I need some suggestions for early chapter books. I know of Magic tree house series and somehow, my son doesn't tolerate those when I read-aloud. Any other books?

For us, these were super hits. They were used almost everyday since we bought them.
Magformers http://www.amazon.com/Magformers-Magnetic-Building-Construction-Set/dp/B0041SVS6M/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1357603853&sr=8-9&keywords=magformers+magnetic+building+set

Geomags http://www.amazon.com/Geomag-Piece-Construction-Assorted-Color/dp/B0080BEKRK/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1357603918&sr=1-1&keywords=geomag

I have introduced the Miquon worksheets as funsheets for my son who is 2.9 months old. So, everyday he asks for that. For the past few days, we are working on the divison equations. Until now, we have worked direct problems like 9 ÷3, 27 ÷3, 14 ÷2 etc. The last division sheet for the 1st grade curriculum involves complex problems that I hesitated to give it to my son (as I don't know how to explain those in simple terms). But he insisted today. So, I gave it to him and was asking him to solve simple problems like 5 ÷1, 36 ÷6, etc.

But he chose the complex ones. The first problem was x ÷3=3. I was scratching my head on the other side as how to explain this equation. My son quickly said, "Mummy, that is 3 times 3". I am like what? I thought that must be a fluke and this time I gave him x ÷2=7. Again he promptly replied "Mummy, that is 2 times 7". This time I was completely dumb-struck and gave him few more problems and he solved them all quickly.

I thought teaching sign reversals would be too abstract at this age. But Miquon seems to do wonders.

We've been doing this for the past 2 or 3 months. We are also doing poetry teatimes as mentioned in BraveWriter's article http://www.bravewriter.com/bwl/poetry-teatimes/
My goal for this year would be to memorise 2-4 poems in a month.

Karma for others for mentioning very interesting poetry books.

A great thread! I loved reading all of them.

This year, I have decided to focus more on soft skills like communication, character education, networking with others while in a social gathering (we're basically introverts so its a huge effort from our perspective), performing in public etc.

Math: move on to multi-digit +,-,*, ÷, basic geometry, factors, measurement and other advanced topics; mastering basic math facts.

Reading: move onto chapter books with confidence; finish OPGTR and readingbear.

Writing: Write frequently in print and start cursive.

Music: Continue doing Softmozart 4xweek. Begin formal violin and piano lessons during the second half of the year as I am busy during 1st half.

Languages: Begin reading simple books in 3 foreign languages.

Indulge in structured physical activities like gymnastics, yoga, etc. Planning to do some structured science and art as well. Now, after writing all those up, I feel my goals are too simple

Wolfwind "My personal EL goals include no more buying/downloading things; I've got programs coming out my ears and I need to just stick with what I have."
Very well said. I have to bear this in mind. I always spend more time researching curriculum after curriculum even though I own the best in the market.

seastar, can you tell about the maths club. What activities do you do there and for what ages? Do you use any curriculum for it?

http://www.jonesgeniuses.com/curriculum/digitalmemorykit

Has anyone used this program? What does it contain? What is the recommended age?

Thank you, Tamsyn! Those are wonderful suggestions. Btw, my son is 2.5 years old.

Congratulations, Seastar!

My son is a bit shy in public places just like his mom and dad. It takes about 10-15mins for him to adjust and get along with others. But the time increases if there are more strangers than he had expected. To add fuel to the fire, all the people around us comment that he is so shy and this makes him even more clingy.

Recently, he is having recitals for the Suzuki voice program. He prepares and performs so well at home. But on the stage, he chooses he wants to sing a different song than he had practiced. Then when asked to sing, he keeps mum or just moves his lips without any voice 

How do I encourage him to be more enthusiastic on the stages; to let go off his shyness and to be himself? Any tips and tricks?

Thanks Sonya, I haven't seen it but will look into it. Aangeles, thank you for the info. about the book. Just bought it!

Thank you for sharing lots of info., Sonya! Please post a picture or video when you get the time. I already bought a 1/16 violin for my son and he has been playing it in an informal way. Now, I'm wondering if I should purchase a foam-a-lin.

Congratulations Nikki and mommy!

I have been learning Suzuki violin for the past few months and have learnt about 10 songs in it. So now I'm confident to teach violin to my son on my own for a few months/years until a teacher can take him. In the whole of the country where I reside, I found only one who was willing to take a student at the age of 2 years. Unfortunately, she found another job and she is no longer teaching.

So I need fun teaching ideas from others who are taking their young children to Suzuki violin classes. Would you please share here?

I have My Violin CD http://www.amazon.com/eMedia-EV12090-My-Violin/dp/B000VPRFSE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1352994547&sr=8-4&keywords=violin+dvd and will use it for some fun lessons.

I am also showing Suzuki violin videos in youtube like the one here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bigswc0BMvk
It is so cute to hear my son say that he wants to play like the man in the video and not like his mom (blame my atrocious playing

So can you please share your ideas, step by step lessons etc that you follow for 2-3 year olds or even older kids.

Thanks Sonya for sharing the file. I love it, yet to show it to my DS. How do I create such patterns myself in LMs? Do you know how to print the solfege nursery rhymes?

[TIP:]

TIP: To see an actual example of how you can create your own course, the best way is to check out the new English (US) curriculum! In the Play & Edit screen, select the English Curriculum Trial, Sem 1 or Sem 2 (if you've imported the new content already), then click on EDIT.

For English curriculum, trial/sem1/sem2, the EDIT option is disabled.