Ok...I finally had time to read about this and it sounds like a great idea. There are so many things on our shelves that I never get around to using. I love montessori type activities and this will allow me to start using some of those activities. Anyone want to help me brainstorm?

Sarah:
Cuisenaire Rods
Tangram Pages
Money boxes (tin boxes with change in them to be added up)
ETC workbook
write a letter
copywork
Rock identification
review memory verses
animal classification cards
map labeling
polishing silver (she LOVES this!)
practice piano
silent reading
journal jar
nature journal entry
brush the dog
file folder games
computer time
draw write now
sculpey modeling clay
soduko puzzle book
word searches
call an elderly member of our congregation
call nana or mimi
alphabetical order practice (using flashcards, word cards or objects)
cooking activity (no bake)
needlework
watercolors
plan a meal
make a grocery list from a recipe
math balance
science project directions


Zach:
choose recipe from his cookbook and copy the ingredients
Munch Monster (mini garbage can to feed words to)
tangrams/pattern blocks
number writing strips
library book basket
ETC workbook
copywork
animal classification cards
map labeling
polishing silver
practice piano
practice reading with mom
nature journal entry
magnets (sorting what is/isn't magnetic0
brush the dog
file folder games
stories on tape
starfall on computer
draw write now (when he's ready)
puzzle
legos
time telling cards
Sculpey modeling clay
dot to dots
make a card for someone
call Nana or Mimi
shape sewing
watercolors
make a pitcher of tea for our dinner
science project (such as excavating a dinosaur "fossil" kit)
math balance

I have finally decided on curriculum for this year. we already started, so I guess it's good I now have a plan. LOL.

We'll be using KONOS as our spine...adding FIAR titles where they fit. For math, we'll use MUS. Sarah will finish alpha and start Beta. Zach will use Primer. Both will use Explode the Code. Zach has started learning to read and I'll be using MFW with him to review reading and so he has a little one on one mommy time. We won't do all of the activities. Both kids will start taking piano this year. We'll continue our tuesday tea times with poetry readings that fit our KONOS theme.

They have asked to do Keepers/Contenders. I am undecided whether we'll join a club or just do our own thing at home. Sarah said she wants to wear a uniform and make it "official." There is a group meeting nearby but it's on Friday evenings...not the best time. I'd love to find one locally that they can both be meeting at the same time...and no, I am NOT starting my own group. I so wish we were close enough to go to the HEIRS keepers meetings...but it is not realistic for me to drive so far...that is so hard for me to recognize!!

So, what is everyone else doing this year?

I have finally succombed to the peer pressure to join this dreaded black page! I have been asked by sooo many if I was on pleo and finally decided it can't be all that bad. So, we shall see. :)

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