For Kindergarten

For Kindergarten we read tons of books, did BrainQuest cards, Leap Pad, Jumpstart Kindergarten, watched Read Between the Lions on PBS, did map puzzles, played Monopoly Jr., baked (he would measure everything), did writing on a dry erase board, played store with a toy cash register and real money, etc. I just focused on fun learning. If you need to give some kind of a log or record to your ex, I would not list the actual activities above--just write what subjects you cover with the activities:

Math

Language Arts

Reading

Geography

Science

For science we would look online and make a volcano or observe a black widow in the garage (Enchanted Learning has awesome labeled coloring sheets), go on a hike and look for lizards, play with magnets, a compass, make static electricity with balloons, etc. I bought two kitchen science project books from the Parent Teacher store--fun and easy!

You can do this! Your son will be so happy and love this and you won't be so stressed out. Don't get too caught up in having to follow some formal advanced curriculum to satisfy your ex. Once you get your son to the point where he loves learning, gradually introduce FUN work sheets from online (my ds despises workbooks-- finds them boring and repetitive). There are curricula out there that don't focus on seatwork.

If you are worried about keeping your ds at grade level, you might find your state's education standards online--my state lists all subjects and standards by grade.

Enjoy Childhood

It is time to enjoy childhood, not cram for the SAT's - not that I am suggesting that you are doing that.

We only get to be kids once so have fun with it

We only get to be kids once so have fun with it.  If he's not into igloos, drop it and try something else. But don't tell him it’s a 'lesson'.  Just do something for fun.  Have a contest, whose ice cube will melt faster, yours in a glass of soda or his in an extra hot cup of cocoa. .  Try something like that.

Mean Moms

I can understand how you feel. I feel like giving up too. I know my daughter knows the answers but she likes to pretend not to and play around. Then she starts with I am a mean Mom.

Play is Work for Kindergarteners

Maybe it’s just me, but shoot, the kid is 5.  I’d let him be a kid and try to make learning come from play.  I tend to find the harder I push, the harder they push back.  I’m not saying play all day, but 5 year olds don't usually have too long of an attention span and if you get educational toys they learn when they don't realize it.  Also not sure about your state, but here in Michigan, kindergarten is optional.   I’d check into it and let him mature a bit. 

How to Get Your Kids to Do Something

I find the easiest way to get my kids to do something is to say, "Go away, leave me alone, I’m going to do XYZ and I want some peace."

First they look, then they ask questions, then they offer help, then they take over, then I go and read a book and leave them to complete the task.

I learned a lot from the book, "Henry and Mudge and the Long Weekend," If you haven't read it, it's a must for homeschooling moms.

Henry and Mudge and the Long Weekend

Better Late Than Early

In fact, the more I have my 7 year old in school, the more I am convinced of the theory "better later than early". My other son was so difficult at this age and now he's doing great. I just want to stop with my 7yo and wait a couple of years, but unfortunately dh has other ideas. My fear is that it is putting him off learning. He is reading for pizza coupons. He told me today he's read his quota for January, so he doesn't need to read any books this week. In a family of readers, this is so sad.