TG

To begin, I'd like to say I'm not giving credence to this theory of Peak Oil. But, because it takes a long time to turn a big ship, if you want change in the world around you sometimes you bite your tongue when the shock-and-awe theories come out (like "An Inconvenient Truth") because you know it will help move people in the right direction. That's just it - we probably can't maintain our current lifestyles. But that isn't all necessarily bad. We're a pretty consumptive people. We waste a lot. If we could pare down the waste we wouldn't have to sacrifice so much of necessity, or even slight luxury. Imagine how much energy and raw materials we would save if we stopped giving away toasters with checking accounts, crappy toys with drive through meals, promotional sun glasses with credit card applications (this is the cusp of a related topic that I won't delve into now), favor bags at birthday parties, etc. (And we'd have to stop expecting free crap all the time, too). This is just one minor change that really wouldn't hurt the way we lived. I honestly think it would help. My point is, we can change the way we consume and the way we think and not just pace and worry about a catastrophic collapse of the world around us. Probably. More accurately we are using it much faster than the earth can replace it. Think of it more like trees, only the cycle of renewal is exponentially longer. Uh, I don't know about exceeding us on a per capita basis. Sure, China and India have increased oil consumption as their burgeoning middle classes have benefited from their economic growth, but look at the population base. Besides, doesn't that just send a message that we all should be making efforts to live sustainably? I see lots of things wrong with oil as the life-blood of our progress and prosperity. But I see so much good in people, and so much ingenuity, and so much potential. Who says we can't make a difference? I pity them. (about as much as I pity the ones who believe we don't need to change).

...to your children (if you did, that is). What ages were they? I am so anxious to share this book with my DD (5.5), but like any book I want to present it to her at just the right time. So, when did you share this wonderful book with your children?

Try not taking the manips out until just when they are needed. I keep mine in the box, with the lid closed. I agree with letting him play with them. It is amazing how much the learn on their own this way. I let my DD play with them after the lesson, and sometimes I have her think of a "game" to teach me (she likes being in charge). HTH

I can second this "How They Learn" Cynthia Tobias

She seems to have an eye for shape, and for texture. What kind of drawing instruction have you done with her?

This is a great book for combining music and fine art. It helps children (as young as my DS3yo) learn how music can convey imagery. LOVED IT! Can You Hear It?

Thanks to everyone for all the great info and references! Can't wait to hit the books and then hit the beach!

I'm looking for any help/suggestions/resources for a unit on seashore (and general ocean) ecology. This is for a 1st grader, and tag-along pre-K. I want to cover: animals habitats (especially tide pools) tides water cycle rocks, shells, sand island communities (people living on islands, not necessarily exotic) other?? I am looking for all sorts of materials and ideas: books (fiction and non-, readers [3rd grade level or so]) DVDs (documentary, reading rainbow, movies, etc.) crafts lapbooking experiments worksheets journaling coloring/drawing museums/centers (western washington) other?? I have a few ideas, and I am hoping to make this a spectacular backdrop for our next spring term. I am planning to culminate with a 3-5 day camping trip to the coast (northwest). I would love to hear from anyone who already knows of resources/ideas/etc. that they have seen or used, to help get me going in the right direction. Anything you think is really great!! TIA:thumbup:

This sounds exactly like my DD about a year or more ago. And I was probably just as concerned as you are. Because she was reading, conversing, thinking, and problem solving at an advanced level for her age it seemed especially concerning that she was behind other four year olds with her writing/fine motor skills. BUT, I really didn't need to be so concerned. She's developing fine motor/handwriting skills at a consistent pace (although she's still a bit behind the curve). The advising teacher I work with through our umbrella program, and my sister (who is also an elementary teacher) reassured me not to worry. I would make her feel confident and comfortable about handwriting. Encourage any improvement. We have her choose one or two good letters on the page, and one that needs work (and why). At least with my DD, giving her options helps. I let her do part of her handwriting assignment, then we do other lessons, and then she finishes the other half. I also made sure she had a comfortable place to sit where her feet would touch the ground and she was high enough above the writing surface. This can in the form of a step stool at the dining table. Also, if the reason she balks at handwriting is that it is tiring or uncomfortable let her develop stronger fine motor muscles in a fun way (play dough, mazes, more Kumon books, coloring, building with legos, etc.) and make sure that not only her pencil grip but her arm and wrist positioning is correct. Mostly, I think they just need more time to develop. There's no rush. If she's processing language well orally, through reading, and through hearing then I wouldn't worry.

