We don't really do the whole Halloween thing.  I mean, we have a small bucket of candy for the few little goblins, etc. that come by but that's about it.  We don't trickortreat.  Never have.  The kids like to hand out candy.  Bailey is very anti-Halloween.  Like a zealot.  Olivia and Ella would like to trickortreat, just to get the candy.  We already have candy so I'm having trouble understanding what the problem is.  Ava gets sad when she realizes that all the candy is being given to strangers.  So funny to see their different reactions.  Whatever.  We just don't do it, that's all.   Although I have to say that Pottery Barn and Martha Stewart have tempted me plenty with their really cute Halloween stuff.  Too cute.

OK, so the real reason that I'm writing tonite is that I need a recommendation on a fabulous Language Arts curriculum.  (Oh no, here comes the potty-training pant-less wonder to interrupt my stolen blogging moment.  Go away.)  Sorry.

Back to suggestions.  If I were to design a Language Arts curriculum, here's what I would want:

1.  A computer-based spelling & vocab program so I don't have to call out anything.  Activities, games & tests.  Grades itself, tracks itself, etc.

2.  A grammar rules workbook that is clear, concise & self-explanatory.  No cheesy juvenile illustrations, but also not too institutional.  A balance.  Give me an answer key and allow me to assign a real number grade so that I can keep track of progress.

3.  Writing assignments that are clear, concise & "gradable".  I need a number.

4.  If it has some video component to underscore, that would be fab.

That's about all I can think of on my wishlist.  Remember, my school right now is for 3rd & 4th graders.  Anyway, if anyone has anything like that please let me know.  We are in desperate need of a recommendation.

Well, goodnight and happy All-Saints Day tomorrow.  Whatever that is.

Later.