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Question:

My husband and I are practicing Catholics who love our faith. We just adopted our 10-year-old daughter from China. Although she has been in a Montessori school, she was not in regular school in China because of a special need she has. We need time to help her manage her special need, so we are looking into homeschooling her for the Spring semester. We then plan to send her to our parish Catholic school. She knows very little English. We thought about starting with the 1st grade material. Do you think this is wise? Is it a good idea to have her tested before we decide what grade level to begin with? We are anxious to teach her about our Catholic faith. Thank you!

Answer:

Dear Parent,

Thank you for your question!

I'm so happy to hear that you decided to adopt. It is truly a blessing that you have opened your home to someone in need of love and care. As one who was adopted, I am grateful for all the parents out there who say "Yes" to God in this special way.

Because she knows very little English, I think starting her with the 1st grade material might be a little too challenging for you and her. I wouldn't begin teaching her reading until she can understand all the vocabulary words in the first level of "Little Stories for Little Folks". I would focus on all the pre-reading activities from "Little Stories For Little Folks". My philosophy has always been that it is better for you and the child to start out easy and work your way up, then begin at a level that is too challenging, and have to take a step back. I suggest that you start with kindergarten materials, and see how she progresses. Even though she is 10 years old, we cannot forget that she has both a special need, and that she was adopted very recently. It takes time for adopted children to grow accustomed to a new world. If you use the materials in the kindergarten lesson plans, you can also start teaching her religion, and math.

God bless you and your family!

Laura Corrigan