[Curriculum Hopping]

This is our first year homeschooling and I did so much research. I am finding that I will be switching math for next year. However we are using it and it is working, but just not challenging enough for my math minded boys.

 

I did however, switch mid-year from TOG and bought traditional social studies books and workbooks that would be used in school. I didn't want an entire curriculum, I just wanted to replace our history. So, I found an inexpensive option that works for us the rest of the year. TOG was just not working in terms of resources at my library, planning ahead to get what resources I could, and the difference in ages was too much. I would return to it as my children are older but right now, it doesn't fit us.

 

I worry about myself and my love of curriculum already. But, I am committed to find what works and stick with it. I don't want to switch constantly because I want something new. I could easily fall into that so I know I have to set limits on myself. Knowing this about myself should be half the battle right? LOL

 

Good luck.

[Looking for Wash DC books to teach kids about trip]

Oh, I hope the Cherry BLossoms will be going then. :) It is beautiful.

As far as the Smithsonians, I love the American Art Museum but wouldn't take my son (7) there. He wouldn't appreciate it. But, he would like the Air and Space Museum. (He knows about this from the movie Night At the Smithsonian. LOL) The National Museum of Natural History is popular with families, but I really would only plan 1 museum for my son. You may have better luck with yours.

 

I also LOOOOOVE the Lincoln Memorial. http://www.nps.gov/linc/index.htm It gives you such a great view down the mall and towards the capitol.

ANd, while you are on the mall, you could easily do the Washington Monument. http://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm

 

 

Jefferson Memorial http://www.nps.gov/thje/index.htm This is one of my favorites to see at night.

 

You could also go by the White House and let them see it out front. I think that is something my boys would like to do.

 

We would also take a trip to Union Station. My kids love trains and would be amazed at how busy Union Station is with trains/metros/ and commuter trains. http://www.unionstationdc.com/

 

The other thing I would do with my kids is to make sure we rode the metro. It is amazingly clean and I know they would love navigating the metro. http://www.wmata.com/rail/maps/map.cfm

Enjoy your trip!

[Looking for Wash DC books to teach kids about trip]

I would contact the visitor's bureau and see what they could send you. Granted, it would be brochures, but my kids love to look at them. My hubby and I used to live outside of DC and have all our brochures. They like to look at them and we will use them when we take our kids there in a couple years. It will make a great pre-visit study.

 

Here is a coloring book (not sure what ages your kids are) http://www.amazon.com/Washington-D-C-Coloring-Activity-Books/dp/063502232X/ref=pd_sim_b_3

 

This is a guide too but it has a space for journal entries.

http://www.amazon.com/My-Trip-Washington-D-C/dp/1589806719/ref=pd_sim_b_7

 

I would also use the Internet for reading. Here is an article and you can link to the web pages from there.

 

http://dc.about.com/od/childrensactivities/tp/15BestforKids.htm

 

Good luck. When are you going? I am so excited. Our youngest is 3 1/2 and we will wait until she is about 6 before we go. :) Having lived there we are even more excited to go back with kids!

[Prof B Math Question]

I have a 1st grader who will finish up Singapore 1B this spring. I am looking at math for him next year. While I have liked Singapore and the mental math, I really want him to learn the traditional vertical column double digit addition with carrying. I understand this isn't covered in Singapore 2A 2B.

 

So, I began looking at Professor B and really like the sample lessons. What I cannot wrap my mind around is that a child would do 3 years of math within 1 level. If I follow Prof B and go through all 3 levels, what would he do after that?

 

Thanks for any insight.