UPDATE: As stated above, I sent an email to to the creator of Dinosaur Chess asking about an Android version: Guess what? It IS available for Android, but through the Google Play store. I have never used That source for apps, but I am sure Android users will have more experience. He also noted that an update for Dinosaur Chess with more lessons and improvements is to be released in the next few weeks:)

Another option for a fun game-based mastery: http://www.gigglelearn.com/index.html

Oh no! I actually have it for IPad, but had earlier checked Amazon to make sure it was available for Android-- The same little icon popped up, complete with the little Scottish Dinosaur in a kilt, and I failed to read below:( Amazon only sells it as software! Sorry for the confusion....it is truly unfortunate because it really is the best I have seen for young kids. ETA: I actually just sent an email to the company enquiring as to when/if an Android version will be forthcoming, so will repost if I hear:) I also noticed there is a free trial download for PC: http://www.dinosaurchess.com/website/default.shtml

Have you tried Peter Weatherall? For math, specifically his Mathematicos Fantastikos... Although honestly, I would buy all the Math and Science pack! (~$40) It is an awesome deal, packed with enough info to last even to college level Anatomy classes, yet most appeal even to my preschooler. They come with both DVDs and CDs. The Simple Science and Human Biology are well-loved here. My 3.5 year old will sing the Platonic Solids song for hours if you let her:) Fantashttp://www.kidsinglish.com/newspeak/video_clips/fantastikos-math-wmvs/fant-math.htm You can find some on YouTube as well, although IMO they are not his best!

I have been reading a set of two books with my daughter called 'Mathematicians Are People Too', volume 1 and 2. They are really fun, and are a great way to introduce specific mathematicians (or groups!) working on different areas and topics. http://www.amazon.com/Mathematicians-Are-People-Too-Stories/dp/0866515097/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_z It has been a lot of fun to see my daughter's interest piqued, and provide her with the tools to follow up on the things most interesting to her:)

My daughter (3.5) learned very quickly from a truly fun teaching app called Dinosaur Chess...it is recommended just for your kiddo's age. Best $1.99 investment into chess yet! Also, whilst not an app: the board game No Stress Chess gets kids (and adults!) playing almost instantly.

May be more of a range of activities than you are specifically looking for, but scissor activities are definitely included for each letter of the alphabet, with MUCH more. I printed several activities (for free!) for my nephew: http://www.dltk-teach.com/alphabuddies/index.html

A few of our recently-reads: Charlotte's Web- E.B White, Fern is age 8 Harriet the Spy- Louise Fitzhugh, Harriet is age 11 My Father's Dragon tales- Ruth Stiles Gannett, Elmer is age 9 Pippi Longstocking- Astrid Lindgren, Pippi is age 9 The Secret Garden- Frances Hodgson Burnett, Mary is age 10 Matilda- Roald Dahl, Matilda (five when she starts school) James and the Giant Peach- Roald Dahl, James is age 4 The BFG- Roald Dahl, Sophie is age 8

Here are two of my favorite go-to sites for math 'play' involving 'the real world'. When I was tutoring college math and chemistry, the "WHY do we have to learn this?!" And "WHEN will I ever use this?!" questions were asked more than anything:) The first link is a comprehensive list of sites, videos, and resources for homeschoolers looking to incorporate real-life examples of math. It is compiled by Maria Miller (MathMammoth): http://www.homeschoolmath.net/online/real_life_math.php This second link is a newer company, but the videos are great and applicable, and they really do only ask that you pay what you can (as in a monthly subscription fee). They just want to spread the word. http://www.mathalicious.com/lessons/

