Sewing

G found 3 stuffed animals this morning that needed to be repaired. They each had a little hole in one of the seams, and he was in a "can-do", independent mood and insisted on sewing them up himself. Now, being that he is only five, my first thought was to tell him "no", and to do it myself, but I thought I'd let him give it a try, and you know what? He did a great job! Really, we don't give kids enough credit.

A Wonderful Science Blog

Here's a wonderful blog that documents the lessons and activities that go with Elemental Science, a science curriculum with a classical bent that was put together by a homeschooling mom. We'll be using Vol.1, Biology for this coming school year and I'm so excited about it!!

History Printable Materials

I just found this yahoogroup that offers printable materials to go along with Story of the World history studies! There are pictures to go on your timeline, memorization cards, and a wonderful additional reading list (listed by chapter in SOTW) to take to the library! They even have a weekly lesson plan guide with a list of materials needed! What a gem!! Have a look for yourself and click here.

This Woman Read My Mind!!

Here's a great article highlighting some of the many reasons we and many others have chosen the homeschooling option, and it is written by a woman who chooses public school for her own children, no less. Thanks to JoAnn at Homeschool Distractions for passing this on!

Lunch!

As we read through G's Clubhouse Jr. magazine yesterday, we saw some fun snack ideas that G just HAD to try. So he got to play chef for lunch today and made these butterflies for lunch!

First Grade Planning

I think I've got first grade figured out as far as subjects and materials. I know it's kind of a trial and error thing, and I'm sure there will be a bit of tweaking once we get started, but here are my picks for first grade:

Grammar ~ First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind

Writing ~ Writing With Ease and workbook level 1

Math ~ Math-U-See (Foundations)

History ~ The Story of the World, Vol 1

The Story of the World Activity Book

The Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of World History

The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia

Science ~ Elemental Science (Biology)

The Kingfisher First Animal Encyclopedia

The Kingfisher First Human Body Encyclopedia

Plant Parts

Phonics ~ Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading

ASL ~ A Basic Course in American Sign Language

Signing Time videos

Spelling ~ We'll give spelling a try. I'm not sure if he's really ready for it yet, but I did find this site that has grade leveled spelling lists .

I also plan on reading a butt load of books from the library, mostly pertaining to what we're doing in history and science. We may try a little piano, but again, I'm not sure he's ready for it just yet. And, of course, we'll continue with Bible and kung fu through the coming school year.