What manipulatives are needed for 1A and 1B? Is there a list somewhere (other than the Instructor's Guide)?

If your child isn't asking for school, don't do it. You certainly wouldn't want to sour him/her on schooling. I agree with what has been said - an environment rich in language, toys which encourage imagination and exploration, and the example you show (reading, teaching your other kids, etc) will have such a great effect on your child's development and attitude toward learning. There is a real social pressure out there to start schooling early. I picked up a free education magazine at the library, thinking it would have some fun summer activities in it. It was almost entirely on how to get your preschooler into the best private school kindergarten!!:confused1: I am not saying private school, preschool, or pro-active parents are bad. I was just shocked! Have fun with them!

Yes, we liked Flip-Flop Spanish, but I would purchase from the website because I had a problem with not getting a CD with my book from Amazon (and Senora Gose sent me one, telling me they have had a lot of people have problems ordering via amazon). I would also suggest the Beth Manners CDs, Fun Spanish for Kids and Magic Spanish for Kids (can get at Amazon). Casual, fun, and my kids love them!

YES! DD really likes RS Math, and I really like the foundation it is laying. But it is teacher-intensive. And sometimes when I am having a hectic day and I don't think I can manage teaching math and all the other things going on, it doesn't come off the shelf. And you're right, there's no taking this program along. I tried just taking the abacus on a trip for a week, but it didn't come out once. And it often takes longer than the 15-20 minute it should because DD wants to keep doing the activities/playing with manipulatives in the middle of the lesson. Each lesson has a little warm-up and review at the beginning, and then covers at least two topics in the lesson. So if DD digs the first topic and doesn't want to move on yet it sometimes takes us 30-40 minutes to do math! We haven't finished level A because of all the days the box stayed shelved. I think after June we'll bag the rest and just start B in the fall. However, I don't plan on doing any level beyond B because DS will start HSing with us and there is NO WAY I could do 20-40 minutes of math with each and get done all the rest. But the foundation it is laying is worth it, for sure.

DD flew through 100EZ, doesn't really like Phonics Pathways, but is a great reader - comprehension and retention are just as good or better than her decoding. I am thinking of ordering some ETC workbooks for DD to use over the summer. She's already reading about 2.5-3 grade level (according to the AR Books reading levels). However, I think she needs some more drill, as she relies a lot on her sight vocabulary. How many pages are these books (20?, 50?, 100?, more?) Are the teacher's manuals necessary, or do the workbooks speak for themselves (for review/drill)? I hear some people say their kids burn out after about book 4 or 5. For those who have experienced this, did you use all the exercises in each book? Any other suggestions for me? TIA!

Some days I don't really know how we make it through the day, let alone through school. My kids are 5, 3, and 1. This year has been a challenge, but very rewarding, too. I try to do school when DD1 is napping, and have some "school" things for DS3 to do. At the beginning of the year I did it when DS(then 2) was napping and DD (then 6 months) was nursing or napping. DS3 really wants to join in on school now. So while DD5 does self-directed work (handwriting, projects) I do pre-phonics, counting, I-spy pictures, and read alouds with DS3. When I work with DD5 on things (reading, science, etc) DS3 does puzzles, play dough, coloring (things reserved for him to use only during school time), or just plays as he likes. He sometimes joins us for read-alouds, or plays with manipulatives during math. I have learned never to say "When I am done with sister's lessons we will ______" because he then proceeds to disrupt the lesson in an attempt to end it and begin said activity. I have also found the time of day when DS3 and DD1 are most content. For us that is between a morning snack and lunch (about 11-1). DD1 is napping for half the time, and DS3 is much more civil after he is fully awake and had breakfast and a snack.

