Just a thought about your art… have you looked at ‘Artistic Pursuits’? We use it and I love it. I am NOT arty – at all – but I love the way it has of introducing art history and appreciation and then using that as a springboard for pieces of art and art projects. It is not stifling or prescriptive at all and always encourages the children to ‘daydream’ and draw/produce what they love. It also teaches how to use different mediums (very useful to me) and when. It’s not the cheapest – but it IS brilliant! We finished the K-3 Bk1 last term and even Jake (now 12) was joining in still! I’ve skipped a few (as I don’t have them) and we are starting G4-6 Bk2 this term. It would probably be better to do them in order, but it doesn’t seem to matter too much as each has it’s own theme. Take a look – http://www.artisticpursuits.com.
I know there is a UK supplier, but I’d have to check out who that is as I can’t remember!
Have Fun in the year ahead with your girls