Did you end up getting the guide Rosie? I am umming and aahing over buying "Our Whole Lives K-1' by Barbara Sprung. There's not any samples that show the layout of the lesson, etc, and the only site doesn't even show post costs to Aus,, but I am over awkwardly flapping around this area. I just have a feeling I will fork over a chunk of money for a book that has under an hours total lessons. I wish they just had online versions of this :(

Eat to Live - Dr. Fuhrman (Nutritarian) Reboot with Joe Juice Diet (Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead) Nourishing Traditions (Sonlight's High School Nutrition based on the studies of Dentist? Weston A Price) The China Study (well known study) Wild Fermentation Foodwise: Understanding What We Eat and How it Affects Us, The Story of Human Nutrition The Biodynamic Food and Cookbook: Real Nutrition that Doesn’t Cost the Earth Wholefood Heal, Nourish and Delight by Jude Blereau Trim Healthy Momma (Definitely NOT something I would recommend for children) And there was another book that I had on my old wishlist, but I can't find the name of it, it was basically about using the whole plant, the whole animal, to create a complete diet, rather than just picking out the parts that we liked (and most of the time, may not be the best bits), about keeping stuff local, homegrown or as close to it etc, real "Wholefood" cooking, since I can't find the name, an alternative (just about meat): The Complete Nose to Tail - Fergus Henderson *I am not commenting on the validity of these books, just adding to the list as these are books I have read or am planning to read.

I have it because my son is obsessed with Lego & Robotics. Wedo is basically the younger version, then Boost is the version that will be out midyear which is the next level up, followed by Mindstorms, which is the top level. I decided we would just follow them all the way up. To me, it was worth it, because I knew it was something my son would engage with and love, which he does. Now my youngest could happily play it, but thats just because hes playing it and its something different and new, and interesting, but ultimately she would either break something or lose interest, simply because its not any sort of passion. My two girls love playing on scratch and the eldest is learning how to use it and will eventually follow up with something like Python, she'll also be doing more digital STEM quests and Fashion Design Illustrator programs, because those are where part of her passions lie. The youngest may follow using scratch as well. As above poster says. scratch is perfectly fine. Do I regret getting Wedo 2.0? Absolutely not, I love it and think its brilliant. You are the best person to decide and know your own child, to see if its worth it. Look at the trailers on Youtube, the Club videos of ppl using it on there too. Download the software and have a stickybeak. Then think about you child and see how much they would love it, if they have the sticking power to use it a reasonable amount enough to justify the cost to you, and what your child would take away from the experience (even if its just something like "happiness" lol). I think Wedo, Scratch and other similar beginning coding programs all have their own place :001_smile:

If you arecoming at it from the Waldorf point of view, one reason would be because by then your childs Outer Shell will have started to grow. Children under 9 don't really have this, so stuff that happens before then can really hit them hard, and stay with them (even subconsciously) throughout life. If they have built up their confidence and "shell" at home, they are more ready to handle the enslaught of cliques and remarks at school later on, and with much more balanced emotional health too. :)

