Thank you, everyone! So good to know that you all are finding different ways to teach geography and history. We are getting a desk globe to help with these subjects. We also do coloring pages and puzzles. Another thing, our son likes to study animals. So I think I'll plan a lesson where he can find different animals around the world. We have family around the world, so the map helps us show how far away this or that relative is from where we are. I'm kinda in a rush now, but I will be sure to check out your ideas! Thanks! And yes, no compulsory testing yet. But I'm planning ahead! Are you from Washington too, Ellie?

Thanks! Good ideas, but we don't do a lot of crafts-- it's messy! There is supposed to be a Flags of the World placemat on Amazon. I wonder how big it is though. There's map placemat too, I believe.

Hi. I think my post about this got lost. I apologize if this is a repeat post. I've been really busy, too busy to participate in the forums as much as I'd like. I was wondering how you all teach Geography in first grade. Do you teach it alongside Ancient History? I thought about doing this, but it seems confusing to the child to be introduced to modern countries, flags and cultures at the same time that he's discovering history. I'm now leaning toward introducing our eldest to basic political geography first (countries, flags, languages, cultures, basic map work) like in the last two parts of the "Usborne Book of World Geography." Once he has a grasp of that, we're going to introduce history, so he figures out where and how it all started and how things came to be as they are now. We will save natural geography like weather, phenomena, etc. for the second year. How do you folks do it? We will also use the "Evan Moor Beginning Geography" workbook. Just ordered it. Another issue we have is how to teach U.S. history to make sure the kids meet annual testing requirements. Are children expected to know about U.S. government and history as early as first grade? If so, how do we teach history like in WTM? I'd prefer to just teach ancient history for now. We live in Washington State. Our eldest is 6 years old. Any advice would be most welcome!

Please have a look at the "Classic Starts" series. I've looked at the "Greek Myths" and "Roman Myths." They look good. Haven't read them to my kids yet, but I think they will be good for Grades 1-2 depending on their reading/listening level. Also, The Reading Lesson is an EXCELLENT phonics primer. Please check it out and consider adding as a resource in the next edition! Thanks for your awesome books!

Hello! Where are recommended books on Geography?! I noticed your own homeschool schedule (shown at the end of the book) shows your youngest child studied Geography as a separate subject. But it is not covered well in WTM all that much. Why? We like "Usborne Book of World Geography" but it seems out of print. You can still buy used copies though. "D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths" just did NOT work out for us. Checked it out of the library for a couple of weeks. It did not resonate with the kids at all. Some of the pics were rather disturbing too (like the centaurs beating their children). I am sure this is a matter of taste though. I don't see the original "Winnie the Pooh" or "World of Christopher Robin" books, nor Beatrix Potter stories.

Useful list. Thanks!

I know... I was wondering if there's a version that' sfaithful enough to the original but kid-friendly too. I liked the Ladybird Well Loved Tales that I read with my parents as a child. But they are kind of rare now. Was wondering if there's a better and newer version nowadays. Thanks anyway!

How do you read a book like "Peter Pan" to K or younger kids? Is it like a chapter a night? Would they really go to sleep without knowing the ending? :) Also, what editions of Grimm fairy tales are good? Our reading list will include "Winnie the Pooh" and maybe "Kipper the Dog." Am looking for kid-friendly books on Greek mythology and Aesop's fables. But right now, we're on a budget. We scout the library for whatever is there. We've read "Mother Goose Rhymes" and they love it.

It's reassuring to see different styles working here! I was under the impression we had to follow a strictly schedule since each State (for those US-based) have mandatory subject requirements and minimum hours. I don't plan lessons in detail either, but I use K and First Grade workbooks as a guide to make sure we cover everything. My son focuses in the details a lot once he gets into something, so that's one of the reasons we hit the 50-60 minute mark with jsut a few subjects. I feel better learning how you have all different approaches and it all works out! Thank you again!

4blessingmom, thanks for the advice. I totally agree. I was homeschooled and I always enjoyed reading and being taught a little above my level. I am a big fan of Usborne and DK books, by the way. I want to get them started on some Usborne stuff for older kids, but I'm worried my 3 year old would tear them up as she takes the whole "food for thought" thing literally. :D Will be browsing the library soon for books on classical mythology.

Thank you for your replies, Beekeeping Professor et al! HomeAgain, if by "sit down" is meant "doing lessons alone," then no, not entirely. My son can spell letters and simple words on his own and he can spell out simple addition formulas like 2+ 2 = 4 on his own. But I still supervise him in a lot of them. We do a lot of problem-solving math using familiar people and objects as examples. We also alternate betwen reading to him and letting him read aloud to us. I was just a bit worried about possibly not being "on track." :) barnwife, I think too much "formal schooling" at this point might do more harm than good for many kids. But my son benefits from routine and structure. It's like he feels better when he knows what to expect and for how long. He will even volunteer to do his ABCs and his math when school time comes around. And yes, like some other parents, I get told "This is your lesson tday" a lot too. LOL

Hi. I'm new here. I'm homeschooling my two kids age 3 and almost 6 years. I was wondering if a 45-60 minute limit each day is okay? We focus on reading, writing and math with our older child. He knows his alphabet and reads well despite showing symptoms of dyslexia. He writes words and letters often. He counts up to 100, does simple addition and skip counting. We teach math with formulas and charts, but also with objects like toys. Outside of the "formal" teaching, of course, we encourage the kids to read, count and speak all the time. I am not aiming for a strictly classical education but I have found the Well Trained Mind book very helpful (especially the reading lists!). I was just wondering if other parents here have found a 45-60 minute long teaching time sufficient for K level? Our 3 year old studies practically all the time -- she is preoccupied with reading. LOL