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Question:

My daugher is advanced for her age. She is only 4 1/2, but we are almost finished with MCP Math K and with the pink books in Little Stories for Little Folks. We still need to review the last 4-5 books because she misses a few words in each book. I will admit that I have not followed the lessons plans. First of all, because she is young, I found it easier to let her take the lead. If she wants to read a particular book in LSLF or do a particular math page, it is easier to let her do it, then to force her to do something that she doesn't want to do. We also skimmed through the first half of the lessons plans, because she has known her alphabet for over 1 year and even the first half of MCP math was too easy for her. She will tell me that it is too easy.

Now my problem is that it is only September and there is not much left of Kindergarten to do especially in math and phonics. Do I just move onto the next level? Should I focus on more review? I know that she will reach a point where she can't go any further and we will have to wait a few months, but I just feel that she is too young to start 1st grade level work. I really love CHC, but I just don't know what to do with the rest of this year.

Answer:

Dear Mom,

What a wonderful dilemma. You are very blest to have such a bright and eager child. I find the fact that she is reading to be the greatest blessing. Praise God and thank Him for such a gift.

I would see this opportunity as a great advantage in that your little girl can focus upon reading skills and comprehension skills to her favor. Certainly you can spend time reviewing those few areas that may need tweaking but by and large I feel that the task before you is the assurance that she remains an eager and bright learner.

Challenge her with experiences such as museums, library programs and enrichment skills. A child that is this bright may find music just the challenge she is needing. Have you thought of giving her piano lessons? It is obvious that she would apply herself.

It is perfectly fine to go into the next level of work. Give her what she needs as far as that is concerned.

Remember that there is a lot more to Kindergarten work than the fundamental academics. Concentrate on Religion. Her comprehension is calling for deeper explanations. Explore her desires to learn more about her faith (all from the standpoint of appropriate material for a child).

I have friends who have very bright children and I am convinced that many times 'more school' is not always the answer to feeding the space that needs to be filled. This is the great beauty and blessing of the homeschooling lifestyle. The flexibility of the CHC lesson plans and the ease with which the plans can complement each level make it possible to insert enrichment opportunities that will more adequately round out the academic experience for your eager and lovely little girl.

Let us pray this evening for all those children that find academics an enormous challenge due to learning disabilities and challenges. Lord, we ask that all children have the great blessing of being surrounded by adults that are sensitive to their needs and are willing to work with a child. Lord, we ask that we see the successes first and use what is a blessing to overcome challenges. Amen.

Sending out a prayer,

Rita Munn