Posted in Homeschooling

Since Joshua is turning 5 later this month I have started thinking about what direction to go with his formal education.  I have always thought and believed that I would not start his Kindergarten year until he is 6.  But lately I have been reading a lot about what Charlotte Mason taught about what to do with children in the years before formal education begins at at age 6. 

I have decided to do some work with him each day.  It will probably only be about 45 minutes to 1 hour and then he will be doing a lot outside. He is already learning a lot.  He has learned to count in English and Portuguese (1-10) and he knows his colors in both languages.  I want him to continue to learn in both Languages.  He likes to sit down and do some craft work and he like to build things with our tanagrams and counting bears and a small set of wooden blocks.

So this is my plan. 

• For Math I am going to use Saxon K and take it slow
  
• For Pre- reading we will be learning the letters and their sounds in English and maybe in Portuguese ( I'm not sure how that will work). We will use Color sheets and letter tiles and as I continue to read Charlotte Mason I may come up with more Ideas.
• For Handwriting we will do some simple activities but not a formal curriculum.
• For Bible we will continue to work on his AWANA Cubbies book and memorize verses.
  
• For Art we will be doing that with Sarah and  Rebekah (Rebekah may be leading this for me)
• For Nature study we will continue the One Hour Challenge. I also will be giving him some outdoor activities so he can spend time exploring outside not just playing with the cat and kittens all the time.

Slowing increasing things with him will probably work best.  He is one that does not like change.  So gradually adding activities will be good for him. If his interest are stronger in one area over another we may  concentrate in that area.  I will keep you updated in what we are doing and how things are working.
Well that is the plan right now.  I like to start planning in advance because sometimes my schedule changes 4 or 5 times before school begins.  We are planning to start the middle of July.