This past weekend I had a conversation with my grandmother-in-law about homeschooling. I was telling her how excited I was to "start". :) Then I began talking about what he'd be learning this yr. And I've talked about this alot, but for some reason it really hit me with this conversation. I told her how most people, that I know start out with reading. I am very much questioning why we all start that way. I mean sure we all want our kids to "learn" how to read. I see most homeschooling moms who have 3, 4, 5 yr olds already reading. To me I know my 4 yr old will learn, but I dont feel the need to "start" with reading. Schools start with reading, writing, math & to me the whole point of not going with the system of school is to not go with the system of school.
This questioning of why we start with reading came from an article on the web, or it might of possibly been a book. There was a study done of 2 groups of kids in school. One group started with reading, the other group started with critical thinking/problem solving. A couple of years later the 2 groups both read wonderfully, but the the 2nd group had better comprehention abilities.
Anyways as I get closer to D-day, I am questioning what should be taught first. Madix understands that there's an alphabet, that he knows. Those letters combine to form words & that's how we read. He loves to be read to & has books that he has memorized that he can "read". I can just tell that he really has no "wanting" to read at least at this point in his life. I guess I just envision our first yr to be more of nature exploration, questions & answers, causes & effects, playing, socializing. I think for the most part I just needed to get these thoughts out of my mind. I know I will be able to go with the flow of learning & teaching that will be best suited for my children. I am thankful & glad that this is my job, these are the things I get to think about.
This questioning of why we start with reading came from an article on the web, or it might of possibly been a book. There was a study done of 2 groups of kids in school. One group started with reading, the other group started with critical thinking/problem solving. A couple of years later the 2 groups both read wonderfully, but the the 2nd group had better comprehention abilities.
Anyways as I get closer to D-day, I am questioning what should be taught first. Madix understands that there's an alphabet, that he knows. Those letters combine to form words & that's how we read. He loves to be read to & has books that he has memorized that he can "read". I can just tell that he really has no "wanting" to read at least at this point in his life. I guess I just envision our first yr to be more of nature exploration, questions & answers, causes & effects, playing, socializing. I think for the most part I just needed to get these thoughts out of my mind. I know I will be able to go with the flow of learning & teaching that will be best suited for my children. I am thankful & glad that this is my job, these are the things I get to think about.
1 comment:
You are so right. Only you know what's best for your children. Our natural instincts tell us where to go, we just have to listen. And....they're only this age once. Kids grow and blossom in their own time. What an amazing and beautiful thing to witness. We are blessed.
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