| Question: |
We are homeschooling my 3 year old. We ordered CHC's pre-school/kindergarten curriculum. When should I start? My initial thought was to start in the fall. He will turn 4 in November. That would mean he would start kindergarten at 4. Should I wait another year? How do I know he is ready? I have been doing other "schoolwork" with him. I bought a few Winnie the Pooh workbooks and I also use a ministry resource through Boz the Bear. Boz is co-created by the guy who created Barney. He is much like Barney in style, but with Christian themes. This includes a 15 minute video, Bible verse/story, related game, and related art project. We do our nightly devotions and prayers and are very consistent in talking to him about the liturgical seasons/holidays. We also participate in MOPS. I also know he learns so much by playing and reading/storytime. He loves "school", I'm just not sure how much I should be doing now. Also, are you aware of any families who use your curriculum in my area? I would love to create a support group. Thank you. |
| Answer: |
Dear Parent,
Thank you for your question!
My suggestion is that you start him in the preschool lesson plans, and integrate learning into his everyday life, which it sounds as though you are already doing, waiting a year before starting kindergarten. Activities such as the resources you are using are excellent ways in which you are preparing him for school. Talking to him about prayers and nightly devotions is a great way to introduce religion. Encouraging him to explore his environment and story time are wonderful ways in which you are teaching him science and reading, but in a gentle and relaxed environment. Because you are reading together, this is a great way in which you can begin introducing letters and numbers. If you take a look at CHC's preschool lesson plans, they provide numerous suggestions to teaching concepts in everyday life, without using any actual textbooks or workbooks.
Some clues that will help you decide if he is ready for kindergarten are: Does he work and play independently for at least half an hour at a time? Can he hold his pencil correctly? Can he button his coat and tie his own shoes? Does he know colors and shapes? Does he recognize basic numbers and letters? Does he have good small and large motor control? Does he express himself well verbally? Does he listen and sit quietly for at least 15 minutes or more? Does he understand the difference between yesterday, today and tomorrow? Can he classify, label and sort various objects? All these concepts are important for him to know as he transitions into kindergarten.
Another way that you can check readiness is by observing what he wants to do, and does not want to do when you introduce concepts to him. If he seems eager to learn more math concepts, you can move him ahead. If he seems disinterested in going any further in reading, you can wait, all the while exposing him to more books and reading aloud to him.
It sounds as though you are doing an excellent job already with the teaching, and social aspect, as well. It is wonderful that your son loves school, because you can foster his love for learning into the years ahead.
One way to create a Catholic homeschooling group is to contact those in local non-Catholic homeschool groups. I'm sure that if you advertise through local parishes that you want to create this group, you will get a response from those in surrounding areas. Good luck!
God bless you and your family!
Laura Nicholson |
