That’s funny that they recommend only teaching capitals, everything I’ve always heard recommends the opposite, since most of what they’ll read/see in books is lower case. But they have to learn it all anyway eventually! It is SO much fun when very little ones learn to write and spell their names. I remember when my youngest first learned how to spell her name (about 2 years old) she would pore through the hymnbook at church searching for the first letter of her name…kept her happy! Another way to reinforce the alphabet as you teach letter recognition, is teaching a Letter of the Week…and let your oldest choose several places around your home to tape up a 5×7″ sheet of paper with that letter prominently marked on it in red. Then she’ll see it all day long, all week, and every time you pass one in the hall, or at the end of her bed, or on the fridge…you’d remind her to tell you what that letter is. You can even tell her the sound it makes. Some programs highly recommend avoiding teaching letter “names” and instead teach letter sounds. I always did both.

Preschool is so easy and SO much fun.

Did you go bankrupt in Mardels? I’ve heard it is an awesome store!

I’ve been curious about Math-U-See, have heard a ton of good stuff about it. Sounds like you have a great line-up for your Kindergartener! Wow, I’m impressed!

And you’re going camping over Labor Day? Good for you guys, wish we could tag along!

We’re doing BJU Press for the Beginnings stuff and Bible, and then using Math U See for math. We were going to do Handwriting for a Reason for writing (because it uses Scripture verses), but the first one doesn’t really do the Scripture and it’s covered in the beginnings book.

The funny thing was what we got in the mail from our school district this past Monday.

“Commence Homeschooling!” was the message. Like we needed to know it was about time to start teaching!

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Cena, your plan sounds good! I love reading how others are making it work…you sure have a full house! I’d love to visit and see how you do it, I know it’s full of fun and great helpers. So glad James is getting his own space! I love how you guys do that! And it’s such a neat way for him to start experiencing/practicing a little independence! Happy Homeschooling to you!

We began constructing a “garden shed/James’ room” out in the back yard. My 18 year old son needs his own room and study space as he begins school. This’ll be wonderful for him to move out of a bunk bed filled bedroom with 3 other little brothers and have some quiet. I’ll bet there won’t be legos on the floor either…