Don't you just love this time of year?  I love reading blogs and seeing what everyone is planning for the new school year!  It gives me lots of ideas and sometimes set my head spinning.  I have really enjoyed reading (and checking the links) for genamayo 's blog.  There are so many good ideas there.  I think I'll have to "steal" some of them.  She's so organized.  If you have children between the ages of 1 and 8, you should go over and check things out. 

      We'll start getting acquainted with our new curriculum on Monday.  We're using a lot of new items this year, so I like to do a subject a day and get the kids used to how the lessons will go.  Also, ds3 1/2 will be "doing school" and I need to get a feel for the flow of the day.  I think I did an earlier post-homeschool-conference post about what dd13 and ds11 will be using for the fall.  We are really liking Sonlight.  Ds11 and I are in week 13 of Core 3/4.  The literature is wonderful! 

      I've spent a lot of time reviewing methods and theories of homeschooling young children.  It's been a while since I've had a three year old, and I was way too structured and pushy with my first.  So here are some things we'll be doing:  Memorizing Scripture and Hymns using Truth and Grace Book 1

                                                     Reading the Children's Bible

                                                     Various Read Alouds  (Mainly Sonlight and Five in a Row)

                                                     Phonics (Phonics Pathways and Alpha-phonics -- Found at my library)

                                                     Beginning Writing/Copywork  --  This is something he resists.

                                                     Crafts --  Cutting, Gluing, Painting, Playdough

                                                     Games -- Cards (War, Go Fish, etc.), Dominoes, Checkers, Bingo, etc.

                                                     CDs --  Classical Music, Jonathan Park, Books on Tape, Math Facts,

                                                                    Hymns, etc.

                                                     DVDs --  Leap Frog, Magic School Bus, Anything Educational

                                                     Piano --  DD13 is teaching him in five minute sessions.

                                                    Calendar --  Putting up the date, saying the date, Days of the Week, Months 

                                                                          of the year, Today, Tomorrow, Yesterday

                                                    Chores -- Putting Silverware away, Pulling up covers on bed, Putting toys

                                                                      away, Setting Table, Unloading groceries, Pouring from small

                                                                      pitcher,  etc.

                                                     PE --  Gym class at Co-op, Walks, Bike riding, Trampoline, etc.

                                                     Math --  I've purchased (used) the K curriculum of Math-U-See and Making

                                                                   Math Meaningful to see what I can pull out for this year.  Our library

                                                                   has math videos.  I purchased a play money kit. We have number 

                                                                   games.  I'm borrowing some Mathtacular dvds. 

                                                     Science/History/Geography --  I'm hoping to provide something topical and

                                                                   fun.  Maybe I'll even explore the world of Lapbooking. 

      I definitely believe in less formal academics for younger kids than I used to.  DD was given 10 subjects starting in first grade and our schedule was very rigid.  I wouldn't deviate from my plan except to surpass it.  It's taken me many years to help dd relax about schooling.  I tried to shove my middle ds into the same box.  Luckily he fought me sooooo much that I had to re-evaluate my methods.  Now I try to teach to my kids learning style (and interests, if possible).  I have a hard time relaxing because I feel like I'm relaxing my standards if I do that.  So I will introduce lots of things and my little guy will set the pace.  I just really want learning to be fun and rewarding! 

      Keep posting your ideas and schedules.  I'm enjoying reading them!  Have a great day!