My oldest son will be 4 next Months, and LOVES learning. My middle son is 2 1/2. Everyday, we (try) to read a lot, sing, do a craft, count/ABC etc. (mommy brag: they can both sing the entire alphabet) My 1st question is: should we have an actual routine at this age, or just do things as they come up? My second question is: when should I begin homeschooling? I've heard conflicting ages 4,5, 6 years old. Their is only 18 months between my two sons, could they begin together or? Lastly, what are some ideas that I can do to prepare them on a day to day basis? I'm nervice about the process of homeschooling and just want to make the right choices. Thank you.
Unless you plan to send them to PS at some point, there's no preparation or routine needed. Follow their lead. Sometimes they'll want to learn with you all day long, and sometimes they'll just playing without you. That's ok. The only thing you really have to do is make sure you start when the state tells you to start (usually 6). You can start before that, of course, but be sure you're at least following the law if you don't.
There's no reason they can't learn together! Your older MAY be reading better before the younger, but that's no worry. Grab some K material next year and see how it goes. There's nothing saying you have to get through K in one year either. Just take it as it comes. My youngest did her K work about every other day, and was perfectly ready to start her 1st grade material every day when she was 6. Hope this helps! Edie
My olest boy is 4, middle boy is 3, and youngest is 1, so we both have small kids. I just let them do their owwn thing. Kids learn by social play at this age. The only thing I do is let them play in ABCmouse.com and they learn by doing that. They can learn at the grocery store, in the car, at home. Talk and read, talk and read over and over and over. That's how little kids learn. Don't be worried about it. They aren't! You've already taught them the alphabet!
I wouldn't worry about a schedule or a curriculum at this age. At all! You may have some things in mind you want to present (like the alphabet) as they come up, but NO PROB with them learning together!
NO ROUTINE!!! Maybe the only routine thing I'd do is to read to him daily, and/or take him on a walk when the weather permits. Also schedule time for him to play independently. Many hs'ers complain that their children won't work unless Mommy is sitting right there next to them. This is something you can start training at a very young age. Put him in a room with toys (you gate it off) with you in the adjacent room where he can see you (and, more importantly at this age, you can keep an eye on him, lol!). Then do your thing and let him do his. Even if it's only 15 minutes a day.
