It's not necessary to use a formal program at a young age unless you really want to. In any language, you can start with: greetings - hello, goodbye, good day, how are you?, my name is, what is your name?, pleased to meet you courtesies - please, thank you, excuse me numbers from 1 to 10 questions - where is?, how much? Use YouTube to find pronunciation help like "how to count to 10 in French" and so on.

Singapore Essential Math Kindergarten A is similar. I was going to use MEP Reception with my youngest, but he asked for a workbook.

I find quite a few on the junior biography shelf at the library. On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne Henri's Scissors (about Henri Matisse) by Jeanette Winter Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story of Africa by Jeanette Winter

The Kingfisher Geography Encyclopedia has one or two pages on each country that includes the flag, a map, and nice photos. A sample page:

Thank you so much for the suggestions! I'll look closely at each one.

I've been using MEP with my oldest child, and I can't say enough good things about it. I love the scope, sequence, and style. I planned to use MEP Reception for my young K'er, but after starting this week, I'm wondering if it's enough. (My oldest began in Year 1, so this is my first time with Reception.) Reception has two lessons a week, and my K'er can do a lesson in two minutes. He wants more math; four minutes a week is not enough. He can count and do simple arithmetic up to 5+5. He'll turn 5 years old this month. I'm familiar with MEP Year 1, and I don't think he's ready to advance. I've been trying to make up games and activities for him, but I'd love to find a resource. What do you suggest that doesn't require too much writing?

I used the text book for the first year, and it was not hard to pull selections from our literature and history books. I liked the way it integrated our writing with other subjects. This year I plan to use a workbook purely for convenience so I can spend my time on other subjects. Just buy one or the other. I followed Level 1 for my 2nd grader since it was her first introduction to narration and copywork. I think it would be fine for you to use it for both kids at the same time.

As I read through it (6th edition), it helps to divide it into sections to make it less overwhelming. The second half is the word list and index, so you really only read the first half. It is an investment to set aside the time to read it, but I think it is worth it. My 4 year old sometimes writes the letters with pencil, but he also likes to draw them in sand.

For chemistry: lab equipment and element cards. The lab equipment includes a mix of plastic and glassware, and my kids loved using real tools. It made them feel like they were doing real science. They also learned the names of all the equipment. The cards are an appealing, tangible way to present the different elements. (At the elementary level we learn just the first 25.) Everything else I used was from pinterest, youtube, and the library.

Yes, I just did this. 1. On the Xtramath.org website go to the Sign-in page. 2. Click the blue "Parents or Teachers" tab and then sign in. 3. Click the "Change Program" link on the left side. 4. Use the drop-down menu to choose the program you want.

My 4 year old likes to play on the iPad too. The phonogram app from Logic of English is not a full program, but for $3 it's a good way to learn and practice the phonograms.

I was happy and surprised to see that you included cultural resources. This is what I needed, and it will save me so much time. Thank you!

Here's the page about Kenya in the Kingfisher Geography Encyclopedia: Each country has an entry similar to this, and there is also a chapter on physical geography. My 7-year-old liked to flip through and study the pictures even though the text is advanced.

I would do piano because of how it fits into your week with your other commitments, and do Spanish next year. You the parent could decide if he performs recitals or not—don't let it dampen his enthusiasm for learning music. The daily work should be just 10-15 minutes of focused practice (in my opinion).

This is it: Contemporary Maps of World Regions Free but high quality Printable Each continent on its own page Labeled or not labeled Colorful or black and white Here are examples: South America in color with labeled countries South America in color with no labels South America in black and white with labeled countries

for ages 2-4: play kitchen, tea set, matchbox cars, puzzles for ages 5+: marble run, lots of LEGO, tent

I keep ideas in Evernote. Each subject has its own notebook in Evernote: Art, English, History, Science, and so on. I use tags to help me organize more: for science I have tags for Chemistry, Physics, and Nature. I also use tags for Wish List, Resources, and Book Lists. I have a "This Week" tag to help me find what we're currently using. I tried keeping records in Evernote in the beginning. For keeping records, I find it more simple to use a spreadsheet. It's easy to see what you need to update with a spreadsheet, but a record system that relies on tags can become disorganized unless you're really good about keeping up with it. You might also look at journal apps such as Day One since you like to include photos.

Why does studying geography, grammar, and spelling require workbooks? I wouldn't want to gloss over those subjects or science, and I think writing requires more experience than research papers. I'd also miss art.

The first generation iPad runs iOS 5.1.1 You can find the minimum version requirement for new apps on the left side of the page in iTunes Preview. You will most likely be limited to the apps that are currently installed.

For the reception area, you first need to choose if you want it to look contemporary (white, light) or traditional (stuffed upholstery and dark wood). It's very important not to mix the two looks! You know best what will work for your location. If you mix the two looks, you could end up with a hodgepodge of stuff.

Another recommendation for XtraMath.org. The best part about it is that you don't have to check worksheets. It corrects as she works, and it will send you a progress email.

I really like this. Thanks for sharing!

I would take it one year at a time. You don't need to send her everything at the same time. Just enough for this year so she doesn't get bogged down and can try and see what works. Her situation may change, and I think we've all experienced the need to stay flexible and not buy too much in advance. Her oldest is 5. Something for math (Singapore?). Books to read. An art book. A nature study book. Love the idea for classical music CDs. A map of the world to go on the wall. Usborne world history reference. Maybe Hirsch's What Your Kindergartener Needs to Know book.

Evites are easier to RSVP.

My daughter doesn't take Irish dance lessons, but she takes ballet lessons, and the expectations are firm. I can't imagine her teacher allowing food in the studio, much less tolerating crumbs and wrappers. Eating during a lesson wouldn't even be considered. The strictness and long list of written expectations enables them to have a disciplined, efficient practice time. I've visited other classes with more easy-going teachers, but the trade-off wasn't worth it.