Friday, September 19, 2008

Brooke is doing her schoolwork

Four weeks ago, I started home-schooling Brooke. I have ordered the kindergarten material from A Beka, and we are working through it. She loves doing her school work. Each day when I get home from school (about 1:00), she says, "Ok, mommy, let's do school now." Gary and I are not totally decided if she will be ready for first grade next year or not. Her birthday is late (mid-December) and the CA cut-off is December 1. She can go to first grade next year if she is ready. That is what this school year is all about----determining if she is socially, mentally, and academically ready for school. So far, she is doing good! I have gotten different feedback from different people and would love to hear any of your comments, particularly if you have a "late" birthday experience. I often consider: "Do I want Brooke to be the youngest one in her class (the last one to drive a car) or the oldest one in her class (like she failed or something)?" I have no guess as to the future, so we are just taking one day at a time. The verdict will come next May :)

We are working through the vowels----A, I, U, and this week, E. She asked me last night, "How many vowels are there, mom?" She seemed pleased that there was just one remaining. She knows the alphabet, so I am sure she can figure out that there must be 21 other letters too.

6 comments:

Juliet said...

Cute photo of Brooke!

Most girls are usually smarter than boys..sorry boys. So if she seems to be doing well, you will know what to do.

Ann-Maire turned 18 the day she started college!

MommaHarms said...

Well, you may remember me as Nicole Hoelscher who you taught in 8th grade. I started kindergarten a year early so I was always the youngest. Now I don't mind, because all of my peers are turning 30 before me :) But I didn't like being the youngest. I never fit in (as you might recall) but that may not have had anything to do with my age. I remember getting in trouble in 3rd grade at recess because I always played with the 2nd graders, not my classmates, yet those kids were the same age as me. From everything I have seen as a teacher, it is harder on boys to be the youngest than girls, though.

Ann-Marie said...

I'm just chiming in to say I was always the youngest in my class (August 20 birthday).

There were times it was frustrating - the other girls developed first and got their driver's licenses first - but socially I didn't have any problems (with the girls, that is). I had girlfriends in my class and was actually closer to the girls in the grade ahead of us.

Academically, I felt like being the youngest gave me a jump on life - like I was able to get started on real life (out of college) a full year ahead of everyone else.

I agree - with you and Gary as her parents and Brooke's naturally outgoing personality, she'll do great!

Anonymous said...

Mom says "keep them young as long as you can!" But you know how I feel. Love you. Mom

Stacey Kannenberg said...

Brooke is doing great!!! I would love to send her my books: Let's Get Ready For Kindergarten! & Let's Get Ready For First Grade! to enjoy! If interested, email me at Stacey@cedarvalleypublishing.com!
Happy Learning!
Smiles -Stacey

Anonymous said...

Alexia was "on the bubble" and I waited. I am very glad that I did. I think that she prefers being the oldest also. And, when I taught second grade, I had three kids that went early and they were all very bright children, but they were the ones that had a hard time sitting still in their chairs and staying on task. They actually were my brightest children, but probably also had the most tears, and social problems. I have to agree with your mom, Keep them young as long as you can! They grow up too fast! Larita had her first baby this summer, and wow where did all the time go?