There's a book called funky science that I got for my daughter: https://www.bookdepository.com/Funky-Science-Experiments-Hinkler-Books-Pty-Ltd/9781743088777 Its pink and super girly girl, and has all sorts of experiments, sorted by area (physics, chemistry), named appropriately (Rock Star for Earth Science for example). Its wouldn't suit my other two kids, but my eldest is the super pink, sparkly one and this sort of thing made her squeal with excitement. Other than that, my favorite books are the Backyard Scientist & Janice VanCleaves books. As my favs include anything that actually properly explains the experiment enough for the child to actually understand what happened & Why it happened at their individual level. Other than that, for excitement, interest and just plain fun, I love madaboutscience.com.au and buy kits & bits and bobs (like lab coats, weird gadgets, googles, pipettes, breakers etc) from their all year round. If I was in the US, however, the world would be my oyster. I would live on HomeScienceTools, Young Science Club, and all the other weird & wonderful kits, clubs, subscriptions and just plain crazy stuff I could get over there :D Like: This for instance Chemistry Subscription Kits!!!!: https://melscience.com/en/ Or as mad spree through here: https://www.scientificsonline.com/shop/chemistry-fun?Page=1 Molecular Models: https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Chemistry-Molecular-2-hour-Molymod/dp/B01KL3GK4K/ref=pd_day0_21_7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=D9CW85ZTPZTAC2120308 Thames & Kosmos Kits (based on your budget) https://www.amazon.com/Thames-Kosmos-First-Chemistry-Science/dp/B00B9BFU5Y Intro to Chemistry: http://www.hometrainingtools.com/complete-introduction-to-chemistry-kit Or if you wanted the more curricula type approach: Noeo Science: http://www.logospressonline.com/noeo-science-chemistry-1/ Edible CHemistry Kit: https://www.amazon.com/Copernicus-Edible-Chemistry-Kit-Ages/dp/B00ESHK1J6/ref=sr_1_37?ie=UTF8&qid=1487506036&sr=8-37&keywords=chemistry+kids Edible Science Book (anything where you get to eat it afterwards is always a winner with kids (unless picky eaters of course lol): https://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Mostly-Edible-Science-Experiments-ebook/dp/B01AUYB2V6/ref=sr_1_40?ie=UTF8&qid=1487506036&sr=8-40&keywords=chemistry+kids Tops Chemistry: https://www.topscience.org/books/analysis10.html The Happy Scientist: http://thehappyscientist.com/ Horrible Science: Chemical Chaos: https://shop.scholastic.co.uk/products/92676 Supercharged Science: http://www.superchargedscience.com/ Discovery Streaming may have Chemistry vids, Lessons & downloads. Bill Nye is also an option (half my kids love him, I can't really stand him as is a very intense sound, and flashing light program). There are so many amazing things out there LOL, I could just keep going. :laugh:

I like Mollie Katzens books. She is well known for her vegetarian cookbook, which has been reprinted a couple of times (Mousewood Cookbook), but she has both vege & nonveg cookbooks. Her childrens Books are fantastic http://www.molliekatzen.com/kids.php They have the adult info & recipe, followed by the pictoral version for children. I like to go at nutrition from three points of view: 1. Getting the kids in the kitchen as early as possible and letting them explore with healthy ingrediants, followed by cookbooks like Katzens & https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Kitchen-Independence-Confidence-Montessori/dp/1477542043 .& https://www.boffinsbooks.com.au/books/9781741966787/wholefood-for-children-nourishing-young-children-with-whole-and-organic-foods 2. From a body point of view (perhaps its because two of my kids have t1 diabetes). Showing what roles parts of the body have (Pancreas, Liver, Stomach etc), do experiments showing how the didgestive system breaks food down and how cells convert glucose into energy. Then follow with the best nutrients you are looking for (iron, vitamins etc) and what foods are high in them (like dark leafy greens), and then a comparison on how different foods break down (lettuce vs potato chip/crisp), and what foods like processed deli meats & highly processed foods in general do to your body (glucose storing, teeth, digestive problems etc) 3. Have the kids hanging around when I'm in the kitchen, and I talk, talk, talk, but also leave plenty of spaces for the to ask there own questions, which I happily answer (even if I have to admit I don't know the answer and stop chopping/prep for a moment to google, and re-explain). I make raw prey model foods for my animals too, and have my own seperate meals from the family, and everyone here tends to have their own allergies, so all the info on how different bodies process the foods and different diets work their way into the conversation too.

I think mine consisted of: Play Lots Have Fun Get Messy Snuggle Together Read a Lot Go See the World :laugh: Not sure of the Publisher? :rofl:

I know you bought them, but thought I owuld add notes on my own ones. I liked the arches one, but something I don't think people understand is that they are SMALL. They are very short, meant for 3-4 year olds to play under, so even without the arches they are like very low shelves. So I loved the look of them, but the cost for what they were was ridiculous. I got my husband to make us some. So he made them about 2? years ago for me. and I can fit under the center of the arch without bending (although I am a shorty). Its tucked away in the corner of my very compact house and I have a cabinet under the end of them that holds random school supplies (art, math, beginning readers, music stuff etc), the top of the cabinet holds the girls American dolls and accessories. The Playstand itself I put an old much loved horse patchwork quilt over the top of (the quilt is on its last legs, so allows it to be viewable, but not accessible. - There is also red fabric with white spots that turns the playstand into a mushroom if they want and plenty of various scarves available. The poles across the top we have used to hold hangers for things, Our playstand is two seperate shelves with arches, so its easy to move around. The shelves hold board games, nerf supplies, spare (used on one side) paper, Kids art sculptures, my grandmothers ceramic fairies she made that hte kids love, and our school "collection" (various items Ive purchased for school lessons, like rocks, fossils, gemstones, shofar, Coconut thumb piano, etc (basically the stuff unusual or unique we like to display).

