I think you're are bang on when you talk about trying to foster your sons' imagination. At a young age, I think it is important to introduce kids to as many hands-on and play-based learning activities as you can. They will take so much out of the kinesthetic learning and this will help foster a good foundation for when they enter school. Textbooks have a purpose and a time but for older kids. Books and reading are great for young kids to help develop a love of reading. Thanks for sharing your experiences with your son. People can learn from them.