I think I have figured out our game plan (haha, as much as one can have with a new baby coming in October) and thought I would share. My DD is 4.5 and has thrived on the relaxed lessons we did this year - 20-30 minutes, 3-4 days a week. Reading - continue with OPGTR, possibly McGuffey readers Literature/Read Alouds - SL P 4/5 (not necessarily on their schedule) plus using various book lists at the library Writing - HWT K Math - R+S Going on Eagerly, Singapore Essential Math B, RS Math Card Games and Activities for Abacus, pattern blocks Other - lots of time outdoors, open ended art, fine motor activities, workbooks that Grandma sends, helping Mommy in the kitchen etc..... I think we are going to have fun! Even 2yr old DS is turning into a little bookworm, begging me to read books all the time....

Thanks! I will probably look in one of the craft stores the next time I am there with a coupon.

I would also blend the greens with the water first, and maybe avoid kale for now.

I really don't know what we need, but I have heard that regular paper tears easily. I am looking for a good price on watercolor paper for my 4.5 year old to use. Nothing fancy - thanks!

I love reading these! We won't do much actual "school" that day either, since K4 doesn't have that much to begin with. ;) THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! Somehow I had missed the Small Haul backpack when I was looking.

what types of traditions do you include? I have seen this on various blogs and would like to start something with DD this year. (well, I'm sure DS will participate somewhat also) So far I am thinking...... - taking their pictures (to be in the same place each year) - fun breakfast - do an "all about me" lapbook (do each year, at least during elementary) - a few new school supplies - will try to arrange a late afternoon playdate with some hs buddies I would love to hear what others do. We will probably do ours the same day DH (high school teacher) goes back for the fall. Oh, and a question I just thought of...... who else sells quality backpacks online besides Lands End/LL Bean? We would like to get one for DD, but are looking specifically for light purple. (her favorite color) Thanks! :D

I am waiting on SL P4/5 to finish coming in (purchased most of it used). Then I am doing a RR order with a friend for HWT K and Essential Math B.

That must feel great! :D

We love diaperswappers too! Also if you do make the switch to cloth, you will probably have to size up on any one piece type outfit.

I think it is trial and error with disposables. We had FAR fewer poop leaks with cloth, but I know not everyone wants to go that route. When we have had to travel with a small baby, I would put a cloth cover over the disposable for the car ride. It can potentially save a yucky carseat cleanup! Bummis or Thirsties are good brands. And yes, onesies are useless for this age unless you have the kind that snap up the front.

Thanks! I was avoiding Earlybird because it costs more. (and to order Essential Math and pay shipping doesn't really end up cheaper) I am not pro or anti workbook - just looking for something because my daughter enjoys it. :)

Thank you for the helpful input! This is not the first time I have heard the recommendation to get the teacher's manual. For several reasons I am really not interested in getting the whole set. Does anyone have another math workbook recommendation for when she finishes the ABC books?

We are just loving the R+S math books in the ABC workbook series. I am considering getting a 1st grade workbook just to have available when we finish the others. If you have used the 1st grade level, do you recommend it? Because of her age (she will be 5 by the time we would need it) it would not be done in a very formal manner, just available when she is interested. We also have the RS math games kit and I eventually want to use Singapore, but I thought this might be a good inexpensive choice for the rest of the coming year since the format is familiar? Thanks!

I have a similar plan for my 4.5 yr old dd and chose not to include ETC books after I had a chance to look at them in person. The R+S books will give you more than enough writing - we are on the third book, Counting with Numbers, right now and it is sometimes too much writing for her. What I do on those days is write the answers she gives verbally in pencil and have her trace them with a fine tip marker. I do love love LOVE the Counting with Numbers book for introducing math concepts! Honestly I was ready to ditch the whole series after the first two workbooks but am so glad we gave this one a chance. Another thing we did was go straight to HWT K because it includes lowercase and numbers. HTH!

I would also suggest a monogram store, and also Etsy.

I think a new cover would be just fine! (and I would suggest looking on Etsy for the cutest covers)

For Pre-K, I ordered.... Teacher's Manual - honestly the pages I use are all available on the HWT website Wooden Piece's - haven't used these as much as I thought we would, but I like that they are toddler proof ;) Stamp and See screen - probably our favorite and most used item, love this Slate - not used as much - I find the "wet, dry, try" routine to be a little tedious and the Stamp and See screen gives them almost the same effect but much easier. We do "stamp, trace, erase and try" on the screen. I didn't buy the Pre-K student workbook, based on some recommendations here. I actually wish I had gone straight to the K level book and gone at a slower pace because it also includes lowercase and numbers. We didn't end up spending that much time on handwriting this year anyway.

Thanks everyone! :) Now that I think about it, we use the little magnetic board way more often than the slate. lol

Thank you! :D We like the magnetic board too.

I was just looking at the K level stuff on their website and wondering. We do have the small slate. Thanks!

Oh thanks! :D I hope you find your answer. (heck, I am curious for 1A/B too)

I am also curious about this, for the Earlybird books!

Can someone tell me if their printables are primarily color or B+W? We only have a B+W printer. Thanks!

We use cloth about 75% of the time, but Pampers have always been my preference for disposables. My daughter had some rash and leaking issues with Huggies and Luvs but could use most generics just fine. (though I could not use generics at night with her, just Pampers) DS has been able to use any diaper - currently when not in cloth he is in Target diapers for the daytime and Pampers at night. I prefer the "Baby Dry" version of Pampers (the kind without dry max or that weird mesh) but often the better coupons/sales are for Cruisers. We had samples of the new dry max version and it didn't seem to bother him.

For preschool type stuff I like one called Lil Bunny Hops. (sorry don't have the link handy)