Mine will be straddling the 3/4th grade line, but as SN, he'll be at his own pace. Updated 13/02 Updated 26/02 Happy Phonics & Lots of Reading, maybe a comprehension program once up and reading (I don't want to overwhelm him and have to keep his lessons short). For LA, I really don't have any goals past "get him reading" at this stage. He wants to go back to also using Teach your Monster to Read & Reading Eggs, Following Bravewriter Lifestyle with Siblings. He also does Literacy Plant & Brainpop, so will continue those. Using Skwirk to cover standards & Filll gaps. Miquon & Life of Fred (and Family Math Games), will be adding in some sort of Singapore Supplement book maybe (CWP, Problem Solving etc), after Miquon finished, Rightstart Maths anf Imaths to cover grade level standards maybe add Beast Academy Later On? Currently using Lego Wedo, so will move to Lego Boost, then Lego Mindstorms, and maybe do some technic stuff as well. Minecraft/Lego etc. Maybe add Animation-ish? RIC Health to cover standards Apps like Dragonbox. I also look through National curriculum stuff and see if there is any bits and pieces I want to teach/addon (especially with practical stuff) Doing this following diy "unit" studies. I also would like to work further on his articulation, but am umming and ahhing on what to use. Auslan Computer Piano Adding Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding Adding UU Studies: Our Whole Lives & Sexuality & Our Faith Trips: Theatre (monthly), Museums & Other Events

Updated 13/02 Updated 26/02 Continue with Complete Education Australia Moving to FIAR Maybe continue with Miquon Easy Peasy Math. Kitchen Table Math + Life of Fred, Move to Beast Academy Later On. Transferring to Rightstart for whole family, Imaths to cover Grade Level Standards. Topic Based Activity Bags "Showbags" I do up for her (pretty much an activity based unit study, she loves them) Exploration of Art Techniques & Media, maybe add Artventure Rebecca Rupp's Home Learning Year by Year, Twinkl, Anti Coloring Books & Tin Man Press Board Games, DIY Games and basically lots of games Reading Time (HappyPhonics/Charlotte Mason) Core Knowledge & Some Activity Books Janice VanCleaves Books, Backyard Scientist and Various other Science Books Cooking Read Alouds Bravewriter Lifestyle with rest of family. Literacy Planet, Skwirk (to cover standards) RIC Health (to cover standards) UU Programs: Our Whole Lives & Sexuality and Our Faith Critical Thinking Workbook Auslan Swimming Brainpop Chickadee Magazine We go to the Theater monthly, and have some sort of other ed event every month. She also loves hanging around and listening/coloring whilst her soon-to-be 6th Grade sister does school, so she naturally picks up stuff from that (SOTW, shakespeare, math, etc)

