This is bumping an oooold thread but I am intrigued by the ideas and wanted to add to it. I think I'd create a binder of those three whole punched, laminated quick study guides. They have them as cheat sheets for languages, math and science. While not extremely thorough, you could fit a lot of information in a small space that way. The anatomy ones especially could be drawn on with dry erase markers by students and reused. In the same binder, basic instructions for games, phonics and spelling rules, like others mentioned the scopes and sequences, etc. One very thorough binder of teaching instruction could go a long way to enhancing the other books.

Thank you for all these great ideas! Layers of Learning looks like a really good option for us. I like all the app and digital suggestions, too. I loved my friend's old set of encyclopedias as a kid. I hadn't considered buying my own set! What science tools would you want to have on hand? Math manipulatives? Art supplies?

Let's say you're going to homeschool your kids in a remote place, with only what you can bring with you. Space is limited to one tall bookshelf, and one overflow kitchen base cabinet. You can have a Kindle, computer with internet access, games and DVDs, etc. The bookshelf and cabinet need to hold all curriculum, reading books, art and science supplies, educational games, etc. You have a budget of about $1000 per child, so money isn't too tight but you can only shop once before school starts and can't add ANY new supplies through the year. It might be possible to add a few small things as holiday/birthday gifts, buy don't count on that. Your kids are one middle schooler (5-7 grader, special needs, multisensory learner), one upper elementary (3-5 grader), and one lower elementary (K-2.) What do you buy? What curriculum is so fantastic it can't be left behind? What manipulatives deserve the space? What apps/websites do you subscribe to? What's on your desert island homeschool shelf?

I would include one of the game sets like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Wooden-Variety-Game-Set-backgammon/dp/B004GGMPDO/ref=pd_sim_sbs_t_7 It includes dice, playing cards, dominoes, chess and checkers pieces that can be used as manipulatives, etc. It would be good for math practice and for family entertainment. I'd add an extra deck of cards, set of Math Dice and Story Cubes - my kids like these for coming up with silly and creative story starters. I might also bring a few travel sized games like Scrabble or Bananagrams, a book of card games, tangrams like Tangoes, etc. I have kids who learn through playing and I'd want to include as many open ended games as possible. Also, we use our Al Abacus almost daily.

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This is a great reminder! We checked our smoke detectors and had a family fire drill, meeting at a corner between our house and our neighbor's house.

I love "boring" names. We know a family with little boys Billy and Bobby. They're under 6, and adorable, and their names totally fit them. Old fashioned? A bit boring by Chick-fil-aiden naming standards? Maybe. But perfectly normal names that everyone knows how to pronounce, spell, and with professional sounding full names to grow into, in case they want to be president.

Yes, I've always taken the kids. They proudly wear their "I Voted!" stickers for the rest of the day. DS's cub scouts voted at their pack meeting the other night. Super cute! Now he's very excited to go with us tomorrow.

I don't have a junk drawer, but I did clean the microwave, ran the dishwasher with citric acid to clean it out, and pulled out everything expired or yucky from the fridge.

I agree - how rude to tell a parent they dislike their child's name!!

Might I suggest a healthy menu planning service like Fresh 20 to help get into a new pattern? This site makes 5 healthy meals from 20 ingredients, no cream soups included. It could be a way to eat healthier, less processed foods for one meal without you having to make too many choices - the shopping list is included each week. Also, look at the MyPlate.gov website. I bought printed, divided kid plates to make it easy for everyone to see if they're getting the right amounts of fruits and veggies and not too much grains and meat. My kids have asked for more veggies to fill the veggie section of their plate, so you can't go wrong there! :)

She missed the Playmobil Security Station!

I'd be interested in buying some if you decide to sell. :) My kids are just getting into Playmobil.

How does Sid's teacher have a lesson plan ready for his question, thought up over breakfast?

I asked about the poop once. DS told me I was ruining it by being "too thinking." :lol: