Thank God we know our own kids well.
And when it comes to forecasting their academic endeavors, I think we parents have a pretty good corner on the market. This is a gift from God to homeschoolers; we can prepare our children for fruitful tomorrows by strengthening them today.
Heading into the big Kindergarten year, I knew that my eldest was a delicate balance of perfectionist, academic philosopher, and inventor.
I knew she could work hard and would do anything necessary to please me.
I also knew that she would not do something if she knew she could not do it well.
I knew my husband and I wanted her to soar; to grow in character and work ethic; to take some risks, but to feel safe and competent at the same time.
So, several months before I knew Vivienne was going to begin Kindergarten-level work, I’m glad I…
* encouraged her to gain motor-control over her pencil. She devoured the KUMON mazes and didn’t even realize she was strengthening her writing skills as she bumped and squiggled along.
* read to her as much as possible; “easy” stuff as well as advanced literature (Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, etc.)
* knew for sure she was confident with the alphabet and beginning sounds (thanks, Leap Frog Letter Factory!)
* worked through 75% of Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons (though I selected a more phonically-focused program to teach Kindergarten reading, this resource established a fantastic sound-it-out groundwork for Vivienne to build upon)
* demonstrated and built mathematical concepts through everyday living and waited until Vivienne was confident in writing letters before I introduced writing numerals; once writing was easier for her, I knew she could handle some written math without angst.
Comments
2 responses to “Pre-K: Work worth doing”
My boys love those Kumon maze books – I didn’t even realize the hidden benefits – bonus!
Vivienne is definitely soaring!!!
I’m glad to hear you focused on a phonetically based reading curriculum. Knowing phonics makes a successful reader. You not only know your own daughter,you understand child development! Blessings to you!