I am finally on my last kindergartner… I almost can’t believe it! It seems like yesterday my oldest daughter was struggling her way through kindergarten. One thing I have learned with my six children is that every angle one of them is TOTALLY different. If you think that you can just teach each of your children the same way, you’ll be disappointed. It would definitely be easier… But it just doesn’t work out that way.
I had to learn that lesson the hard way, but I did eventually learn that each of my children would require a slightly different learning regiment and thus I became an eclectic homeschooler. So, as I’ve gone though the last several years we have come across a few great pieces of curriculum that do work for most kids. These are typically our staple pieces, and we add additional resources as each individual child’s needs demand. Resources that allow your child to learn flexibly are perfect.
1.Remember that the kindergartner is still only 5. Their bodies still need lots of movement, and they still learn almost solely from “doing.” If we try to fit them into the same mold as older children – we as well as they – will be frustrated.
2. As your plan your kindergarten homeschool curriculum… Or change it if it isn’t working… Make allowances for lots of activity. Your little one should not be spending several hours sitting in a chair writing or sitting still at a computer. (Though using the computer is a great resource!) Break things up… Fill your day with variety! Go outside for science… Write your letters in the sand… Add with mom while she cooks…
3. Use learning resources that your child ENJOYS! If they constantly say they hate doing something…lay off of it for a while and come back to it after they have a bit of a break!
4. Get to know your child…find their strengths and weaknesses. Plan your learning around what these are.
