I think it's just a matter of motivation. And what is great motivation for one kid, another will look at you like you're crazy, lol! McDonald's PlayLand? NO WAY!!! But they'll do it for a $1.50 Matchbox Car, lol!
Yep! See, we never play at those indoor playgrounds. It has to be a special occasion for me to do that! I hate them. So, that is something he wants. He has too many toys now.
Thanks for clarifying, Tina I couldn't sleep well last night (another 1st trimester thing for me) and I just kept thinking about what you posted about burnout. I don't want my poor Hannah to be exhausted at 8 years old! But, the more I thought about it the more I decided she's not in danger of being overwhelmed right now. More than half of the "school" we do gets done without either of them realizing I'm purposefully teaching any of it They don't know that when I check 8 books out of the library all on one subject that I call it a "theme". They just know we got some really fun books about stars and constellations. I think we're in a good place, but it's really good to re-evaluate and make sure. I appreciated your comments, and I'm sure I'll keep them in mind as we go through kindergarten. Hannah also started writing early, and she draws excpetionally well for her age. I know it's awfully early to tell, but I'm 95% sure that she's primarily visual. Her younger sister, Sarah Grace, is not. She's much, much different. I have lots of friends who know us well say that raising Sarah Grace doesn't seem all that far from raising a boy in many respects. Don't get me wrong, she's feminine, she loves girly things. She also almost always has a mjor bruise somewhere (often on her face), thinks swords are great, and moves nearly all the time She's a lot of fun. I already know that she's not going to do the same preschool work that Hannah did. Hannah loved the little Rod & Staff readiness workbooks; Sarah Grace will maybe get through one all year. Hannah did the kindergarten level of a Reason for Handwriting; Sarah Grace is going to do a pre-writing book called ReadyWriter. She digs it because she gets certificates from Daddy for each level she finishes. I think that's basically what you all are getting at, right? Don't expect them to all be the same. Don't hold them all to an arbitrary age goal. Don't freak out if your 1st born knew all her capital letters before she turned two but your 3rd born doesn't even know colors at that age. There are 4 year olds learning their colors, chill out. Right? Is that what you mean?
I don't know about Tina, but that's what I meant when I said what I said! If you keep that philosophy your kids will learn and enjoy it, because you know how they learn best and what they really enjoy! Way to go Jacci!!!
Okay, that's it! I'm emailing Trish and telling her about the site right now. You guys are so encouraging Thanks for the pep cheer, Deena
This might help I have the same quest so I posted under The proverbial question. I wanted to use an example site that will help you, But i wanted others to compare it to. Goto worldbook.com then click the Student Activities tab at the top, then click Typical Course of Study on the left side.
Jacci, YES YES, that is exactly what I mean. It is very normal to worry about standards when it is our first child. I always tell my new homeschooling moms in our workshops that our *firsts* are our guinea pigs..Sweet ones at that.:lol: Once, we teach them and get them reading,etc. we exude confidence and we should. But we also learn a lot about our teaching. But don't unneccessarily worry, it will be okay. :angel: Just the fact that you are worried about burnout shows that you are aware of it. Yes it does happen a lot and it happens with moms that have kids K-3rd grade. However, some children that are gifted are tireless when they learn. It is hard to make some moms understand that as well. That child will work ALL day on worksheets if we let them. THEY WANT TO. Their minds are consuming. They can wear out one ole mom! LOL So it just calls for balance and it calls for mom throwing those fun things in their day. Eight is not too young to decide what type of learner they are. It is the right age. Cathy Duffy classifies them as Perfect Paul/Paula, Competent Carl/Carla, Wiggly Wilma/Willy, Sociable Sue/Sam. Most firsts are Pefect Paula/Pauls or Competent Carl/Carla. Now remember I'm speaking generally. Have you read any of her books? So yes, that is what I mean...I use to worry about what E.D. Hirsch said and read Worldbook's standards and checked the standards in my state, but now...i know there is no way that any of those measuring tools can measure what my children know. BUT I DO what they know. But it only comes with time and hands on experience. Day to day being with them! You will HAVE IT! I guarantee it! So it sounds like your doing just fine!:angel:
Hey, I was just wondering... I was reading another thread about Bible curriculum... so, what do you cover in a Bible curriculum that wouldn't be covered in Sunday school (w/ memorization), church, morning Bible reading, and evening devotions w/ Daddy? Is it just things like "Name the 12 tribes of Israel in birth order?" or what would be the main difference? I was just wondering. Do lots of folks teach "Bible" as a part of kindergarten?
I don't do a formal Bible curriculum. Most of my curriculum is Bible-based, so the kids get a little that way. We are also involved in our church's Awana program (except for my special needs dd). That along with Sunday School, Kids Church and Bible stories/devotions with mom and dad is plenty for us right now.
Thanks, Pam. I just wondered what others did. "Bible" is taught in all of the Christian schools, maybe it depends on what curriculum you use. Is it more common with families who use a complete curriculum like those used in Christian schools? Like Abeka or BJU?
My Bible curriculum is AWANAS. For me, I think it presents Biblical foundations in a very concise way, more than a Sunday School. And it involves LOTS of memorization. So in the morning, I schedule time for the kids to work on their AWANAS. For me, this means working with my kindergartener helping him memorizing his verses and doing whatever I might need to do to help my middle one. My oldest is usually fine on her own.
I don't know. Brenda's the one to ask, but her computer isn't working. I do know they have a web site, but am not sure where.
My husband goes through a little book with the girls called "Big Truths for Little Kids" that presents the shorter catechism in story form for children. We are baptist, so we approach the lesson on baptism differently than the book, but that's the only chapter we've had to "revise". It lays out some really meaty doctrine in a way that little ones (4+) can handle. Sunday schools can really vary in how in depth they get with the children. We're very blessed with their teachers. Most of their instruction, though, is at home.
You can order Awana books directly from their website. Here is a link to their store: http://store.awana.org/ You can also visit www.awana.com for more general information. Cubbies are 3&4 year olds and Sparks are K-3.
Syele, Here is a direct link to the 1st Sparks book. I had a little trouble finding it through the other link. I know you were able to order directly a couple of years ago, but that may have changed now. Check it out and see. http://www.awana.org/mgo/AwanaVirtualCategory.aspx?itemId=019000440
thanks for the link. It says I need a charter number and a position in order to get a login and I have to login to order. I *still* haven't found a curriculum for Bible for Sami that I like.
Have you tried Christian Liberty Academy? (It'd be Christian Liberty Press, or CLP, if you Google it) My kids really enjoyed their Bible curriculum. It's kind of fun, though it's not fancy by any means. But it IS cheap! They have a story and questions, and puzzles and games and craft things to go with it. It's worth a look anyway.
Syele, I have 2 Skipper books. They are used, but you can still get an idea of what Awana is about. Really, it won't matter that they are used. They are signed by Awana leaders as the sections are completed. If you PM me your address, I will be glad to send you one. If you like it great, if not, no money lost!
