Forgot to say.... The details of the merge post are for HO2 and SOTW2. If you're looking for the first year, it might be in missmoe's blog. She posted right after Abbey in the last thread and her link is in her siggy.

I think I may have found what you're looking for but hopefully Abbey will chime in if this is not it. This post looks like it might be the general idea of putting it together. Details of the merge are in this post. HTH!

This looks very interesting. It isn't out yet but I would like to see it when it is released. http://www.racetonowhere.com

It sounds like you're just trying to figure out a way to let them know when it is a good time to play. The traffic light idea is exactly what I was going to suggest. My friend did this a couple of years ago for her kids but before she hung it up, she talked to the other moms on the street and let them know. The other moms loved the idea so much, they asked if she could make more for them! There are some kids who will still ring the doorbell even though the sign is on red but it's been a great help overall. Good luck!

Wow, thank you! This has been on my list for a while too and this was the perfect opportunity. Thanks again!

I love the Pilot Precise V5/V7 pens. I've tried so many different brands, models, and inks but come back to these every time. They even have a new BeGreen line that has recycled content and the pens can be refilled. :001_smile:

Thank you!!!!! I've been trying to figure out ways to set up a science center for DS. He loves science and doing experiments with me. I plan to continue with our usual curriculum but really wanted to find something for him that he could do on his own for extra fun. This looks like it will fit very nicely!

:iagree: My DH is a math dude and I know he uses tens all the time. I realized I was doing it all the time too but not paying attention to it. Its a skill I've had for so long that it has become second nature. I only noticed it and thought about how often I use it when we came to that lesson in Singapore.

:iagree: There are also some great books on science and history that would be great independent reading or snuggle on the couch time.

Yes! I think my DS would really enjoy something like that. He finds history interesting too but he enjoys the hands on science stuff so much more.

The first curriculum that comes to mind is AAS. It's a multi-sensory approach to spelling that will give him many other options than just a workbook. My son has been using SWO but we're switching to AAS for the multi-sensory lessons. He seems to remember most of the words from SWO but I'm finding times that he misses one that should be easy. I think it just doesn't stick with him while using SWO. We've also made spelling games out of simple things like post-its and a foam ball. I write letters or phonograms on the post-its, stick them to a wall, and he gets to throw the ball at them to spell a word. HTH!

Yay! I can only hope one day my kids will catch the same bug.:001_smile:

We have all of the supplement books for Singapore and have found them useful. The extra practice book is nice to have when some of the topics don't get enough practice in the workbook, imo. I also enjoy having the IG. It makes it so much faster and easier to check his answers in the workbook.

My DS also likes independent work. It's sometimes a struggle to figure out how much time to spend teaching a concept. I want to make sure we don't have holes but without spending too much time that he checks out and giving him enough freedom with his studies. Singapore has been a hit with him. I also find activities or fun worksheets that go along with this current area of study. Online games are also a lot of fun for him. Oh, and I almost forgot, he likes the math CD from Singapore.

I've tried quite a few and finally settled on Knit Picks Harmony wood and their nickel when I have a "grabby" type yarn. The tips on Addi were too blunt for me. Although, I did really like the tip on the Addi lace needles but the brass finish bothered my hands. Bamboo is too pliable for me and I never found one that was as smooth as I wanted. Plastic - meh. I have a set of the Denise needles but I really don't like them. Aluminum is ok if there is no other option in sight but I would take the Knit Picks nickel plated needles in a heart beat over them. The aluminum is not as slick when I need that type of needle and I don't like the weight of them. Admittedly, I held out on getting the knit picks for a long time because I thought it was one of those things where everyone raved about it just because it was the new thing. Once I got my own sets, my mind was really changed. I liked them so much that I now own two interchangeable sets (the harmony wood and the nickel plated), harmony wood circs, nickel plated circs, and harmony dpns. :blushing: HTH!

This is such a wonderful explanation and one that I hope many people read and take with them on a daily basis. There are many days that are trying for parent/teacher and student. Sometimes we just need to know that we are on the right course and everything will work out if we persevere.

Too cute!

We tried to use some of the free ones in the beginning for DS but he was bored with them after the first couple of days. We found the programs to have too much repetition in the lessons. For example: With Rapid Typing, they have the same letters and lessons to use over and over but no real games to play. After DS would do a lesson, he remembered the key sequence and it was not a challenge anymore. Then we tried Typing Instructor for Kids and was a huge success! He loves the games and the setup of the program. There is a lot of motivation to keep going because he isn't allowed to play some of the games until he's had a particular lesson.

You'll learn so much from this first pair. Watch out. Sock knitting can be addictive! :D When you want to try 2-at-a-time-toe-up, this is the best online resource I've seen. Have fun!

:iagree: This is an interesting book. Hmm, this reminds me that I've been meaning to read it again.......

So much great advice has been given and I really wish I would have had these ladies tell me the same things several months ago. I was totally burned out (two twice gifted kids, a DH with long work hrs and travel, no family nearby - well, you get the picture) and I could not see light at the end of the tunnel. All I could think of was that I really needed a break and the only thing I could come up with was to send them to school. In our experience, it was a big mistake that blew up in our face. We had all of the issues listed above and then some. DS was so unhappy and we noticed his natural love of learning was starting to disappear. :( We pulled him out within a few months of starting and have not looked back. The experience has given me a new perspective and I am no longer so hard on myself. I realize now that we can take breaks whenever we need them and I'm going to do my best to not feel any guilt over it. The kids are learning to do more chores around the house. It may not be the way I would clean it and it may take them 30 minutes to do a 2 min job, but they are learning how to do it and it will improve with practice. :grouphug:

:iagree: We try to stick to this as well for the same reasons. Although, there are times when they watch more TV because of a special movie time or it's a special occasion. They also have to "earn" their tv time by making sure everything else is done first. We use the Accountable Kids system so they can visually see how they are doing and to earn tickets for activities.

We use the text, workbook, extra practice, intensive practice, word problems, tests, and the CD of games. We also have all of the manipulatives and other math games or extras that I've purchased along the way. I find the variety keeps it interesting and gives DS more ways to learn the topic or a different/fun way to review. HTH!

Welcome! Some great advice has already been given so I'll just tell you what I did when my kids were that age. Our state did not require any notification until they were old enough to enter k-1st so that was not an issue for us. We read lots of books, went to play groups, gardens, museums, craft days at the local school supply store, music class, pre-k gymnastics class, etc. There is nothing formal you need to do at this age. Just read all you can and you'll be well prepared when the time comes to start "formal" homeschooling. Most importantly, have fun!

I have not used SOTW 4 yet but I think you'll want to purchase both. The activity book is very helpful to keep it interesting for kids that like to "Do" something other than just reading a book. Some also need a hands on activity to get the information to stick. If you want to plan all of your own activities and mapwork, that's fine too. I just know myself well enough to know that I don't have the stamina for it. ;) The test book is also nice in that you can just tear out a test and go. No extra planning on your part to come up with the questions and print them out.