I purchased this book for my kids and we've enjoyed it. It's about an unschooling family. http://www.homeschooladventurebooks.com/

My kids have really enjoyed Atelier and the Mark Kistler on-line drawing lessons. We did level 1 of Atelier last year and plan to do level 2 this year.

We've only done two lessons so far (2 in 1st and 1 in 3rd). The lessons are great and my DH and I really enjoyed the overview book and hearing Dr. Enns speak at a convention. The focus on Jesus in the younger years is great!

First day of our third year. Two in 1st and one in 3rd. We started with breakfast at IHOP and they were ready to get started when we got home! They seem to be really ready and excited to be "back in school"--who knew?!?:001_smile:

:bigear: Thanks for the post. I have twins that will be in 1st this fall. We've only done informal oral narrations so far. One is much stronger than the other, so I'm still debating how to handle WWE next year.

I chose New American Cursive because I liked the way it looked the best. I started the first workbook with my ds when he was 7 and my other ds when he was almost 6. Now I use the Startwrite software with the NAC font.

I haven't used this yet, but I bought it for next year. I think there are three volumes. Looks like a story about each hymn's composer and a Bible-based devotional about the spiritual significance contained in the hymn. http://www.amazon.com/Hymns-Kids-Heart-Vol-1/dp/1581345054/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1305691486&sr=8-1

I have been using BFSU this year, and sometimes the discussions are difficult to get going. Sometimes I have to lead them pretty heavily to the correct concept, but sometimes the light bulb comes on in their heads earlier. As you mentioned, I think that doing "hands-on" stuff before the discussions is very helpful. Certainly, I'm no expert on socratic discussion, but I just wanted to encourage you. I have really enjoyed these discussions with my kids because I can see how their minds are working and because it's really rewarding to see them (occasionally) come up with the "right answer" after a question or two. Plus, these discussions help prepare me to do a better job of capturing "teachable moments" in everyday life.

:iagree: Two more thoughts meant to encourage: (1) I think that giving kids more time to be kids is part of an excellent education! and (2) Just by giving your kids a 1:3 teacher-student ratio, you're giving them an excellent education!

We've really enjoyed level one of Atelier this year!

I do supplement most lessons with Bill Nye videos, simple activities from Janice VanCleave books, and/or non-fiction read-a-louds. It is not absolutely necessary. My kids enjoy the extra resources, and I like to reinforce a science topic in different ways.

Looks like a nice resource! Thanks!

Sounds like a great idea to me!

I agree with previous posters that it's not a review of 1st grade math. I've used the first six chapters with my second grader this year. He's strong in math and working slightly above grade level. He does well with the first three levels and we work together through the Einstein level (of each chapter). He really enjoys the challenge. It's a great addition to math for us. I would also add that even though higher level math is included in this book, it is meant to be started before kids are fluent in multiplication and division. In part it helps kids to see new ways of thinking about and grouping numbers. Hearing Ed Zaccarro speak helped me understand these books better.

My kids love things I've downloaded from storynory.com. They have lots of stories. Also a version of Alice in Wonderland.