My DS is only 2 1/2 but he bothers me relentlessly to do 'school' when DD is doing school. So, yes -- this year we will be devoting time to him! Last year it was busy stations but this year we will be working on some materials together. I am also adding in a morning basket concept (aka - replace circle time as to not let DD catch on) that will be a lot for him as well. He is very into letters, shapes and animals -- so I plan to go with that and just create some fun montessori stuff, activities, art projects and a great assortment of books based on these concepts. We will use some Tot Packs in which I'll laminate for games and themes too. I enjoyed them with DD when she was younger (not called that then) and I plan to do the same with him. He is not moving to writing or anything, just basic patterns, puzzles, matching, etc.

This is one book I cannot imagine using as an ebook. Try your library, all local ones we use have it in stock. And, I see it quiet frequently at used book stores, it would be worth the few bucks to pick it up :)

I actually just use plain art/notebooks with no lines. My daughter really appreciates the flexbility of space to use and she has to learn more control with keeping the text along the same sizing.

I sent you a PM -- great idea! :)

When I need certain parts of our workboxes done at certain times I tag the front of the box, either numbering them in a certain order to ensure parts of project are sequentially completed or a note with something like 'at 10:30 am' or 'after lunch'.

I have not used what you linked -- we just use it in our general nature studies as a resource guide. My kiddo & I nature journal so we just do our work in a blank journal book and use the Comstock book as a guide. I have used this site some as well -- her whole site is centered on the book. http://handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com/ This site is fantastic, offers a lot of ideas & guidance. You can get packs to use along with it if you need.

I supplement -we do about 2 a month with other art lessons I do or we attend mixed in. And, some we have repeated for fun or a different perspective. :001_smile:

I guess my answer would be an appreciation for pretty much all you have listed! I'd love for them to appreciate and enjoy art pieces of different kinds, learn about some artists throughout their schooling, try LOADS of art themselves at different stages of childhood as their skills and interests change. Be adventerous with art and expressions. Respect others work and style. Be open minded. Learn how art is connected to other aspects of life. Seeing art in the natural world. Overall appreciation for the beauty in art. I don't really see the point of art history in early years and never understand why it is being taught so young. I'd rather spend the energy on exposure and hands on experience while they are young, willing to try and think outside the box. The history aspect comes later in life when they are capable of really comprehending and placing it in context. This does not include introducing and artist and their work - that is not art history.

I adore Usborne books as do my children! They are well done and well made physically - they hold up well! We own way to many to list, but a few of my favorites are: Science Encyclopedia Science Experiments Electricity & Magnetism What's Physics All About? What's Chenistry All About? Why Should I Bother To Keep Fit? See Inside My Body Book See Inside The Ocean Book World Religions Art Treasury Complete Book of Art Ideas Stories from Around the World Dinosaurs We own a LOT more... these ones are used all-of-the-time!!! :001_smile:

We do school outdoors quiet a bit in nicer weather and it has never been a problem. The fresh air, sunshine, nature.... those all seem to be peaceful for her. As well, my son is busy with his own adventure leaving her to learn. It also seems to be great incentive to move along so she can enjoy the outdoors. We've gone to parks before too with no problems :)

Thank You very much for all of your feedback & comments! Much appreciated!!! :001_smile:

How long are each of those subjects actually taking? How much workload is falling under each subject? Is it all just writing work? I don't include silent reading in our actual school block. When we are done for the day we end with it - she gets her book and heads to a quiet spot to do her thing... then she can read as long as she'd like. I require (1 st grade) a minimum of 20 minutes, encourage 30 but in reality she does up to an hour or more a day ending this way because there is not an 'end time' to change activities.

I have read many threads on here about reading programs. And, it makes me wonder if everyone uses a program? We never used a program to teach reading to DD -- we just read a ton together, talked about rules as they came up and practiced. It just came naturally to her. She started reading at four and her skill has just improved from there. She is in first grade and we do use Horizon's books called 'Reading & Phonics' but it's not a learn to read program rather a rules on phonics for spelling and writing. Was just curious... maybe I handled this all wrong :) I have her little brother coming up behind and wonder if I'll do something different with him.

My DD is only in first grade, so we check as we go. Down the road I think it will merge to me checking at the end of the day for correction the next working school day.

We have been using the 5-7 MBTP curriculum along side our other curricula. I really enjoy the building concepts and final project works, the culmination words very well for my daughter. I don't however use this as our only curriculum, it is next to. I am very happy with it and hope to add the next set in with our following year.