How old was your child when you started teaching them?

Joy - posted on 03/15/2010

We started doing simple things with our oldest when he was 2.5 or 3. He was ready and begging for "school" and would cry almost daily when I told him that he needed to wait a few more years. I finally gave in and bought a few simple things from walmart just to make him happy. He is 4.5 now and working on Kindergarten work. He LOVES it and the material, though we started early, actually seems too easy for him.

We also have 3.5 year old and an 18 month old boy. The 3.5 year old will not start school at least until this fall and even then we will take it slow. I am thinking about putting him off for another year but we will see. He occassionally asks to start doing school too however he is still more interested in playing and if that is what he wants then that is fine for now.

I think you will know when your child is ready. And if they are not ready for structured school you can always read, sing, play games and just play with them and that will teach them a lot!

Michelle - posted on 03/10/2010

if you are a parent you are already homeschooling. You teach your child to walk talk share, basic hygine, how to eat right from wrong ect. I think it is a natural progression with kids and if you foster their desire to explore and learn they will florish. When it come time to start reading and writing and all that sruff if they have always been encourage it will just be another step in life and a smooth transition.

Kristen - posted on 02/04/2010

I second everything Jess just said. Especially the part about the DVDs. No need to get babies watching videos when reading to them is a FAR better idea, and will help get their creative juices flowing from a very young age.



At this age, you want to focus on more non-academic stuff. They don't need a ton of structure right now. They learn best through play, and actually doing stuff.



When we first started out homeschooling, I was at a loss for which curriculum to get. All my homeschooling friends (one of which who was a kindergarten teacher) ALL said to play, play and play some more. Let them help with everyday chores, etc, and give them hands on activities to do.

Jess - posted on 01/27/2010

Don't focus on the academic side to the point where you forget to have fun is all I'll say. We do poetry each week, but the way we do it is each child chooses two poems for me to read while we eat a yummy afternoon tea. Yes, they are learning about poetry and language, but we are also creating special memories that we will all treasure forever. Your baby may be too little to eat afternoon tea or choose a poem but they aren't to little to snuggle in and listen while you read to them and snack on a jam tart. I read to my babies from day one. I am exposing them to good literature and educating them about language, but I am also snuggling in with them and teaching them that I love them to bits. We sit and sing every day. I am teaching them about music and rhythm, helping their brain development and teaching them to sit and obey - but I am also cracking them up with silly actions and laughing with them. We count shoes as we put them on and fingers as we wash them - numeracy and FUN! They learn so much from you running a commentary on what you are doing - cooking, cleaning, walking the dog. It is language, social skills, science and so much more! Sing to them, dance with them, take them for walks, show them things you love and talk to them about it. This is how a baby learns.

Oh and avoid those AWFUL baby DVDs that are supposed to be educational but really are so yawn worthy. Your baby will learn far more from you singing the alphabet to them!

Some good books and sites about this type of thing are:

Babies Need Books by Dorothy Butler

Baby Games by Elaine Martin

350+ free activities for toddlers by Trish Kuffner

http://www.triviumpursuit.com/articles/t...

http://www.shirleys-preschool-activities...

http://www.early-years-homeschool.com/

Nikki - posted on 01/27/2010

Thank you for asking this! I was wondering the same thing.

Kelli - posted on 01/26/2010

I am with the moms that say it is never to early. It is a matter of what you do. I read to my kids every night since they were born, both love when I read to them. I chose which shows they could watch and kept them educational or for imagination development. I think to many parents who focus on education forget that imagination is as important. Our kids sat on our laps while we play Uno to learn colors and numbers until they were old enough to play. Life gives us what we need to learn we just have to embrace it.

Wendy - posted on 01/26/2010

thank you all for your help on this matter. All the information was very helpful. I can't wait to start homeschooling my daughter and bonding with her. I just did not know were to start.

Anna - posted on 01/26/2010

I don't think it's ever too early to start teaching your child. If you're familiar with sign language, then absolutely teach your infant to sign. It will help ease some of the frustration that goes along with having a non-talker. My youngest enjoyed signing time (www.signingtime.com). Just keep things fun. Young children really do learn best through play.



Have fun! It sounds like you're on the right track.

Kristina - posted on 01/24/2010

I started schooling our kids at 2 1/2. Well, we called it school, but it was more like "organized fun." I think that this helped them with the idea of a schedule and routine. I have very active boys, so routine is something that is very critical. With my oldest, he was ready to write and work with numbers and phonics right from the start. My youngest has just started "School" and we are starting very basic with things like colors, coloring, and how to spell his name. I agree with the other post here that anything that you do with your child is helpful. Homeschooling is a wonderful and positive experience for everyone involved. It is also very different for each child and each family. Do what you feel is right and what is comfortable for you and your child. You will do fine and don't worry! Good Luck and Enjoy Schooling at Home!

Richelle - posted on 01/23/2010

I think ANYTHING you do with your infant will help! Babies need nourishing in all forms; singing, reading, cuddling, etc... it is important to keep their brains going!

your diet (if breast feeding) plays a key role in the baby's brain development...

Unfortunately, I was a single mom until 3 years ago so I didn't get to stay @ home with my daughter. She was in daycare since 6 months and then was in public school for kindergarten & grade 1... it was not until I pulled her out of school that I was able to really bond with my daughter through learning.

The school said she was "slow", that she would always have a disability ... My daughter is now in grade 4 & was just tested on reading & comprehension... she has a grade 7/8 level! So much for a disability... more of an ability if you ask me!

So no matter what age the child is, it just goes to show that with a mothers love, care & devotion to helping her child succeed, anything is possible!