You all know I've struggled a bit about what to do for k, should I do a curriculum? Put something together myself? Just "do nothing"? Well, we have a math book that I picked up at a book sale, and some stuff I was just putting together myself, deicded that's what we would do. Not happening, lol. Decided for this year we're going the "do nothing" route. Not that nothing is really nothing, ya know? We did do the things I had planned I think 2 or 3 days, but ds is just so busy. We don't watch tv so he's always into something. I bought a marble run that he loves to put together, he spends hours doing it. I can't interrupt that. Yesterday he was in the yard for hours with the chickens, I can't interrupt him from that. Then it was riding his bike, I can't interrupt hiim from that. He plants every seed he gets his hands on, or he dries them out for next year, I can't interrupt him from that. Basically it's always somethiing, lol. I just tend to see value in everything, after all he's 5 years old, I don't want to stop him from being a kid. Does he really need to be taught at this age? I've come to a definite conclusion of NO. He can read, he can do simple addition/subtraction. He hasn't been drilled or put before workbooks to get there. So for now, I'm gonna let the kid play! It's working! And with the brother or sister coming, he'll learn plenty this year! Finally, I've decided.
I agree with you Tracy. Let him play, he is learning by doing that anyway. You could even incorporate math and other subjects in his daily playing - if you wanted. Have him count the seeds he is planting or saving, ect.
Tracy, THAT'S OK!!! Especially with the baby on the way! He'll learn fine this year just picking up bits and pieces, you can "guide" his play occasionally, and can pick up anything "missed" when things are a bit more settled. Just enjoy him right now before the baby!
Great choice! Just read to him and with him, and enjoy the learning that naturally falls into his daily path in life. I know people who did not implement a formal curriculum with their kids until grade nine age (and few never did!) and they are now off doing very well in university. Curriculum is not a must in homes. I use it as a guide, my kids do like the occasional worksheet but mostly we read, read, read, read and discuss what we read. Science experiments are a must to, as my kids love them. I think you've made a wonderful choice and you are obviously very well in tune with your child. Great job! Michelle
I agree just let him play and have fun, they grow up so fast and have to learn all the time after that.. Like Crystal said he is learning while he is playing...
I totally agree! Little ones are only little for so long ya know!?! And they learn soooooo much from play! My Grace is 4 and we have never done anything formal at all. Just play! This year we will do a little here and there but not if she doesn't want to. And I could never interupt something as important as playing with chickens!!
Yeah, I agree too! I think it's great---what he's finding to do IS learning---who says he should have to follow a curriculum to learn?!!! There are soooo many years of school coming up, I think allowing him his freedom to explore and learn more on his own is a GREAT idea! GO DANIEL!!! Hope all is going well with your pregnancy!
I think doing "nothing" is everything! you are teaching him so much........ and he is learning so much. Have you tried looking at www.learningpage.com and the virtual vine they give you lots of guided things to do. with out every thing being work sheets, though i love the work sheets from learning page.
To me, too! We are trying a small afternoon schedule, mostly just to keep ds occupied and get me into some habits for later. But today we are just going to play, I think. And maybe make a pie. Life is good.
Tracy, do you know how special you are? I don't think we've EVER had EVERYONE in agreement on a thread before, lol!!!
Maybe the ones who disagree just aren't posting! I was thinking about what he's been doing the past few days, and he's really blossoming physically. He's been reading since 3, counting till he gets tired, way into the hundreds, blah, blah, blah. But physically he's always been a little reserved. But lately, wow! He's been riding his bike alot, those training wheels are on their last days. He started swimming unassisted a few weeks ago, tried out roller skating today...and did great! He's already better than his daddy I think! He learned to "pump" the swings this year, and it's the first year he'd go down the slide without holding my hand. Seriously. I could go on and on, but just letting him do things without being taught is the best way right now. It's amazing!
Thanks. Everything is going great...less than 10 weeks to go now! I'm feeling pretty big, but feel great! I'm not even up 20 pounds yet, quite different from the first time, I gained 50 pounds with Daniel! Luckily it all came off as soon as he was born, whew!
Tracy...I think you are right! I am in agreement. Believe me if someone disagreed they would post...LOL. Hey..you don't need our approval anyway. YOu need to do what is best for your family. Your son will do fine. Besides with the steller women who did respond in agreement...(me too! LOL) I think you can feel confident. LOL.
