School Obsessed

     As parents we are our childrens' best teachers. A job I love early on but don't think I've been as good at as they have gotten older. For me the pre-school years are the most fun. These little kids are discovering every single thing out there. There is so much to see and learn. So many teaching opportunities every day. I loved having my kids home with me and shopping with me at this age. At the store with one of my extras we counted how many milks we were getting and what colors were on them. Of course what else we saw in the store and other colors. A quick 15 min milk run equaled a fun little learning experience. It really is that simple.
     Kids are learning to read in Kindergarten. My oldest boys didn't learn until first grade. Pre-k has become pretty much universal. We all know its needed, sometimes more often for social experience than for educational purposes. One of my children needed early intervention and had to start school at 3 because he was barely speaking. His twin needed social experience so at age 4 I put him in a pre-k program. It was only 3 days a week for about 3 hours a day. It was also what I could afford. It definitly benefitted him as he was shy to begin with, still is mind you. My daughter did not go to any form of pre-k. It made starting Kindergarten a little more scary for her but she certainly thrived. I was asked at her screening, and later by her teacher, where she went to pre-k because she knew so much. I couldn't have been prouder to say she didn't go anywhere and was home with me. My youngest was able to get into the free district offered pre-k program. I didn't want him to go but it was good for him and he loved seeing his friends every day for 2 and 1/2 hours. I don't know how much he learned per say as he knew so much when he started. His teacher couldn't get over the fact he counted to over 100 when they only needed to know to 20 and many kids couldn't do that.
     I guess I just don't understand parents who want to ship their kids off to pre-k at 3 or even 2 when they could be spending that much more time with them. Sure some don't have a choice as work is a major factor. Others need that extra learning to get them onto the same level as other children their age. But if you have the option wouldn't you rather teach your own child? Spend time with your child? I would and I'm really glad I did. If the free pre-k had been available for my daughter she probably would have went too. I am really glad it wasn't though. It was a fun year at home with her, myself and her new baby brother.
     Every situtaion is different. Every child is different. Of course every parent is going to do what they think is best. Although all four of my kids had different pre-k experiences I think each one was right for them and us. If I could have I'd have kept them all home and played and taught them every day. It really is so easy. There are letters and numbers and shapes and colors everywhere. It's really not hard to show them and share it with them and explain things to them. Maybe you look and sound silly to other people around you but they don't matter, your child learning does. With the twins I was very hesitant to talk to them about the world around us when they could barely answer back. It's your job to look silly, the kids won't see you that way they'll just take in eveything your saying. I totally don't care what anyone thinks anymore. We even talk about what's in other peoples carts at the store now. Guess I've done it enough to totally not care.
     My son had very simple homework in his pre-k class. He has homework 4 days a week now in Kindergarten. A big change from the twins early years. If they are used to sitting down with you and drawing or reading the step over into doing homewrok doesn't seem like such a big one. I certainly enjoy doing our own projects better than the assigned ones from school but the kids don't need to know that. They'll be learning with you either way. Once school does start they need your help reiterating anything new or not so new they've learned. And of course showing them that it is important. But it can also be a lot of fun. Especially all the new books they'll soon be able to read to you. It's such a thrill for me when they start reading. My five year old loves math and has been adding for quite some time. Go Fish wasn't enough anymore we had to teach him the card game 31. He loves adding up his points. I believe my husband will soon be working with him on poker. And before you get on me for gambling, we use fun things like goldfish and cookies and pretzels. It's fun family time and more learning experiences too! From us not just school.