We do homework when we get home from school, but I have to admit that, at this point, when Isaac pulls dawdling for hours crap (Franny has outgrown it--yay!) I no longer tolerate it. When I sense it's become futile, I just put away homework and write a note to his teacher explaining whatever it was ("Isaac worked at this for two hours but refused to finish his math" etc). Usually his chagrin at having a note written to his teacher makes him buck up and finish up his work.

Since we're testing for G&T in two weeks, I've been getting Dylan into the habit of at least two workbook pages every day, so we don't get to test day and have him suddenly not be in the mood to hold a pencil or follow directions.

Dang, Franny is slated to be tested later this year and we haven't done any prep. Maybe that's a mistake? I don't know. I mean, I want her to test as gifted, but even more important to me is that, if she doesn't test as gifted, I don't want her to feel like she's a failure or she's not smart. Problem is I don't know how to motivate her without making her feel like there's an expectation she better test well.

Would telling Franny about the fun, creative projects and field trips that are part of G&T classes be a good motivator, by making the class itself seem like a reward for trying hard and doing well on the test? I know once I got into a gifted program in 5th grade it was the highlight of my week.

Perkins, have you done any of the kitchen yet?

Not really--I did the cookbooks, and got rid of some stuff, but not much else.

spice jars into plastic bowls with lids, utensils into any plastic pitchers with lids. nothing needs padding, just put into a box and it makes fast work of a few areas.

I can do that!

Tomorrow, or later in the week.

How do you get the cornstarch out of the hair/fur afterwards?

This does involve brushing, so if your cat is brushing-adverse, it may not work. But working some into a specific mat with your fingers will do some good and minimize the spread. Plus when they lick it off them in disgust, it's at least edible.

Would telling Franny about the fun, creative projects and field trips that are part of G&T classes be a good motivator, by making the class itself seem like a reward for trying hard and doing well on the test?

No because there is no G&T classes at the school. Well, there's one math class after school, but she's already enrolled in it. The only reason the school wants to test Franny and a few others is that they want the $25 a year (that's right, they get only $25 a year per gifted student). That's enough to make a difference to the school, but it's not enough to create a special class or program for such students. The only reason I care is that our local middle school has a good gifted magnet, and I'd hate for her to be ineligible on the grounds that she isn't "gifted."

I knew I should have checked B.org last night, because I missed the news that Downton is back!

But you're all fired, anyway.

This is totes the car I want [link]

Oh, Sophia, I totally approve. Gorgeous color, too.