Many of you know that we decided to keep Dax out of Kindergarten last year. He has a June birthday and with the state of the world last year, we took advantage of that birthday and used it as a year to grow. We just didn’t want his first school experience to be masks, social distancing, and zoom. Well….fast forward to now; he’s reading and well ahead of where an entering kindergartner should be. I’ve worked with him some, but can’t imagine if I had done actual homeschool kindergarten with him!!!
As we approach the fall, we have decisions to make. We can him as a kindergarten and risk boredom. Due to his age, we have the option to enter him directly into first. I’m not sure he’s 100% ready for first so he might be behind in some areas. We have thrown around the idea of private school (which I like for multiple reasons). They other option is to “officially” homeschool him for a year (or more) while he matures and catches up on a few of the skills that he may be lacking.
Resources
So, what did we use this year? I didn’t buy a curriculum. I purchased a few “toys” and “apps”. We read books. We talked. We played. At this age, kids are sponges. Simply interacting and engaging is learning for them. We had FUN!
Amazon
I have many educational options linked in my Amazon Influencer Storefront. You can find the full Education list here. I’m always adding to the list, so check back frequently.
Play Osmo is one of our favorite “toys”. They have an option for both iPad and Kindle! There are a few different starter kits and then so many different add on options for more games and learning experiences. I cannot talk Osmo up enough! All of Dax’s favorite Osmo games are liked in my Amazon!
Another great Amazon find are Picasso Tiles. These are great for building creativity. These tiles come in different shapes and sizes. They are magnetized to make 3-D structures. They are large enough that Penelope can “play” with them and we don’t find them in the middle of the night under our feet (legos). Magformers and MagnaTiles are another similar option.
My friend Julia (The Quiet Grove) has written 4 great books to help with beginning to homeschool. The series is fabulous and all are under $5 each for the kindle version! Here’s a link to the first book and the others can be found on my Amazon list.
There are so many more resources listed on my Amazon list. I encourage you to check it out and check back frequently for additions.
Homer App
The Homer App is AMAZING!!!! It is a subscription app, but it is beyond worth it! It’s tailored to your child and will grow with them as they learn and grow! Plug in your child’s age (beginning as early as 2) and their skills. The app creates a custom program for them. As they master new skills, the app will adjust and become more difficult for them. Dax uses my iPad with the pencil to work on handwriting. He can read stories, solve math problems, do some creative art, and there is even a section for music!
There is a free trial so you can test it out before committing to one of the subscription services! I HIGHLY recommend this!
Other Resources
Honestly, that’s about all we’ve done. I’ve picked up a few random workbooks at Walmart that he uses on occasion. Anything else has been learned through just wing together! These years are. Short and I’m so thankful for this time together to watch him learn and grow!
