samanthaGA's comments

Garden Tools and Their Care - Blog Entry

21 Jul 2008 07:58 AM

Okay, I admit it. I am a gardenholic. If I don't have a few moments in the sun and in the dirt, I am not a happy camper! Since this is my passion, keeping my "tools of the trade" in top shape is a must. Your tip about linseed oil is the gospel truth. I use it everytime I store my long handled tools. Since you didn't mention lawnmowers, I thought I would add to your great list with a couple of tips. First, get a good mower. This is not the time to get the clearance sale, going out of production, bargain deal. We have a mid-range model called the Amico AZ46 Self Propelled Lawn Mower (http://www.ishoplandscaping.com/product/Amico-AZ46-Self-Propelled-Lawn-Mower) It is the best mower I have ever owned! Self-propelling is the only way to go. I can literally mow with one hand. The grass collection bag allows me to collect the clippings to put in my composter. It holds 1/2 gallon of gas which actually will cover a lot of grass. Now the cleaning tip: when you finish mowing, use a paint scraper to scrap out the wet grass. If you don't, eventual rust will take years off your mowers life. You can also use a hose occassionally to clean out the underside and rinse off the top. Be careful not to get water into the filter system. So, there's my tips. They say a persons lawn says a lot about them. I hope that mine speaks to my love of all things green. Happy gardening to all!

Monitoring Student Reading - Blog Entry

21 Jul 2008 07:36 AM

My daughter loves to read and write, but it can be a huge challenge for her. She struggled with transferring her thoughts over from what she reads to writing about it in her homework. Essays were especially difficult. We did a lot of research, and found several options to make this process easier for her. One thing we use is a computer program called WordQ. (http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Writing/WordQ-2) It's kind of like a computer version of me sitting with her and helping her find the right words, and locate mistakes. She is a very auditory person and learner. This program literally reads back the words she types to her so she is able to hear her mistakes. It can predict words, in context, for her to use so she doesn't get bogged down. It's pretty amazing! You can adjust the vocabulary to fit the age and writing level. I have even used it when writing some of my newsletters! Anything that can help her proof-read her work, improve the quality of her work, and cut back frustration is a great answer for our family!

Assisting Learning Disabled Kids with Homework - Blog Entry

21 Jul 2008 07:10 AM

All of your suggestions are well worth the effort. We have tried a few, and will definitely give the others a shot. Homework time can be terribly frustrating for my daughter (and me). Now that she is getting older, she is doing more and more computer homework. This was a nightmare for her because of her dyslexia, and focus issues. A friend recommended we try out some of the computer overlay products called IntelliKeys. It makes programs easier to use with streamlined choices, larger or fewer buttons, and it can be customized for each application and child. We chose this model: http://www.enablemart.com/IntelliKeys-USB-Popular-Software-Overlays.

JoAnn uses the overlays while in Word, and email programs, but LOVES the fact she can now really use and enjoy ITunes, and instant messenger! They have a lot of program options (both PC and Mac). What once was a constant battle, is now enjoyable and fun for JoAnn. I have recommended this to her school, and I hope it will be an computer lab option when school starts again.

Thankfully, there are products, and great advice out there now that can make life a bit easier for our kids.