You could also go on a slight tangent and experiment with paper planes. There are quite a few books around on that topic. When I was teaching, I did a flight unit with slightly older students, (7 year olds) but I linked in Greek myths (starting with Icarus and making small wings of wax) Da Vinci (via his flighing machines), early aviators,experimenting with making and using parachutes for toys or eggs, and a bird study, looking at how birds fly, as well as paper planes and gliders. We also visited a parachute drop site, as there was no airport in the area. I hope there are some ideas there for you.

There is a free one here I use with my 4 yo http://msnucleus.org/curriculum/curriculum.html Most of it is inside, not outdoors. He has loved it!

http://www.freelyeducate.com/ I have found some good stuff here

I decided I wasn't good at maths because I couldn't memorize times tables, but I can do calculus. A lot of bright/gifted children find rote learning and repetition physically painful. (Yes, really. Seriously, my skin crawls just thinking about learning my times tables.) I know it's not what we are told in school but really you DON'T NEED TOTAL RECALL in maths, you need the concepts. Besides, smart kids are smart enough to learn it if they see they need to. Perfectionism is REALLY common too. In fact, it is often listed as one of the identifying characteristics of gifted children.

The beginning of Sophie's World isn't bad, but there is a s*x scene toward the end.

Thank you all for such great responses, I'll have to investigate Building Foundations and Miquon math. A big thank you to LibraryLover and Donna for such long lists, there is enough there to keep us busy for a while. I really like that these are like what we are doing, but the next level up iykwim, which is exactly what I want! I'm starting to try to develop some sort of routine or rhythm which will help these things happen more often, without wearing me - or him - out. :) Thanks again!

:confused: I was reading the thread on delayed academics, and I didn't want to hijack, but this sounds like what I am looking for. My HS DS already knows what he would achieve in preschool. He balks at anything worksheet-y or written, and yet wants to learn everything! He also has issues around prefectionism, and so it's hard for me to guage exactly what he can and can't do, because he hides it. Yet he becomes much more settled when I do 'something' with him that is at his level and challenges him. I would really appreciate any ideas or resource pointers you have for demanding, rigorous but informal learning activities I can incorporate into our day. He is really into science and technology, but I don't want to confine it to that. I'd also love some ideas that don't take a lot of preparation on my part, if possible, because he is wearing me out with how quickly he zooms through it all! :bigear: TIA

I think this would be fantastic, Classical, Montessori, Unschooling! :001_smile: I would also add some Waldorf art/craft activities. Why not? That's kind of what I'm trying to do anyway. My children are quite young, so it's easier. I can see it working with an awful lot of read alouds, a regular routine, heaps of Monti materials, and a set-up in which the children are able to do for themselves as much as possible. How do you see it working?

Australia Some Australian classics for kids are: Blinky Bill by Dorothy Wall Snugglepot and Cuddlepie by May Gibbs Both of these are set up so each chapter is a self contained story too. The Magic Pudding by Norman Lindsay These are classics, so have the usual problem of classics - society and language has changed. They have a fair bit of Australian Slang that might a bit of a challenge for non-Australians. Older children Storm Boy by Colin Thiele For Teens Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park (def. older children, some themes there) Hmm, I'm sure there are heaps of others, I'll keep thinking.