Honestly, I have no idea. I plan a field at a time, and have several ideas for the threads that follow current stuff, Ischool year round, so below is as far as my head has gotten for whatever comes after the current curricula. Updated 13/02 Updated 19/02 Updated 26/02 Guessing: *Online: Brainpop & Literacy Planet (she loves them, so will use them till she runs out of lessons. Icivics, and sites similar. Skwirk to cover standards, Bravewriter Lifestyle with Simblings *Continue Shakespeare Studies *Math: Changing to Rightstart soon,even though it will add hours to my time (She has dyscalculia and I just can't keep on top of her lessons without a program (she recently came off of Dynamo Maths) Adding Imaths to cover grade level standards *Subscriptions: Stembox, Get Kids Cooking, probably add some more. *Magazines: Double Helix, American Girl, Horrible Histories, Historicool * Double Helix Lessons, then Supercharged Science? also getting books like Women in Science, that she wants. *Currently doing Grammar curricula, then will switch to a writing curriculum, like IEW or novel writing, again, no idea, lol. Bravewriter and Cover Story Going to do a grammar run-through with Grammar-Land & Life of Fred Language Arts * Literature, she choose her own literature, I'll add a few nice literary choices I believe she'll like. She wants intellectual devotionals as a daily mini read aloud too, We also have plenty of read alouds always going on here. Sprees on Scholastic Prarie Primer Starting now, and then transfer to Konos with HomeschoolMentor later this year. RIC Health to cover standards Growin' Geers * Learning Auslan (her choice) (actually she wanted the same as Helen Keller, but since we are in Australia, I explained Auslan was more useful :p ) *History: Finishing off Story of the World, then moving to Sunburnt Country, then to History of Politics (something she is interested in). *I want to add a self defence class, swimming, some sort of drawing class, she'll probably want something bible (we finished TGS), shes currently learning the guitar so we'll also see where that goes, maybe work on her handwriting a bit more. I really want to do this health curriculum I saw about 2-3 years ago online, but I never found it again LOL, she does need a more "Awareness" health program though, so I need to tie that in somewhere. And at the end of the day, shes in charge of most of her school, so its always subject to change :001_rolleyes: Continue going through DIY.org (we do an offline version of it), Conitnue with Scratch Programming, when finished move to something like Python, Own Studies to cover Design and Tech & The Arts Art Projects Adding UU Studies: Our Whole Lives & Sexuality and Our Faith Garry's Mod & Other Games Computer Piano Trips: Theatre (monthly), Museums & Other Events I've given her a Compass planner sheet so she can write down things she'd like to do (Books to Read, things to Improve, Places to go, Stuff to learn about). It's pretty much all up in the air

MATH - Cyberchase, Umizoomi, Odd Squad, Peg + Cat, Mathtacular, Numberjacks ART - Mister Maker, Atelier, Art Attack HISTORY - Drive thru History, Horrible Histories, Liberty Kids, Little House on the Prarie, Time Warp Trio, American Girl SCIENCE - Magic School Bus, Wild Kratts, Bill Nye, Popular Mechanics for Kids, Captain Planet, Sid the Science Kid, Science of Disney Imagineering, Moody Science (Christian-Based), Beakmans World, Chopped, Zula Patrol, Planet Earth, Fizzy;s Lunch Lab, Sonlight's Discover & Do, How it's Made, Microcosmos GEOGRAPHY - Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego? LANGUAGE ARTS - Reading Rainbow, Word World, Schoolhouse Rock, Leapfrog dvds (Letter Factory etc), Between the Lions, Wishbone, Martha Speaks, Shakespeare: The Animated Tales, Ghostwriter MISC - Rock N Learn (Multiple subjects), Little Einsteins, Berenstein Bears,

I think it pretty much suits anyone who likes classical or formal CM style curricula. My eldest is just sensitive and gets frustrated easily/has anxiety. The book you read is pretty okay (our Australian Story), and it has questions, cut and pastes, dictionary work/alphabetising, additional book suggestions for the history/reading side, all the usual cm stuff (copywork, dictation, narration), it has little Picture Studies, Art/Lit/Poetry Study, Researching etc. I do like that its Australian and works through Australian history and is CM. In my personal opinion, the age its correlated to is way off (the first book is stated as 6 to 8, and I'm using with my dyslexic 10-11yo). But this is just my opinion, if you were coming from a rigorous CM or classical view, its probably on target. I, myself, have already presented most of the info to my daughter over the years probably between the ages suggested (6-8), just in different formations (WTMs LA, Growing with Grammar, word games, Queen Homeschool materials), I think just the format and way its presented would better suit my child at her current age as a review and to work on areas she does badly at. I use more games and hands on stuff early on, so my daughters only starting to do the more paperwork based stuff now. I'm happy to answer any questions you have about it, for us, I think its something we'll stick with, we just alternate days, so she doesn't get overwhelmed.

I love my proclick. I like that it makes circular holes, thus making the edges wear more evenly, rather than cornered holes that tend to rip. I also love the proclick snap coils, they help the spine stand straight and not schlump, easy to edit, fold back upon itself, pages don't come loose or rip out. its the only time/reason I have considered getting anything of the sort. I'm actually planning to purchase another one. I've had mine for about 4?ish years.