We're going to be in Washington DC in a couple weeks and I need some help planning. The kids are ages 1, 5, and 7. We'll really only have about three days for sightseeing and plan to spend one of those at Mt. Vernon. I'd love some other ideas of things the kids might enjoy. Thanks! OK, one more question since you all have been so helpful. How about a couple of good nature spots to visit? Trails to walk? Woodsy parks to explore? That kind of thing. Thanks again!

I put the jars of yogurt in a cooler in the bathtub filled with hot water. Works every time.

I so appreciate everyone's thoughtful responses! Yes, I know there's no homeschool police making sure we school in the mornings. It's just been the way we've always done it and I need to give myself permission to try something new. In our unique situation, my dad has offered to help with the toddler (we are living with my parents), so I'm not too worried about him in the afternoon. By big kids seem to play great in the morning so I'd really like them to have that time to play. Also, we don't have any afternoon commitments. Nothing that starts before 6. I think we're going to give this afternoon school thing a try for a few weeks and reassess in September.

So far I've been of the mindset that we should get school (2nd and k) done in the morning. But now I'm wondering if we need to have an earlier rest time and do our work in the afternoon while the toddler is sleeping and continue after he wakes. Maybe we're the only ones, but I'm starting to think my big kids just need to start their day with playtime. It seems like by the time we're finished with our work they can't figure out how to get along. Anyone else who has found this to be true? Schedule wise I'd definitely prefer to finish in the mornings, but maybe afternoons is worth a try. I'd love some advice!

We bought ukuleles at the beginning of the summer and have been having a blast learning to play them.

Yes, I'd definitely choose colored pencils over crayons.

Maybe a couple Five in a Row books? Or lapbook?

I personally decided to wait for the history cycle. We will begin ancients next fall when dd is in 3rd and Ds is in 1st. For dd's first grade year we did us history, and this year for second grade we're doing Beautiful Feet geography. I liked this plan because these are offering her the fun part of homeschooling, but still holding back the four year cycle.

I have no personal experience with this, but doesn't Math Mammoth have a series that goes topically instead of by grade? That might help where there are gaps.

Thanks for the reminder! I really appreciate it ☺ maybe we'll just get out dd's aas tiles for now and play around with them. It's just so much easier to have the perfect program for him spelled out in easy scheduled lessons! 😉

We've done Letter Factory and he's known his letter sounds for ages. I'm just not sure how to proceed since he's very much not liking 100EZ. And I really can't afford to try a bunch of programs. I did reserved Phonics Pathways and The Reading Lesson from the library so I'll take a look at those. I was thinking he might enjoy workbooks, but not sure where to look for those. I was on the CLE website and saw that they have a learn to read program, but it seemed very sight word oriented. Anyone have experience with that?

Ticket to Ride

I feel like it's been ages since I taught dd to read, although it's really only been three or four years. Ds is five now and really wants to learn to read. I have 100EZ which I used with dd, but I've tried a few lessons with him and he just hates it. Is this just a clue that he's not ready? Or should I explore other options? And what might those other options be? I'd love some advice!

Umm, I'm currently nearing the end of the nursing baby stage and will be heading into the toddler stage in the next few months. Dh was home today so I had some help. I finally got out of my jammies after lunch and took a shower. Then put on clean lounge pants and traded the nursing tank for a nursing bra and tank top. So I guess that answers your question! In my defense, today was laundry day. I guess at least half the time I get dressed before noon and end up wearing shorts and jeans and usually a tank top. It's nice to hear that maybe one day I'll get showered and dressed more often than not!

Another vote for beautiful feet. I did it last year with my first grader and we really loved it.

These are really all wonderful ideas! Thanks everyone. Keep 'em coming!

Come September I'll have a kindergartener and second grader, and my darling 15 month old along for the ride. I'm well aware that this year is going to be much more challenging than last year. I'm looking for tips on schooling with a toddler from those who have gone before me. FWIW, I think I've done pretty well about not going overboard with our school plans. The k'er will do math and phonics. My second grader will have miquon math, aas 2, eltl 2, and beautiful feet geography. I also have a morning basket of things I'd love to get to more often than not, but realize that this time will probably have to be shorter than I'd like. How can I set myself up for success? I need some advice on routines and organization, etc. And at the end of the day I'd like to know everyone got the time with me that they needed. Thanks!

I think one of those cooling cloths might be helpful. Like a Frogg Togg.

We recently got an induction stove, and while most of my pots and pans are compatible, some of my favorites are not. I know I can bring a magnet shopping with me to find ones that will work, but I'd rather do my shopping online. I'm looking for nonstick omelette pans and a large nonstick wok. I also had a nonstick pan with really short sides that I used for warning tortillas. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Ideally these wouldn't cost me a fortune. 😳 Thanks!

We are just finishing up Early American Primary, so I'm not much help with the others. But we've really enjoyed it and plan to do other guides in the future when my kids are a little older. Next year we're doing their geography guide, then hopefully science a year or two after they.

Art for kids hub has a great variety of lessons for various ability levels. Artforkidshub.com

Take a look at the Beautiful Feet American History for primary grades. We're doing it now and loving the book choices. Besides the D'Aulaire books we especially enjoyed Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin.

My grandma once made us lemon tuna jello. 😜

Thanks! I'll give it a try and see how it goes.

I'm going to be starting Level 2 of AAS for my DD who will be in second grade next year. I've also got the Level 1 materials. DS will be in kindy and is starting to show interest in learning to read, spell and write. Is it possible to begin with the Level 1 materials and use them to teach him phonics? Has anyone done this? I think he'd really like the hands-on aspect of the program, and is constantly asking me how to spell things and trying to sound them out on his own. He's beginning to sound cvc words as well. I'd love some input. With DD I used 100 Easy Lessons and he's just never been very interested in that like she was. And I'd really rather not buy another program/book if AAS can be tweaked to work for him. Obviously if this is a terrible idea then I'll come up with another plan! Thanks :)