergers Treatment >>> Sent: Tue, February 1, 2011 3:12:53 PM >>> Subject: homeschool vs. public >>> >>>  >>> I would like to know who homeschools and who uses public school. The reason >>> for >>> >>> this is because report cards came out again and he is below level on reading >>> and >>> >>> math. My son is in a room specifically designed for children with autism. >>> Now >>> >>> after seeing his S/N report card (he's in first so they don't have letter >>> grades >>> >>> for that level yet). I was told they were pushed at school and he was being >>> > >>> disagreeable with them. So I decided to let up at home and let him veg out >>> when >>> >>> he got here. Also b/c we just recently had a baby (shortly after school >>> started). The first 9 weeks grading period came out and we decided that it >>> was >>> >>> a combination of him having ADHD and the new baby. I also thought that it may >>> >>> have something to do with the fact that he and teacher may not get along >>> (battle >>> >>> of wills thing). >>> >>>     Now today I get the 2nd 9 weeks report card and as I said earlier, he >>> is >>> >>> still working at below level and the comment reads as follows, " C is continuing >>> >>> to chatter in class or else gazes into space and is unresponsive. He appears >>> to >>> >>> be more calm in the afternoon, but has NO interest in doing ANY schoolwork. >>> He >>> >>> will sometimes respond verbally-and then fades out again. We work one on one >>> >> >>> with him everyday-but most of the time he refuses to co-operate. We will >>> continue to work w/ him. When he does respond, he is very bright & very >>> sweet. >>> >>> So apparently I need to supplement him at home (which I will never forgive >>> myself for stopping in the first place) any recommendations on a >>> curriculum? I >>> >>> pulled out one of his level K readers and he read a word here or there. He >>> acted like he didn't know how to read, yet if it something he wants to find on >>> >> >>> the internet to watch he can read through lists of words to find the one he >>> wants, but can't read words like mom or mop? Come on, what's the deal? Why >>> >> >>> does this have to be such a fight constantly? He's frustrated, I'm frustrated >>> >>> and it just ends in a fight and both of us crying. WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO BE >>> SO >>> >>> HARD??? Somedays I can see the speciality in autism, today is just not one of >>> >>> those days. >>> >>> From a very frustrated mom. >>> >>> >> >> > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2011 Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 I am a single mom- can't homeschool for that reasonDebiSent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerryFrom: ne D <bryannedur@...>Sender: Autism and Aspergers Treatment Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2011 13:53:23 -0800 (PST)<Autism and Aspergers Treatment >Reply Autism and Aspergers Treatment Subject: Re: \another question Are you any of you single parents? Seems like everyone homeschools you must be 2 parent households? From: Jenn <WldWestWoman@...>Autism and Aspergers Treatment Sent: Mon, February 7, 2011 8:14:35 AMSubject: Re: Re: homeschool vs. public Thanks so much for this! I start K12 with my son today, and needed to figure out a daily routine, and this helps TONS!!! We tried public school, but because of all my son's disabilities, his fear of germs, acting younger emotionally... I am scared for him to start Jr. High next year, and I know it won't work for him! Lately at his regular school he hasn't been doing any of his work, because he has a very hard time with reading comprehension, so he doesn't understand the written instructions, and his teachers can't give him 'one on one'. In Utah it is really hard to get an Aide for him. Lately, he has also been 'wandering' the halls at school, and recently they lost him at school! It didn't take long for them to find him, but it was a very scary experience! Last month we put him on a waiting list for K12, and he was approved last week! I am nervous and feeling overwhelmed about doing this, but when I think about Jr. High next year, that really scares me a lot more! At least now, I can give him the 'one on one' he needs, and the curriculum is already planned out for us. Thanks again!Jenn On Sun, Feb 6, 2011 at 10:28 PM, Deborah Hitchcock <debshitchcock@...