We're awaiting the delivery of our first MBTP unit, the 5-7 Similarities and Differences. So I can give you a review of it after we get it and start to use it. We are previewing this unit to se if it will be a good fit for us next year. The things that attracted me to it were differentiated curriculum (which attempts to address the different levels of learning and asynchronous development of gifted kids), projects to demonstrate understanding, concept-based (as opposed to unit/theme based), and it isn't entirely (as I see it) in-a-box. We have done phonics/reading and math independently. I'll be happy to post a review in a few weeks when we've got a taste for it. Shannon

but here is what I have planned so far: Little House in the Big Woods Pagoo (Holling C. Holling) Mary Poppins (we are actually starting it now because she wanted to) Peter Pan (audiobook version) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (DD is very excited for this) Charlotte's Web The Just So Stories Wind in the Willows (audiobook version) The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe The Magician's Nephew These we have already read, but I wouldn't flinch at reading them again: Winnie-the-Pooh The House at Pooh Corner My Father's Dragon (all three) Aesop Ringtail (Alice Crew Gall)

The AR Book Finder website has been a great tool for me in finding appropriate books for DD. You can search by title, or by reading level, and in other ways too. Our library has been great for getting lots of readers - Step Into Reading, I Can Read, Early Beginner, etc. Our favorite author (other than Suess, because DD seems to have most of those memorized from us reading them to her over and over) for early readers is Arnold Lobel.

:001_unsure: Me too I think we're not doing ancients (at least not at first. I'm only planning thru Dec right now). I've looked at SOTW, CHOW, A Little History of the World (Gombrich), and The Story of Mankind (author... forgot?). I just decided we needed to wait (many reasons) a little while. So we're doing maps and mapping, what is history, as well as community and civics. We have already done some map stuff this year, which DD loves. I want to build on her enthusiasm. HTH

Lots of good ideas - thanks! anyone have a favorite paper or supplier for lapbooking stuff? This is for my young'uns (3 and 5).

I have some funds to spend on supplies!! :D What have been your favorite materials for doing arts, crafts, and projects (with brands or suppliers, if possible)? I found that I really like: Prang brand water colors - inexpensive, vivid (for water color), simple Crayola drawing pads - just enough texture for crayon or colored pencil DK website clip art - great photos, FREE I'd be especially grateful for lapbooking supply info. TIA!

Some of the manipulatives you "have" to get, because they are card sets made for special games. The abacus is a must. But you could get a less expensive abacus and just paint the beads to look the same as the ALAbacus. Right Start has a yahoo group, and sometimes people post items for sale there. http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/RightStart/ You can get the curriculum used. Honestly, the pricey part is the teacher/lesson book (and the abacus). I saw a level B lesson book on the sale board here at WTM today. You can start B without doing A. There is a diagnostic at the web site http://www.alabacus.com happy hunting!

and it's great for my bright DD5. There is little or no prep for lessons, but it does require mom to teach the lessons. There is not a lot of worksheet assignments. Instead of drill you play games. It's also a recommended program by Hoagie's gifted

like look at things which weight a certain amount of grams, have volume in liters, or have a length in meters. Instead of trying to convert ("an inch is about two and a half centimeters") look at them as being metric. You can do this by getting metric manipulatives (like cm cubes, gram weights, a meter stick, etc.) and you can also look on the packaging of familiar objects (a soda bottle for example). The metric system is amazingly simple. Each type of measurement has a standard unit: length in meters mass in grams volume in liters then their are prefixes which mean different things: deka=ten (or 10 to the power of 1 - aka 10) kilo=thousand (or 10 to the power or 3) mega=million (or ten to the power of 6) centi=hundredth (or ten to the power of -2) etc. here's a link One KILOgram is the same as one thousand grams. To convert Kg into grams, you simply move the decimal place to the right three times (because kilo=10 to the power of three). Become familiar with the standard unit of each measurement in metrics (so that is becomes as meaningful as a foot, or a pound, or a gallon), and then the conversion from mm to cm is rather simple. Much easier than "standard" measurements because metrics all have a base-ten relationship. HTH