The end of school-lite.

[Punchie]

In January, we will begin full-blown school w/DD5. I was planning on keeping things light for K, but I think it's lacking the structure and/or challenge she needs. I am hoping that it will help to tame her attitude problems and temper tantrums. After she calmed down from a tantrum yesterday, she went through the entire "Can You Find Me" book from CTC. It was the pre-k one, but she couldn't get enough of it. Today, we did 20 pages of the first Lollipop Logic. She decided to stop b/c the analogies made her think more than she wanted to at that point. Please tell me that more school will be good for her. Please tell me this will help to keep her tantrums in check (I did just institute a good/bad chart, which motivated her today, but it might not work for long).

 

Right now, all we're doing is ETC, OPTGR, a little bit of handwriting, and reading. She'll do science kits or play math games w/DH, but that might be only once a week.

 

I plan to add on RS A, Spanish (La Clase Divertida), history (DH says to do pre-history), science (I have both BFSU and some Intelligo unit studies, need to figure out which one), critical thinking (I bought multiple books last night for "fun school"), and art (MTM and the Usborne Art Treasury).

 

And I have to balance a toddler and a 3 mos old. And being a girl scout leader (which has turned into my hobby/creative outlet).

[Haiku]

Without knowing anything about your dd and whether tantrums are normal for her, the thing that stuck out to me is that you have a three month old. Is it possible that your dd is still adjusting to the new baby and is feeling some stress?

 

Right now you do four things, and you're planning to add six more? Maybe now is not the right time to make that leap. I'd keep the K year as low-key as possible, were it me.

 

I didn't even do K with my dd9, and she's certainly suffering no ill effects from it. Ds8 had a pretty full K year, but that's only because he wanted in on what dd was doing in 1st.

 

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about any sort of formal history or science, and I'd keep math as informal as possible, too.

 

Tara

[Willow Creek Academy]

I think it sounds like a bit much for K. For K, I focus on the 3R's and a bit of social studies and nature study and leave it at that.

 

LA

ETC 1 and 2

BOB Books

Starfall.com

 

Math

MCP K

 

Literature

Books from Simply Charlotte Mason

 

Handwriting

D'Nealian K

StartWrite for extra practice

 

Social Studies

Expedition Earth (from COAH)

 

Science

Nature Study

 

However, every child is different and you do know you child best. From my point of view, I don't like to push too early because it causes burnout later on. I learned that the hard way with my older step-daughters.

[go_go_gadget]

It is a long list of curricula for K, but in my experience the length of the list isn't as important as the manner in which you implement it. If you're not planning on hitting each curriculum every day, you should be fine, especially if you add them in slowing so you can have a continual idea of your daughter's comfort zone. We didn't use quite as much for what we considered our Kindergarten years, but my son didn't do K and my daughter did it at four. She's now five and doing first grade, for which we use a full subject-load, and my son also did first grade at five. So while your list is longer than mine was for K, it probably evens out.

[mom31257]

Personally, I would not add that many things at one time with all you have on your plate. I think math is a definitely subject you should add in, but I would keep history and science to a minimum (holiday studies, nature walks, etc.).

 

Does she have attitudes and temper tantrums over non-school issues? If so, I would think that it's not really a school thing and wouldn't expect more school to fix it.

[JudoMom]

In January, we will begin full-blown school w/DD5. I was planning on keeping things light for K, but I think it's lacking the structure and/or challenge she needs. I am hoping that it will help to tame her attitude problems and temper tantrums. After she calmed down from a tantrum yesterday, she went through the entire "Can You Find Me" book from CTC. It was the pre-k one, but she couldn't get enough of it. Today, we did 20 pages of the first Lollipop Logic. She decided to stop b/c the analogies made her think more than she wanted to at that point. Please tell me that more school will be good for her. Please tell me this will help to keep her tantrums in check (I did just institute a good/bad chart, which motivated her today, but it might not work for long).

 

Right now, all we're doing is ETC, OPTGR, a little bit of handwriting, and reading. She'll do science kits or play math games w/DH, but that might be only once a week.

