Hi everyone!
It's been a while since I've been on here, but I'm enjoying catching up!  We got this pen (http://www.childbook.com/Touch-Reading-Pen-with-Chinese-Books-s/416.htm) and 3 sets of books a couple months ago.  For the one set that came loaded on the pen, it is wonderful - the technology is AMAZING!  It's helping ME learn Chinese!  Sadly, I can't figure out how to load the other 2 sets on the pen.  The instructions are all in Chinese.  I contacted Ray at Childbook a few days ago but have not gotten a response.  The files are .bnl and my computer guru tells me that these files are meant to used by another program - they don't just RUN when you insert the CD.  Big sigh.  I would be SO appreciative if someone can either translate the instructions for me - I'll scan them - or has experience and can give me some tips.  This is such a neat thing!!!!!
Thanks so much!
Lynn

We have LP in 3 languages and watch them all - No one seems to mind, but we've been doing several languages for years!  We love LP!

Oh, I'm sorry!  You did say books! Duh!
 We have loved the dvds and are now on baby #4!  When we first bought ours, you could buy them one at a time, so it was easier to see if the program was for us.  We actually have worn that set out and bought a second set!  We also have the books.  Dr. Titzer has answered my e-mails personally and came to a friend's house for a YBCR get-together - such a nice man, and totally devoted to this work!  I may not be a good person to help you because I'm behind on what he's doing right now....I know there is new stuff out and I've got to check it out.  But if you can, get the dvds!  A small investment and it won't be wasted time in front of the tv!  I don't what I would have done without them.  We do not use babysitters and I needed a few minutes every now and then.  I am really not sure "what" worked for our children.....it helped having lots of resources and switching them around to keep things interesting.  LR/LM is helping me with accountability, and the programs don't detract from one another.

Until we moved we had our computer connected to the TV for flashcards and it was GREAT!  We really need to do that again!  Thanks for reminding me!   

Best wishes - please do PM any time you want to chat!

Just a quick thought about what's worked with mine.......stop all other tv, at least for a while.  Sounds harsh, but a tv diet will help, I promise!  Make sure you are watching with him and commenting, getting excited, clapping, singing, standing/kicking/sitting, making comparisons with your own family (Look, we have that same toy, or whatever).  Also he may need more time - maybe he's teething or getting sick and just can't focus - but don't stop.  We have to remind ourselves all the time to be patient, even after 4!  Sometimes mine seem to not be paying attention and then repeat something later!
Oh, 2 more thoughts:  if you have a dvd player in the car, use it for school!  Unless there's something really interesting to see, this is good school time!  Also, depending on my husband's work schedule, I have used one snack or mealtime a day as YBCR time - they're eating, drinking, sitting still anyway in a high chair.....  We try to keep mealtime as family time, but once or twice a day, even if not the whole dvd, really helped.
Our son has been much tougher than our girls - he's SOOO full of energy and busy busy!  We love him that, though! 
Just don't give up!
Hope this helps!

We are using Kinderbach right now.  I originally got it for my then 2yo and found that we just weren't ready, but it was a great fit for mine at 3 and 4.  My 5yo is now outgrowing it - she gets the concepts and is ready to move on.  They love the characters!  It has been great for them to do together - they are close in age as yours are.  I have to decide if I should buy the rest of the program or just stop it and move into a different program....I may let her continue with her younger sister and also start another program, but I digress!  At any rate, we do like Kinderbach, for what that's worth!  It's fun and our 5yo is certainly making the connections between Kinderbach, Tweedlewink, and other music stuff we've taught her. 

Good job PY!!!!!!!!!!!  I wish I was as quick-thinking!  Way to go!

I would have no problem with their objections if even one of them was based on a true analysis of what we do (rather than the assumptions they make) and had any basis in fact whatsoever. But of course it's all myths made up by people who fear the unusual or feel guilty because it means that the tv really is an inappropriate baby sitter and maybe they should do something with their child that doesn't assume he is a brainless moron.

Well said!!!!!  The longer I do this with my children and see what they are capable of, the more I hate most TV! 

Thanks so much!  I'll give it a try......

We have a 12yo hot laminating machine that my husband had before we got married and I love it!!!  I have used it for so many things - flashcards, learning games, math manipulatives. With 4 little ones, it really helps reduce my stress!  Highly recommended! 

We get this all the time, and I have a feeling that much more is said behind our back.  Honestly, my husband and I both feel that we don't quite fit in anywhere.....you would think that other homeschoolers would be supportive, encouraging, or even curious, but usually they are not, so it's not just in schools!  We don't watch any broadcast TV, and NO Spongebob!    It seems that in every socioeconomic group, TV and video games are OK, but real education is looked down on!  We get strange looks from rich and poor relatives.  I'm not ashamed, but I do try to not brag or draw attention to what we do.  The children get enough attention on their own!  I hate that whole you're-not-letting-them-have-a-life thing.....like hours of sorry TV and video games is having a life!  We do so much with our children - this is our focus now.  Reading early has so enriched their lives - I can't imagine them missing out on that. 

Hola!
I really hope someone will answer this question....I need help integrating languages and other lessons as well.  I'm sure the answer is here on the boards or in the tutorials.  I also want to use LR/LM to the maximum potential!  Can someone design their own "courses" or do you just have to remember what to play on categories or do you make a playlist? 

Ariel,
This is such a great discussion - lots of good info here!!!!!  But back to your original post:  I'm now teaching my 4th baby.  The first 3 are all reading and they ALL (2 girls, 1 boy) went thru this phase from around 20 months to about 30 months where they acted like they couldn't read, wouldn't sit thru a book, dvd, flashcards, anything!  Drove me nuts!  I think that this is probably a normal phase - they are realizing the world is a very big, interesting place and they have so much to do!  One is still in the midst of this, and tonight HE READ A SENTENCE!!!!  Woo Hoo!  All of mine did that calling all colors the same thing-thing....I've decided it means that they know colors, get the concept, but don't have the speaking ability to articulate that yet.  And mine always call all letters their "pet" letter name for a while.  If she hates something, maybe take a break from that or change your approach somehow?  Mine seem to stall sometimes and then make sudden leaps - I've learned to look for it!  Maybe she's really worried about some other skill right now, like potty-training or putting on shoes and her mind is just distracted.  Our son refuses to be tested, so I don't even try with him - I just praise him for looking at the book or cards and move on.  It really sounds like you are doing great!!!!!!!!!!!  She'll get it, and you will be SOOOOO proud!
Hugs to you!
Lynn

Have you used Rosetta Stone?  We have the German version and like it, but wow, it's $$$$!  Still, once we graduate from LRC, we'll need a plan!  I'm being optimistic!

I hope this will be great!!!  The resources out now are wonderful.  If you get a chance, please tell me about the Pet Dragon book and any others you might recommend! Mine learn really well from books, so some to go along with this program would help! What is a tablet computer?  I'm going to a search on the drawing tool/pad thing - that sounds like something we'd love.

Wow! That really looks good!!!  I have tried an online program with cartoons and such a couple of years ago and it was just a little too busy for my children...the oldest actually prefers simple straightforward learning tools, so this may be the perfect fit!  Their company story is entertaining, too!  I REALLY like that you can put in your own vocabulary list - should make it easy to tailor to LRC.   $9.95 a month isn't bad.  Thanks again for this info!