Posted by Stephanie Z on 21:32 Jan 9
In Reply to: Advice on starting first grade early posted by Ashley
I start them topic by topic as they're ready. They learn to read while 4. Start some easy math at 4 (SM Early Bird) and 1st grade math around 5 (Miquon and Singapore PM1). They start ZB handwriting books at 4 (with K, then 1, then 2M. . .).
My youngest turned 5 in October so is technically pre-K age. What we're doing for this technically pre-K year. . .
She is done with her early phonics and is doing ETC3 and reading Pathway Readers and other books (about 3rd grade level but can actually read 5th grade+ level books but they're a bit heavy for routine reading). About 15-30 min a day in reading stuff. (Of course more at will and being read to lots)
She is doing ZB handwriting 2M. A page or two every day. 2-5 min.
She is doing Miquon and will be starting Singapore PM1 this month. 10-15 min a day (or more at will.)
She plays the violin. 20-30 min daily.
She listens in, colors, etc to sibs history, etc as she wishes.
She does spanish with the tutor once or twice a week for 15-30 min.
She has access to lots of self-led educational tools/toys (montesorri style stuff)
My main rule at this age is that it is ALL voluntary. There is no RULE that she must do any school work. Kids this age love to learn and with my 3 they've all been very eager to do school at that age. (Of course, we don't do TV and drastically limit videos/computer games. . .)
Kids can learn so much so early if given the chance, but I do think it is imperative to keep it very fun and voluntary at this early age.
With my oldest, I did start SOTW around age 5 and we had fun but I don't think I'd really recommend it unless you're bored out of your wits and looking for something to do or a total history buff and you'd so enjoy the activities together. I'd just relax and enjoy and wait a year or so before starting formal history. (Some science experiments can likewise be fun if you WANT to do it for fun!) If you do start SOTW early, make sure to use the AG to come up with lots of great picture books and fun activities and feel free to take it SSSLLLOOOWW. We took 3 years to do SOTW 1 and had great fun. No harm, lots of fun if you WANT to do it early, go ahead.