If you really want to give them a fast introduction prior to lessons This summer, I have friends that have managed to skip six months of lessons by utilizing this DVD for children, called Suzie's Piano Primer: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_15?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=suzie's+piano+primer&sprefix=Suzie's+piano+p%2Caps%2C331&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Asuzie's+piano+primer Disclaimer: I personally find it quite annoying, but my daughter loved it and it does its job! My daughter is very active and I am not willing to drive an hour to lessons, so we use a program called SoftMozart, with the keyboard hooked up to the computer. It is amazing, and has fantastic online support, more of a community. And perfect for a mom with no piano experience teaching at home, like me. If you do take a look at it, don't be put off by the price! Hellene is adamant that ALL individuals have access to great piano lessons and will literally FIND a way to make it accessible to everyone:)

Teaching my tiny tot was/is one of the most rewarding things of my life, but wow! They do grow up so fast:) As far as structured versus unstructured Early Learning, I have no idea why there is such a divide in ideas! I have used all sorts of 'programs' with mine to engage her little mind...and have used programs such as BrillKids Little Reader, Rightstart, etc...the 'lessons' can be done for a few minutes per day, on the floor or cuddling or ANYWHERE. And this not only leaves 99.9% of their time free for creative play, dirt-digging, nature-watching, all the sorts of things tiny tots should spend most of their time doing--but IMO greatly enhances their fun and experience! Their PlayDough time and wild dancing to music simply tend to incorporate the elements they are 'learning/playing' with in their 'lessons'. Also, why wait when learning early is fun, interesting, and playful to them? IMO it actually frees up more time for more play and exploration when other kids are having to 'knuckle down'.

Another vote for starting early if the child shows an interest... Huh. 'Forcing' a two-year-old to read? Does anybody with a two-year-old actually believe that it is POSSIBLE to 'force' a two-year-old to read?! Now, actively encouraging in a fun manner, playing games, Native Reading, phonemic activities, labeling, and YES! Even flash cards and computer programs? As long as the focus remains on input and activity ceases at the first hint that the child is not thoroughly enjoying it, it is A LOT of fun to teach a toddler to read!

SereneHome, and any others who KNOW that many children really DO want to learn and can learn from FUN, non- pushy, child-guided methods of early learning... At the risk of offending many awesome, experienced, knowledgeable parents in this forum, you may well find parents with similar experiences and ideas at the Brillkids forum. WWW. BrillKids.com Whilst I know that many on this forum are highly critical of any early, even child-led learning that involves anything remotely formal, flash-card-like, or similar? The primary philosophy there is that if the child is not having great fun and enjoying the experience? STOP immediately! Age-appropriate learning means just that to me...learning the information in a fun, exciting, and creative manner that appeals to the child! Just another source of ideas and information...

When I was in the military (too long ago!), the decision was made based upon the prevalence of serious and preventable injuries that they should be banned from military housing. To this day, most posts either restrict, 'strongly discourage', or outright ban their use. And even then a net is required, with strong language of the opinion that a safety net may hold its own risks and encourage a false sense of security...

Charlie's Playhouse timelines are available again! In reading this thread I noticed several of you who were disappointed that Charlie's Playhouse seemed to have gone out of business, so I thought I would let you know that it seems to be back up. I just received both the timeline and the ancient creature cards through their Amazon shop: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003ZE4BUS/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?qid=1291647207&ref_=sr_1_2&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-2 Here is Charlie's Playhouse site as well: http://www.charliesplayhouse.com/giant-evolution-timeline-poster.php

Elementeo was invented by an enterprising HS student...but I agree, not a lot of fun. My husband and I are both chemists and bought this game to play as a family: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0049KOC74 It is a board game and cards, but is actually six games in one to play with different ages and abilities. The game board is a brightly-colored periodic table, and begins with learning the elements. It even culminates in a Scrabble-like game with tiles utilizing molecular formulas instead of words. We also love that it is very easy to modify existing rules for even younger players- even my 3 year-old likes to 'play' with us.

Logic of English has a really decent app available for all of their phonograms and gives a nice overview of rules. Even though we ultimately went with a different program, I still use the app. Much cheaper than purchasing the additional materials, and the app made teaching/learning much more efficient. I seem to remember the app was $2.99? Well worth it as even I learned some things. Apologies for not linking it- I am on my phone...