Homeschool World Forum

[Babydoop]

Hello! My daughter turned 4, October 1 this year (only child). I'm on the fence about HSing, and I'm concerned about her being mature enough (to "settle down"), so that she won't be a distraction in the classroom, if I do decide to send her to K.

How much do kids mature as they get closer to 5??

I have completely cut out TV - it has proven to be a distraction on every level. We are practicing sitting still and being quiet - (yeah, right)! I know some of this is just her personality...but you know schools are quick to suggest DRUGS for "overly" active kids...and that is not an option for us!!!

Thanks for your comments!
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Jesus is Lord!

[Theodore]

The solution is obviously to tire her out first Have her do some sort of physical activity for an hour or two before studying and see if that helps.
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[Babydoop]

You're right! Physical activity does help lots to take the 'jitters' off before hitting the books...but I'm still wondering how much she will change/mature in the next few months and what I can do to help her to get ready, in the event I have turn her over to the "sharks" at a private school (sorry, I would rather hs) - my husband and I are still debating over whether to hs or not!

So if any of you have active 4 or 5+ year olds who went thru this process, in one way or another, pleeeeease let me know how things turned out for you!

Thanks Bunches!
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Jesus is Lord!

[Kitty-Cat]

She may or may not settle down by 5. If you homeschool you can cater to her active style by making learning more active. For example write hop scotch numbers and letters outside with chalk and she can hop and jump on them. Jump on the trampoline while reciting the ABC's. Fish out some words to make a funny sentence. If you get creative you can teach most anything with a game.
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Jo from Australia

[Ramona]

Some of my children needed to be tired out first.

Others were overly tired and fidgety and needed to get plenty of rest as soon as they were the least bit worn out.

My second child got the privilege of an extra 3-month term doing pre-K curriculum before she was permitted to start working on my wonderful Kindergarten materials, while she learned to use her very strong will-power to make herself sit in her chair instead of climbing all over it.

Ramona

[Babydoop]

Thanks guys for your comments...

I will continue to try the "tire them out first" approach as well as practicing sitting still and being creative about my teaching methods...

I will see what happens over the next few months.

Babydoop
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Jesus is Lord!

[StellarStory]

Some kids do better jumping while learning or running. One of the perks of home schooling is that you don't have to make her sit still at all.

A good private school can be great for some though.

Don't put her in 5K though if she can't sit still. Keep her in 4K or all you will hear about is ADHD and drugs.

[Mathmom]

I disagree with StellarStory, about the private school. I think you will give someone else your parental authority. Homeschool is much more cost-efficient,too.
Last I heard, my extremely energetic 11 yr. old nephew did not pass 4th grade at private Christian school. I think he wants to be homeschooled, however, his parents are almost 60 yrs. old and kind of bent on just sending him to public school. So, my point is, it did not help my nephew to go to private school, as far as containing and/or using his energy to his benefit.
It's great to have young children be able to run and play and learn. Let your child grow and learn at home, with you.

[gregos]