I got some of dd's books today, and need HELP!!!

514 Views 13 Replies 9 Participants Last post by JodiM, Jun 17, 2004

JodiM

Discussion Starter · Jun 15, 2004

I got most of dd's books today, including all of her 1st grade Abeka readers, and her 'bob books (a&b).

These are nothing for her, she already knows how to read, and this is stuff she did last year.

so, what should I do? She's a strong reader, so I don't think she needs to 'master' these...

Should I buy her the next grade in books? I don't want to 'miss' teaching her anything, but these are not going to challenge her whatsoever.

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manitoba_mommy

· #2 · Jun 15, 2004

I think you are realy putting way too much pressure on yourself to make sure she does not miss anything. There is not a concept in the world that has to be mastered at a certain age and stage. Go to the next level if that is what you both want, and then if something is hard, or you find she missed a concept, go over it with her.

Kids realy are far brighter and adept at "getting" stuff then educational planners give them credit for IMO.

MM

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Openskyheart

· #3 · Jun 16, 2004

Hi Jodi,

I'm excited to see you in the planning stages of homeschooling! The beauty of homeschooling is you don't have to follow any grade levels at all. You can follow your child, so if she is reading at a 3rd grade level, doing math at a 1st grade level, and is able to do 4th grade science with an older sibling - you can do it this way. Buy whatever grade level she needs, rather than following a strict grade level schedule.

Of course, this makes it trickier when you are trying to use a packaged curriculum that only includes the same grade level for each subject. Many homeschoolers start out with a packaged curriculum, and then find out this very thing - that certain aspects of it are inappropriate for their particular child. This is very common, so don't worry about it.

And I second, third, and fourth MM about dropping the worry regarding covering everything. Public schools and private schools don't cover everything either - so no worries.

Laura

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khrisday

· #4 · Jun 16, 2004

I don't think most kids need "readers". If she's already reading, just make sure she has plenty of interesting book from the library to challenge her.

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phathui5

· #5 · Jun 16, 2004

Let her read whatever she wants (that you're comforable with). Don't let reading become boring or a chore. Don't feel like she has to do stuff that's on her "grade level."

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Brenoi

· #6 · Jun 16, 2004

I agree - follow her, not a preprogrammed curriculum.

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TiredX2

· #7 · Jun 16, 2004

I disagree--- I think you should make her read them twice to show you what you get if you move ahead to quickly.

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phathui5

· #8 · Jun 16, 2004

Twice? How about three or four times?

*whack*

"You can't get new books! You have to stay with the rest of the class!"

"Um, mommy..."

"Yeah?"

"What class?"

Aaah, the beauty of homeschooling.

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lilyka

· #9 · Jun 16, 2004

Screw readers. Just take her to the library. I would return the stuff you have and go up a couple of levels. see if they have samples. If you really feel you need readers.

Most of the reading work we have done has nothing to do with books. She is working on homophones and synonyms and such. spelling and comprehension. My dd has language processing problems so we have to go over and over and over and over these things. she reads very fluantly but doesn't retain squat. so that is what we work on for reading. If you child totally gets it I wouldn't even bother with this. have her read books and prepare presentations/projects/etc. tkae her to the places the books were set (if possible.)

Definitely go with where your child is at. No reason to hold them back and no reason to beat a dead horse. Bob books are not readers. they are the first steps to learning reading. your dd is way past that.

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JodiM

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jun 16, 2004

Sorry to ask such a ignorant question. Like most parent's, I'm trying to do what is best for my child/children, and hs'ing is new to us.

Thanks for the advice, I just bought her a bunch of books I think she'll like at 3rd grade 'level', and I went ahead and am going to look for some 2nd grade 'readers' to see how she does.

DH insists that I follow a 'curriculum' if they are to be homeschool'ed, and since we're new to this, I tend to agree. Once we get bpast the first year, I will work on him... and finding what 'works' for our family.

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manitoba_mommy

· #11 · Jun 16, 2004

I can see why you would want a curriculum, but just remember you don't have to follow it like it is gospel. Even with a curriculum you can still go at the children's pace and tweak things so they work best for them. Just try not to be too rigid, that is the easiest way to burn out and decide that you are not cut out for homeschooling. Flexibility and remembering to teach to the child, not the box.

And don't appologise for asking questions! The only ignorant question is the one not asked!

MM

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applejuice

· #12 · Jun 16, 2004

The joy and magic of homeschooling lies in the fact that you can move at your own pace.

Children in school are rushed through concepts they do not master -OR- they are bored with material they have already mastered.

Make the most of your homeschooling experience and go with your child's learning patterns.

That is the advantage of homeschooling.

Therein lies its beauty.

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lilyka

· #13 · Jun 16, 2004

just had a thought. You may want to go to www.starfall.com. you can print off little readers if you think that would help your homeschooling experiance. you can pick the level you want (not sure how high they go but I would think through about a 2nd grade level.) and it is all free.

there is also a link here somewhere about the sylvan reading program and you can print off a list of books (a long list of books) at different grade levels. that could help you get a good idea at what grade level books are (you can also work towards free books if she starts now)

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JodiM

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jun 17, 2004

Great, thanks for the ideas! (and support!)

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