Galen will be four years old at the end of September. Although too young to enroll in our charter, he loves learning and seems to soak up information from his environment. He really enjoys jigsaw puzzles, matching games, tanagrams and other games where you construct patterns from different shaped blocks. Recently, he's become enamored with books and studies them with an almost unsettling focus. He's been able to count up to and back from ten (and maybe to 20) and recite his ABC's by rote for the last year, but he also seems to be learning to recognize numbers and letters by sight on his own as well. And he doesn't seem to miss any logical connections, which he normally articulates at the top of his lungs with glee.
For a brief time, I considered getting Moving Beyond the Page's 5-7 curriculum for Galen, with the idea that he could work through it slowly. I suspect he is almost ready for it. In the end, however, I've rejected that idea.
I didn't use a formal curriculum with either Landry or Kipp at Galen's age. Instead, I made some fun one-on-one time each day to work on phonics, printing and numbers. I also made certain to take the time to explain whatever was interesting to them. After much debate, I've decided that I can see no reason to depart from what has worked in the past.
Therefore, my curriculum list for Galen is short and low key. I have some basic Kindergarten curriculum books from Costco, a dry erase board for printing, Hot Dot cards for phonics, a board with tiles numbered 1 to 100, Bob Books, and some learning puzzles to teach basic skills. I think Galen will enjoy all of that. In addition, he can join in art with his brothers, and I might see if he enjoys learning Spanish through Rosetta Stone. When he shows an interest in a subject like the moon or ants, I will find books on that subject for him. And I will make the time to read copious amounts to him.
With that, my initial thoughts on curriculum for all three boys are complete. I still need to clean and organize my homeschool room. However, as much as I will miss the summer (and I really will!), I think I am beginning to look forward to this school year. I am excited to see where the year takes us.
For a brief time, I considered getting Moving Beyond the Page's 5-7 curriculum for Galen, with the idea that he could work through it slowly. I suspect he is almost ready for it. In the end, however, I've rejected that idea.
I didn't use a formal curriculum with either Landry or Kipp at Galen's age. Instead, I made some fun one-on-one time each day to work on phonics, printing and numbers. I also made certain to take the time to explain whatever was interesting to them. After much debate, I've decided that I can see no reason to depart from what has worked in the past.
Therefore, my curriculum list for Galen is short and low key. I have some basic Kindergarten curriculum books from Costco, a dry erase board for printing, Hot Dot cards for phonics, a board with tiles numbered 1 to 100, Bob Books, and some learning puzzles to teach basic skills. I think Galen will enjoy all of that. In addition, he can join in art with his brothers, and I might see if he enjoys learning Spanish through Rosetta Stone. When he shows an interest in a subject like the moon or ants, I will find books on that subject for him. And I will make the time to read copious amounts to him.
With that, my initial thoughts on curriculum for all three boys are complete. I still need to clean and organize my homeschool room. However, as much as I will miss the summer (and I really will!), I think I am beginning to look forward to this school year. I am excited to see where the year takes us.
I'm so glad to hear you are going low key with Galen. I think that will make your overall stress level much lower.
One thing that worked well with Evan when he was pre-formal school age was doing math with dice. He LOVED the hands on action, especially since he'd toss them across the room and hunt them down.
Yes, low key works best. I've talked to several mothers whose children are grown and successfully on their way, and they all say to leave the third alone. He will do just fine absorbing from his environment. I can't be that relaxed, but I am definitely taking their thoughts to heart. Jerry and I are both fairly shocked at what Galen has already picked up on his own.
As for the dice, I love the idea. I can hear Galen's thoughts now, "Where's kitty? Here, kitty! Let's throw the dice across the room at kitty. Now, I'll add my numbers. Learning is fun!"
(Just being funny. No cats will be harmed in the education of my sons.)