 

I plan to add on RS A, Spanish (La Clase Divertida), history (DH says to do pre-history), science (I have both BFSU and some Intelligo unit studies, need to figure out which one), critical thinking (I bought multiple books last night for "fun school"), and art (MTM and the Usborne Art Treasury).

 

And I have to balance a toddler and a 3 mos old. And being a girl scout leader (which has turned into my hobby/creative outlet).

 

I think that as long as you follow her lead, you'll be fine. I probably wouldn't add in Spanish, but that's just me. I would add in math, and art, history and science can be fun. My boys loved logic books, too.

 

In K, I try to make sure we get in phonics, math, and handwriting. Anything beyond that is gravy. K is a great time to learn to sit for lessons without pitching a fit (and I found the oldest is the hardest to teach, because they're forging the path).

 

The last thing I will say is don't be a slave to your plans. You know your dd, and it might be that more structure will be a good thing. Enjoy the days, and don't stress about the extras.

[threeturn]

I agree with what has been posted here. Last year I had a 5, 3, and under 1. I would suggest structuring time and not necessarily stressing over content.

 

Last fall when they were all that young we would school during baby's two naps. In the morning we did the 3r's and in the afternoon we did literature based unit studies (FIAR, Homeschoolshare.com). We timed ourselves for lessons -- about 15-20 minutes for math and reading and 5 for writing practice. And most of it was not workbook based, but activities and games. When the timer went off we stopped even if we didn't finish the lesson. We just picked it up the next day.

 

The expectation that we would sit and work together and the routine of doing it made more of a difference in our day than the academic rigor of what we were doing. In fact, in my house the rigor would have backfired. :001_smile:

 

This year we are adding on a bit of expectations and the transition is going well.

 

HTH,

Pam

Edited December 8, 2011 by threeturn
clarification

[Soror]

I agree about structuring time, not content. Days can be structured without doing 50 different programs. I think as well that things like crafts, read-alouds and cooking together would be a better use of time. I think RSA can be good and gentle but I think if you push too hard it could end up worse.

[stripe]

I agree about structuring time, not content. Days can be structured without doing 50 different programs. I think as well that things like crafts, read-alouds and cooking together would be a better use of time. I think RSA can be good and gentle but I think if you push too hard it could end up worse.

 

I tend to agree; my kids also need to be kept active or else things deteriorate. Does not have to be workbooks or academic.

[Punchie]

Well…the tantrums are more related to things like brushing her hair, picking up toys, getting ready for bed, and turning off the TV. She does pout sometimes with school, but not full-on tantrums. I had a blip of a thought a while ago that the tantrums could be related to the baby, but she had no problems adjusting when our toddler was born. I pushed that idea out of my mind b/c why would she have problems this time?

 

I want to add in more school not for the rigor but to fill up time (b/c maybe if her time is filled, she won’t have as many tantrums). I don’t plan on doing every subject every day. Actual art would be once a week, but coloring, painting, crafts, etc…would be every day. She adores science, so adding that twice a week wouldn’t be beyond her. She’ll most likely ask for more. History would be reading with games/crafts thrown in as appropriate, and again probably only twice a week. Spanish for sure, since she’s been asking to learn it for over a yr.

 

I need to figure out how to balance all three kids. The toddler, DD20mos goes to daycare once a week. She’ll probably start going twice a week soon. There is a half-day Montessori school here, but she’s too young for it at the moment. DD5 probably gets the most of my time, even with the baby. DD20mos gets the least amount of time. I do Kindermusik with her, but since it’s during the day, the other two come along as well (though they sit in the sidelines).

Edited December 8, 2011 by Punchie

[Punchie]

I agree about structuring time, not content. Days can be structured without doing 50 different programs. I think as well that things like crafts, read-alouds and cooking together would be a better use of time. I think RSA can be good and gentle but I think if you push too hard it could end up worse.

 

Structure is a must. I've been very bad about maintaining a schedule. I need it for me as well. I need to find some time to sit down and plan it out. I know we won't necessarily follow it, but having it as a guide would help. I probably need to get her outside at least once a day. That might have an impact on her behavior as well.

