As a Montessori Teacher and Mom of one traditionally schooled child, these are the experiences we bring to her at home.  Educational choices are personal and individual, so what you see fit may be different.  This is what we do in our little home, and we are happy :) Teach to the Spirit Regulations to separate church and state means there's no discussion of religion, and not nearly enough discussions that build character.  Instead we see anti-bullying, which (in my opinion) is a band-aid for lack of character lessons and teaching the whole child. If your family doesn't participate in a religion, it is a good idea to talk about the different types, so that they may become more accepting later on. Building character.  It's everyone's job.  Let your child see you in volunteerism, involve your child in helping a cause  (even in a very small way) he/she cares about. Label your own feelings, and help your child see their own. The book Nurturing Th...

I washed our classroom mats over vacation, Sarah is helping me roll them all! To see the Mat Rolling Lesson, click here.   Iris was just a baby in that post :) This skill is so important to her.  "Look, Mom, it's a tight rolled mat"   Our Santa letter.  I'm loving the invented spelling and the thanks. Someone had Christmas on the mind... The Gingerbread Village (kits from Michael's- I don't have THAT much time on my hands!) Decorated by our extended family on Christmas Day. This is how excited they were to go back to school after vacation!!  THAT'S A WONDERFUL THING!