That would probably depends on which state or country you're in, and whether the local schools even teach an historical period in grade 3. Ours doesn't. But the real question is, do you need to be bound by what would match the local schools? In most cases, you don't need to be and can feel free to start at whichever book you like. Ancients would be recommended, and progress through in order. Unless you want to start with book three to get on the "correct book" for the rotation to end in grade 12. If you took that route, perhaps you could just do books one and two as read alouds and then move onto book three.

Roof tiles, I would imagine.

I'd probably start with Progressive Phonics (free online) and see how it goes. You could also check your local library for The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading. Mine doesn't have it, alas.

Probably! I haven't tried. And I do know that my mom's friends used to melt then down in a pan on her stovetop and they caught fire once, so... Use caution!

Usually, a period of deschooling is recommended before starting homeschooling. I'm concerned that schooling through the summer might make things harder for you both.

Crayon rocks are amazing for this. They force a tripod grip without reminding because it's really the only way to hold them. They're pricey, but maybe worth it? Or you can make your own by melting crayons and using a mold for soap or candy or something.

Depends on the kid, I guess. It was enough for me. Maybe it isn't for some. But, as a lover of books... I'd really suggest you not to try to make her stop and look things up. Either pull the words or yourself, or give her a separate program and let her go. Trying to get a reader to stop and look up a word in the middle of a good story? UGH!

I would also encourage you that inferring meaning from context and moving on is actually how we're wired to acquire language. That's what babies and toddlers do... And then the next time they meet the word the meaning gets refined and improved. So she does actually have a working system in place already.

Rightstart. It's amazing. You'd need to look used, though, as it's not cheap. But it's excellent. You could try asking around on your area if there are any sets you could borrow?

String ribbon/twine/whatever across a wall and use clothespins. Depending on how you attach the strings it could be taken down in some seasons and put back in others.

Does she write well when assigned specific topics?

Enid Blyton?

Please don't push his reading. He's an avid reader. He'll push his own reading, and no curriculum is needed for that. If you artificially try to push it, there's a major concern that he'll lose his taste for reading. For science, maybe the Berean Builders? Writing. Perhaps the CAP Writing and Rhetoric, or look at Treasured Conversations for a jumpstart.

I'd suggest having him attend, and debriefing the materials with him at home. If you opt him out, his classmates will have a shared vocabulary that he won't. That can lead to other problems. You've already covered the basics of intercourse and reproduction, right? So he won't be learning much new biology, but it'll be the social stuff? He needs to know what his peers know so that he can navigate the social circles at school without stopping in unexpected landmines.

Good heavens, that sounds like a disaster. I don't know what you'd use for placement tests. CLE? What about Rightstart's tutoring materials and card games for remedial work? How long will you have this class for and what are they supposed to move to afterward?