[Lisa in the UP of MI]

When my oldest was in Kindergarten her two younger siblings were 3.5yo and 1.5yo (plus we had a baby born in January during the year). We kept things pretty simple: AAS 1 (had done some in preschool and was easier for her than reading at first), OPGTR (though she was reading fluently and everything she did was review), RightStart A, and handwriting (we started copywork when we were done with HWT K). This was perfect for us, and we were able to do it all during the younger kids' nap time. During the rest of the day we did fun activities that involved everyone. Some of the things that were part of our daily or weekly routine were: read-alouds, outside time, crafts, music time (either us making music, singing, or just listening and dancing to a cd), baking, and chores. We left time for free play as well. This kept our days full, but fun, and since most of it involved everyone it kept the toddlers as well as the 5yo happy.

[roanna]

I am going through this same thing...without an infant though. I have a 5 1/2 yr old and a just about 2 yr old. My 5 yr son started acting out and getting jumpy and me and my husband felt that it was boredom.

 

We wanted to delay formal school until 6 but he reads quite well and seems that he wants more challenge. Kids do get into trouble from boredom. Anyhow, after much looking into it we got Sonlight Core B but only the history , geography, Bible. those are not all daily either. We do miquon math every night and tracing for handwriting and ZB on the iPad (love it).

 

So far the moving towards structure is good for us. My 2 yr old was also getting ignored more. We are doing what we feel is right for him.

[Haiku]

I pushed that idea out of my mind b/c why would she have problems this time?

 

 

Maybe because she's more aware of the changes in the household?

 

Tara

[longnightmoon]

Just wanted to share my own experience. I deal with tantrums with my oldest dd, as well. Some of the items you mentioned seem related to transitions - does that seem accurate? My dd has a horrible time with transitions from one activity to the next and needs plenty of mental preparation to do well. Structure has been immensely helpful for us, as well. Doing things like starting our day with a schedule on a dry erase board of what we will do that day (storytime, playtime, art time, meals, etc.) has been incredibly helpful for both of us. I also prep her all the time for what's coming next and remind her of the next activity. For example, if we turn on the tv I'll tell her we are watching one show. If it's a 20 minute show, I remind her halfway through that we will be turning it off when it's over. I remind her again when it's nearing the end. They are little things but it helps her so much to know what's coming next and I think it gives her a sense of better control.

 

Anyways, I'm not sure exactly if transitions are a part of the issue you're facing but if so, I just wanted to share because helping my dd transition through the day has made such a difference in our home.

 

Hope that helps!

[Punchie]

Maybe because she's more aware of the changes in the household?

 

Tara

 

Because she's 5 now and more aware of what is going on in your household. There are now 2 little people younger than her that demand more attention -- immediately. This is her way of saying, "Hey, I'm still here and I want you to notice me."

 

That would make sense. I didn't think of it that way. DH and I have been trying to encourage her to help us with our tasks. It can backfire a little bit since little Sally tag-along wants to do it too (like mopping/vacuuming), and that sends DD5 into a pout. It will get worked out eventually, right?

 

Just wanted to share my own experience. I deal with tantrums with my oldest dd, as well. Some of the items you mentioned seem related to transitions - does that seem accurate? My dd has a horrible time with transitions from one activity to the next and needs plenty of mental preparation to do well. Structure has been immensely helpful for us, as well. Doing things like starting our day with a schedule on a dry erase board of what we will do that day (storytime, playtime, art time, meals, etc.) has been incredibly helpful for both of us. I also prep her all the time for what's coming next and remind her of the next activity. For example, if we turn on the tv I'll tell her we are watching one show. If it's a 20 minute show, I remind her halfway through that we will be turning it off when it's over. I remind her again when it's nearing the end. They are little things but it helps her so much to know what's coming next and I think it gives her a sense of better control.

 

Anyways, I'm not sure exactly if transitions are a part of the issue you're facing but if so, I just wanted to share because helping my dd transition through the day has made such a difference in our home.

 

Hope that helps!

 

I tried this, and setting timers, and telling her how much time she has left helps. She wasn't as resistant to changing activities (say, tv or toys to school or hygiene).