I haven't really cared for the Science I chose for the year so we haven't been using it. My boys are 4 and 7 (also a 6 mo old baby girl). So what we've been doing is various experiments, reading about different animals etc., and watching shows like Planet Earth and Life. Do you think this is ok or do they need a more structured curriculum to get them a good foundation for later? Also, believe it or not, I never had Geography in school. Can anyone recommend something for both me and the kids? Thank you!
At their age, what you're doing is pefect for science. Pick a topic, do experiments, and enjoy it. If you want, you can have them (or maybe just the older one...?) keep a notebook of some of the experiments he has done. If you want a science curriculum for both boys, check out Great Science Adventures. It's good for younger kids! http://www.commonsensepress.com/greatscience/product.htm
I think you are fine. As far as geography, I don't think I ever had a whole semester or year of geography. I know I remember learning the 50 states and capitals (why?). Of course when you study history, you do learn geography in the midst of it. I would urge you NOT to make everything into separate lessons, especially when they are young. It seems that when homeschoolers start to think about all the stuff they need to teach- it becomes overwhelming very quick (I have been there, done that). So relax, and realize that your kids have years to learn and maybe the school system's way of doing things is not the best. Let your kids explore and learn to love learning. Here is a quote from my son: "I like learning, I just don't like school." He went to public/private schools until 7th and then I attempted school at home for the first couple of years.
No, you don't need a structured curriculum for science. I think the most important thing to do in the early years is to expose the child to different scientific ideas and concepts in order to create an interest in science. It sounds like you are doing that. I am moving to more structure as we hit middle school. Right now I put my own things together, but at the age of your kids I wouldn't think you even need to do that. Continue getting different DVDs and books on different science topics and explore them together. Geography is an important topic in our home, but it isn't a necessary topic. Galloping through the Globe looks good, but I have never used it. We study a couple countries each year with the goal of appreciation and knowledge of other cultures and what different parts of the world are like. I put my own things together there as well. If you want a peek you can see links to different country studies on the left hand side of my blog.
For science project ideas, you might want to check out the Exploratorium website (they have projects, videos, online activities--and for more than just science, too!) or Bill Nye the Science Guy's website. He has lots of simple experiments you can do with household objects.
We just try to tie geography into whatever else we're learning. One of our girls has an Australian penpal so we're doing a pretty in depth study of that and then we'll pick a different country to learn about. We use trail guide to world geography to add a little extra when I feel like we need it. Science should absolutely be more hands on at this point. get them to where they really enjoy the process and then start adding in why things work and all the "meaty" stuff later
Thank you all for the ideas and input. I do try to put as many things together as I can but worry a lot that maybe we're not doing enough. I let my kids have a lot of time just to play and do their own projects. They are always coming up with their own experiments and projects. I just want to make sure I'm doing all I need to. My days are so full and I always feel like we don't do everything we should in a day. We just do our best I guess. Thank you for the reassurance. As for Geography, I try to work on that as we do Story of the World. Does anyone have The Amazing Pop-up Geography book? I was looking at getting that just for a nice and fun addition to what we're doing. Thanks again!
