A few people commented or asked about the girls’ piano lessons. Thanks for the comments!  Getting into why we choose Suzuki touches on our educational philosophy a bit. 

We choose Suzuki because it seems to be best at teaching music to children at a very young age. (I’m not convinced at this point whether it is the absolute best for an older student.) To us, the "preschool" years are THE time to begin. Mental patterns are developing in those early years, and the same windows that allow children to so easily learn their native language are wide open to learning how to learn. Learning to "think musically" also has been shown to cross over into both linguistic and mathematic aptitudes.

Suzuki gives the children opportunity to investigate the exciting world of music while they are most interested. The gentle discipline of short practice times each day from an early age has been fantastic. We view it as introducing things at a stage where we don’t have to pressure, but can simply enjoy the natural and adventurous journey of learning.

Two, three and four year olds learn easily and joyously, making learning is a great game in our home. Some think that it is cruel to teach a three year old to read, but my children would consider it cruel not to LET them read at three. Each family is different, but to us, learning is such a delight that a child not allowed to "play along" would feel left out. At age three piano and learning to read take only a few minutes a day, leaving much time for other play and exploration.

Some advocate waiting for instrument lessons until a child reads well–often first or second grade. I don’t personally see that, but when the children are reading well (2^nd grade level) before age four, it is beside the point.

We are convinced that those who see certain things as not being able to be grasped until age seven or eight entirely miss an early window. It seems (and there is much research to back this) that there are some things that the brain can grasp quite readily if first introduced before age 3 ½ or 4, but not as readily at 5. A window of early opportunity is open, as the child’s brain tests the waters to see what pathways are needed in his or her environment. By age four the brain begins to weed out unnecessary pathways.  The brain is amazing, and these things can be re-wired, but it won't be quite as natural.

Certainly some psychologists  have concluded that 5 and 6 year olds have difficulty differentiating between letter shapes to learn reading.  It is my highly controversial opinion that if these psychologists presented these same letter shapes to 2 and 3 year olds (in a simple manner without too much other distracting information) they would find the younger children differentiate between them quite quickly. We have seen this first hand with Baby Math, with reading, and with music.

Suzuki respects the child's intelligence and encourages joyous discovery.  It also does well at "boiling down" the essentials.  The children feel important and excited as they progress at their own pace. I believe that no matter how young, we are all created to desire a purpose in our days.

In homeschooling there are several different schools of thought, we PrairieFrogs happen to be "Never too Early" types. (Especially if presented correctly, to tickle their appetites and spark a love of learning!) The other camp is "Better Late than Early". BOTH camps have had great success! Really the important thing is to inspire a love of learning, and invest in your children.

Some say we may have a child who doesn't grasp "formal" learning as early. No problem! Each child is unique.  We certainly don’t feel that a child must be taught to read or play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star by age three. But, if it is fun for parent and child, takes up only a small (and eagerly anticipated) part of the day, and is rewarding to all involved, why not?

This entry isn’t intended to debate those who choose the later window. The beauty of homeschooling is fitting your approach to your family! I just thought I’d share a little glimpse into why we introduce things earlier here at PrairieFrogs Academy.