here is a free resource to schedule sotw 1. We are planning on using it next year! http://bringinguplearners.com/mosaic-myths-maps-and-marvels/ Jesi

Would incorporating Classics for Kids cd's from the library, a basic picture study, and reading picture books about artists & composers cover it for the state? Maybe at some point you could see a ballet (there are free ones in my area) or watch a video of one or another form of dance. After we watch any dance performance the kids are always trying different types of movement at home. I just provide the music for them to choose and off the go! That with the art technique you are already planning sound fine. Your objectives would be something like exposure to classical music, ability to describe a work of art in the child's own words, familiarity with using multiple types of artistic media, experimenting with different types of artistic movement. If you want you can add specific artists and composers names and pieces of work but if the state is only asking for objectives the general purpose with a lot of jargon thrown in usually works ;). I'm sorry you have to jump through so many hoops for the state. I am so greatful to live in a state where there is very little regulation! HTH Jesi

Here are some: http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/SOTWmenu.htm But the one I am most excited about using is: http://bringinguplearners.com/mosaic-myths-maps-and-marvels/ HTH Jesi

Well, I have a ker and a preschooler, so no real experience, but I plan to do a 5-6 year cycle with expanded American history and some time devoted to economics, civics, and geography. Mostly we will use a lot of the classical materials. As far as secular resources go I have a few picked out already. I'm not sure about the ages of your children I would be happy to share what I found, again I don't have any experience, just plans. Good luck, Jesi

I am also no where near that far, my oldest is in K this year, but like some the other posters I intend to include extra American History by spending 2 years (1 in elementary and 1 highschool) expanding the last two history cycles. We will basicaly have a 5 year rtation. Also, I would like to do the final ancients rotation in the last year if highschool. That will have my dc reading primary sources that talk about the foundation of modern government & civics ideas. Throughout their education I plan to expose them to the workings of government. I already bring them with me to vote and I've shown my dd 5 what the ballot looks like. We've all attended various public hearings at the state capitol about issues that are important to us and when we are in the State capitol during business hours we tour various parts of the capitol building and meet with representatives. We also have friends in the DC area and trips there will be a part of our "curriculum." I'm sure I will add in some formal instruction about how government works, but I hope that the role of government in our lives becomes part of the fabric of our family, not just a unit study. As for state history, we take mini vacations around the state and camp in the summer. We always try to learn something about where we are and what makes it special. Maybe we'll start a state scrap book in a few years to collect and process some of the info we are picking up.

I agree that yes, they are twaddle, but my kids love them!! I do not count them as our read alouds that *I* want u sto read but we read them in addition. I usually have my mom or husband read them so I don't have to, I know a cop out, but really they don't know any better. Also, I will say that I have been enjoying using the MTH Research Guides to augment our science work. For instance right now we are going to start studying the polar regions next week and I have the reserch guides for Polar bears and Emperor Penguins. We'll pick and choose a few chapters in each to read. I like them for clear presentation of non fiction writing with out relying on fullcolor illustrations. They are not a spine by any means, but a very nice addition in my opinion.

I got mine from http://www.uni-prints.com/ They are 1/2 page but a really cheap resource! Isn't it amazing how some of the seemingly simplest things are the most difficult to get a hold of! Jesi

maybe the Rightstart Math games book?

I understood it that in the 1900's, not every child was educated, but the education that was available was much more rigorous. What about something like this test? FWIW, I do not believe that grammar is necessary to teach until around 4th or 5th grade, and I prefer to match skills like learning to read, math and handwriting to the developmental stage my children are at. Jesi

This is a great curriculum: http://www.eequalsmcq.com/ also I know there are a couple of sciencey mamas who post here that have there plans available, I just can't come up with them right now. Happy hunting

Thanks for the great replies! I'm not terribly concerned about making the history line up exactly, but I do like the idea of a rough coinciding of time periods. I would love to get my hands on the teacher and student materials. The preview on Hakims website looked like something that would add more science and help to solidify the history. I have to say that homeschooling with all of these great resources available is so exciting! and that includes all of you lovely ladies and your shared wisdom! Thanks again! Jesi

Have you looked at A history of US by Joy Hakim. There are lots of on line resources and it wouldn't be too hard to add your own reading to go along with it. Jesi

I just discovered that Joy Hakim has a Science series and I am so excited about it! Yes, my oldest is 5 but...A girl can plan can't she? I am interested in using these starting in the middle years 5th or 6th grade. Has anyone here used these yet? Have you lined them up with history? does it work well for the logic stage? Thanks for any help you have! Jesi

I don't know how old your dc are, but I got a lot out of deconstructing penguins about how to have discussions about books with kids. It's an easy read and has several concrete tools that help facilitate discussions. HTH Jesi

FYI: there is a used core 2 w/ Language arts & science for sale on ebay right now. I have no affiliation to it whatsoever just thought I would mention it! I am also really drawn to sonlight, but I like to make up my own curriculum for now. So far (we started hs-ing in September) I've made my own curriculum and used sonlight for guidance in read aloud selections. so far so good! Jesi