> wrote: Music with headphones and chewing gum helps. Is this a BIG no no for you’re parenting? Understand our children need stimulation. An ADHD child most definitely and AS children! Try letting the child choose his/her own music and with promises they can use the music player and gum (sugar free if u choose) if they are to do the work but let them know it’s a privilege! If they aren’t doing the work then the headphones/gum are taken away. Once they do a small amount of problems, try letting them chew on something i.e. gum, sucker etc. In addition to chewing and music you may try a computer chair so that they can swirl/twirl this allows them to fidget. Sit back and watch do some observation. Don’t get on to them let them do it their way, say nothing when they twirl or bounce. Observe only. The reason being is to allowing them to make these movements, it will help their concentration so that they can get more done and hopefully without you being the police and shadowing them. Try it, sit back and watch. Don’t have a computer chair? Remember the bouncy balls? Stimulate them with the big bouncy balls….the ones we had when we were kids with a handle? Let them sit on these while doing their work they can roll around while sitting their on their bottoms creates stimulation. You may need a lower table/ coffee table etc for the right height. The balls allows them to rollwith their behinds on the ball, bounce if they want to (slightly) because they can’t do big movements and write it restricts them in a way and also distracts them with allowing them to move at the same time. Make sense? I hope Im saying this right! A routine of exercise before the work calms them down enough to be willing to get it done with the props that I mentioned above. If you have a daily routine like we did (even though it was really tough for me to get my kids started and continue doing this…it takes time) walking, riding bike, bouncing on trampoline etc., it does something to their brains and they are more willing (with being told their schedule; “we are going on a bike ride and when we return we will do our math†after you return from exercise tell them it’s now time for math. Then do the five problems at intervals. Then sit back and watch, observe from a distance, tweak to whatever works for the child. I had to make it fun and walk with them and we played games along the way and I taught them safety rules of the road along the way. I’ve even did this in the rainso that the routine would stick. They were always reluctant but once we got going it worked. Besides it was good quality time with them. With exception of my children’s ages (big age difference) so it was hard to walk slow because of the smaller one and the older one wanting to do races and get far beyond us. This is when I allowed the bicycle to come in to play with the little one. Then the older one (not understanding his little sister can’t do the things he does) wanted to race. Anyway, we got through it and I found it was relaxing homework/ during this period it was summer and I was trying on home school before school began to see if I wanted to do this for them each. It worked for us and homework/school work was not as bad as it was before! I realize some of you are Home School but perhaps an exercise program “before†that tough subject that’s been so hard before may help. If you do this stick to a routine!Debs From: Autism and Aspergers Treatment [mailto:Autism and Aspergers Treatment ] On Behalf Of Lora JBSent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 6:05 PMAutism and Aspergers Treatment Subject: RE: Re: homeschool vs. public What might help your son with math is to give it to him in small doses. Instead of giving him 20 problems to do at once; start with five, and then do a second and third session later in the day. If you normally do an hour of math a day, just break it up into three 20-minute sessions. I know this isn't always possible, but it helps my son who has attention issues along with Aspergers. I'm homeschooling my two sons, so I know some days are harder than other. The other thing that I do some days is take the work outside. I don't know why this works, but doing math at a picnic table in the park is easier for my son than doing it at his desk or the kitchen table. Luckily, I live in Southern California, so the weather allows us to do this all year. Goodluck. Thanks,Lora Autism and Aspergers Treatment From: cmurray326@...Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 03:20:37 +0000Subject: Re: homeschool vs. public Hi everyone:This is new to us too. I have been homeschooling since my son has been in fifth grade and wanted to ask if these characteristics sound familiar. He did fine in school up until 7th grade. He was a little behind in math and now he does well in English/Social Studies but falls apart with math. He really gets upset and all he can think about is the amount of work to do instead of focusing on the one problem. The same thing is happening with directions. Sometimes he is just not understanding them and if he doesn't see its importance he gets frustrated. He was diagnosed with just ADHD when he was little but they recently mentioned Asperger's. Let me know if this sounds familiar.Thanks, : )>> I homeschool, and have done so before I had a diagnosis. My daughter is 10 and > has Aspergers. Some days (like today) can be a huge struggle. Some days (like > today) I just want to scream (ok, I admit, I did already) and send her down the > street to the public school. There are several reasons why I just can't bring > myself to do so: 1) She's all over the place academically, very bright, reads > ahead, poor comprehension, no understanding of phrases, excellent use of > vocabulary but doesn't understand the meanings when someone else uses them, > terrified of math and is 2 years behind. At home, I can address each one of > these issues by meeting her where she is instead of her having to get lost in a> group environment. 