Comments on: 5 things I’ve learned in kindergarten

By: Sophia David

Sophia David

Thanks for sharing. It is really important to understand your child. Early childhood education is significant, I have come across Ithaca Montessori School, they are providing Montessori, Pre-K Program in Nashville.

By: Tricia Paoluccio

Tricia Paoluccio

In reply to Amida. oh thanks for explaining it to me ! :0 :)

By: Derek Magill

Derek Magill

“Everyday is not a school day” — this is so important.

By: Faith

Faith

In reply to Amida.

Honestly, I do not know one mom who has ‘held back’ when it comes to teaching letters to their kids. Even the unschoolers I know read to their kids all the time, sound things out, watch videos, have the kids play starfall, etc. So I don’t see that as a problem. I think telling moms that things will go better if their kids read early sets up a lot of new homeschooling moms with problems. If you expect your kid to read at 3 and they don’t get it until age 8 or 9 or later, that’s many years of frustration ahead! When a child reads shouldn’t determine their confidence in themselves. And just to give some case examples; my oldest didn’t click until age 8, she’s now got a masters in education and is a middle school special ed teacher. My oldest son didn’t read until 9 and just graduated with honors from a music conservatory. Both got into colleges with scholarships. I am not bragging or anything but just giving evidence that when a child reads does not need to have any bearing on their education. When a child reads is a function of their unfolding development and to my mind shouldn’t have a thing to do with their confidence in their own education. I could go on but I am out of time! Anyway, I thank you for the conversation.

By: Katie | The Surly Housewife

Katie | The Surly Housewife

I think what has helped me the most in teaching kindergarten is not calling it “schoolwork” but instead referring to it as learning time. It puts less pressure on me when they ask when they will be doing “schoolwork” and models the ideal that we are learning all the time. Not just during school time. I appreciate all your advice!!

By: Sarah

Sarah

I love these! One of the beauties of homeschool is that each family can build a culture of their own, and pursue the things they love and value — and, as others have commented, these 5 things aren’t for everyone, but they sure resonate with me! Long before we were seriously thinking in terms of homeschool, my kids and I loved playing with watercolor and crayons, and my musician husband loves engaging them with his keyboards and drums and musical gadgets. For us, creativity and the arts are part of being a person. And “field trips,” if that means getting out to see new places and talk to people and get curious — that’s just life! 🙂 I also liked hearing your thoughts on reading. My almost 4 year old is learning a lot of phonics just through conversation and read-alouds. I believe in not pushing academics, but letting a child develop as a whole person, so I’ve worried that I need to slow down! But as long as it is fun and no pressure, it makes sense that early reading could contribute to joy and confidence in other pursuits. Thanks Amida!

By: Susan

Susan

Thank you for this article! It’s always encouraging to hear from a mom who done this many times!

By: Michelle

Michelle

I absolutely agree with this post (especially reading the two points as “not optional” vs “not an option” ;)) My kids are young and we’re in our first year of homeschooling preschool and kindergarten. I love reading about other families’experiences. One of my kids LOVES to read and the other favors math (patterns, shapes, counting, and basic adding and subtracting). I’m learning when to learn as a group and when to separate the two of them to learn their age appropriate tasks, but one thing we all love is field trips! Granted, I don’t make a big deal about them being called that and don’t stress over what they learned that day. We’re not writing reports on the trips, here, and I trust they soaked in more info than I even did that day. Field trips for us could be a regular day at a park or the beach (which is nearby for us), a trip to the zoo or pumpkin patch, or even the farmer’s market. Especially if they get to pick out a food item and help me cook with it. So far I’ve found that if I don’t make a big deal out of certain things, it feels more like play for them than work, and if I’m not great at a subject I rely on the Internet or a local class that’s offered. It’s a win-win because I don’t stress over what I’m not particularly great at, and the kids get to practice taking instruction from adults other than me and make a friend or two in a class at the same time!

By: April Bumgardner

April Bumgardner

Just a word of encouragement to Colleen- Just as different children do things at different paces, each family has their strengths, interests and passions. It’s ok you don’t like art- send the kids to an art class. Maybe you are great at science experiments (or whatever). Concentrate on what fits into your family’s specific interests. Field trips are always a good idea even if it SEEMS like they get nothing out of them. In those young years keep them simple. Make use of parks, zoos, markets or outdoor walks gathering sticks and leaves in nice weather. I appreciate all ideas stressing being together as a family.

By: Amida

Amida

In reply to Colleen.

Thank you for sharing your experience! Little kids are sponges. I’m sure they are learning a ton of stuff from their field trips that don’t neatly fit into the standard school subjects (even if they don’t let on they are learning anything). I wouldn’t worry about reading fluency. If you’ve introduced it and it hasn’t clicked yet, then she’s either not ready for it or the programs/method aren’t a good fit. After trying out many different options, I’ve found for my own struggling reader that Teach Your Child to Read In 100 Easy Lessons was the key that opened up the world of reading.
I thought it was funny that you don’t love art. I could do it all day, so of course, everyone should, right?!? Just kidding. It’s more than just drawing and painting. It’s more about having a creative outlet and doing something that fosters that. Boogie boarding, perhaps?