2) Her self esteem is healthy.  By being able to supervise > all of her socializing, I can ensure she is around kids who help build her up > instead of tearing her down. 3) Along the same lines, healthy examples of > correct behavior. Having a girl Aspie, they tend to imitate so it's vitally > important that she has kids around her who are presenting positive behavior. 4) > No IEP's! I'll admit, I've never had to go through the process, but I've read > more than my share of others experiences. A lot can be said for not having to > fight for accomodations in a classroom. My daughter can appear so NT and > functions fairly well in a classroom that I know it would be a battle for her to > get any services. 5) Our local schools stink.  She's 5th grade, which is middle > school in ourarea.  Our local middle school is well known for dealing with > issues like sex, pregnancy, drugs and gangs. Simply put, she's safer at home. > > > There are other reasons, but I won't bore you with the details. My point is, > you have to weigh out all the pro's and cons. On one hand, it sounds really > nice to give over control to another adult during the day, but at the end of the > day you still have to deal with the results. It's nice to be fully in control > of your child's education, to address problems as soon as you see them, and > to make accomodations where necessary. You can switch up styles, curriculum, > pacing, methods, even location. You can let them run around between subjects, > or between math problems, they can eat a snack in your classroom, and they can > regulatetheir environment better (no flourescents, no other children to > distract, no school bells ringing and interrupting.) But it's not easy! > > > Kiara > > > > >________________________________> From: <chadderboxesmom@...>> Autism and Aspergers Treatment > Sent: Tue, February 1, 2011 3:12:53 PM> Subject: homeschool vs. public> >  > I would like to know who homeschools and who uses public school. The reason for > this is because report cards came out again and he is below level on reading and > math. My son is in a room specifically designed for children with autism. Now > after seeing his S/N report card(he's in first so they don't have letter grades > for that level yet). I was told they were pushed at school and he was being > disagreeable with them. So I decided to let up at home and let him veg out when > he got here. Also b/c we just recently had a baby (shortly after school > started). The first 9 weeks grading period came out and we decided that it was > a combination of him having ADHD and the new baby. I also thought that it may > have something to do with the fact that he and teacher may not get along (battle > of wills thing). > >     Now today I get the 2nd 9 weeks report card and as I said earlier, he is > still working at below level and the comment reads as follows, "C is continuing > to chatter in class or else gazes into space and is unresponsive. He appears to > bemore calm in the afternoon, but has NO interest in doing ANY schoolwork. He > will sometimes respond verbally-and then fades out again. We work one on one > with him everyday-but most of the time he refuses to co-operate. We will > continue to work w/ him. When he does respond, he is very bright & very sweet.> > So apparently I need to supplement him at home (which I will never forgive > myself for stopping in the first place) any recommendations on a curriculum? I > pulled out one of his level K readers and he read a word here or there. He > acted like he didn't know how to read, yet if it something he wants to find on > the internet to watch he can read through lists of words to find the one he > wants, but can't read words like mom or mop? Come on, what's the deal? Why > does this have to be such afight constantly? He's frustrated, I'm frustrated > and it just ends in a fight and both of us crying. WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO BE SO > HARD??? Somedays I can see the speciality in autism, today is just not one of > those days.> > From a very frustrated mom.> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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