Early Learning IS expensive…in terms of either money or time. It is absolutely possible to do it with very limited amounts of actual cash, but this will of course, require a much greater input of time and labor! Due to our circumstances (my health issues), I prefer to sacrifice the money so that I can spend the time I am able working with my daughter.
I absolutely realize that this is not an option for everyone, and this forum is filled to the brim with creative, ingenious moms/dads who are managing (often better than the stereotypical ‘upward-mobility’ idealized parent with a platinum visa!) to educate their child in the most rigorous EL programs imaginable. I count among my closest EL friends in this forum several who excel despite their circumstances. Their determination, energy, and ingenuity inspire and humble me.
I absolutely agree that you must avoid the temptation to seek out and purchase every new and intriguing program/gadget/idea that pops up as you will ultimately become overwhelmed! and even the worst, most clumsy program is exponentionally superior to a sleek, new, highly-effective program if said wonderful program sits collecting dust on the shelf!
In my experience, the best thing to do is prioritize and combine. You absolutely cannot do it all and preserve the love of learning, sanity, and sanctity of a happy family. Sit down with a list of the possibles, including the programs you have available. Choose your three absolutes! For me, this is Math, Language, and Logic/thinking skills. Next, look at the list of things you would like to add. How many of them can you combine into your BIG THREE? For me, science is naturally a massive part of all of these things, and I find it quite natural to integrate my ideas of science into all of my big three, in a manner that it becomes ingrained in every aspect of our day. For example: we taught Alex the basics of the scientific method when she was a tiny tot. It is now natural to problem solve and incorporate into every aspect of daily life. Also, our Big three will have an element of science daily. Math, in the form of living math books, science experiments and record keeping, and all of the logic work (I include music in our math work as I have taught Alex to see it this way!).
Language: honestly, language is a fantastic catch-all! At quiet time we have our current read-aloud. Usually an advanced chapter book that we buddy-read prior to resting. Bed-time reading is much more laid back…picture books (fantastic as they span the readinglevels but have gorgeous pictures and encourage confidence, narrative skills, and literary concept work! Nothing better for introducing parts of speech, punctuation, prosity, elements of literature such as onomantopeia, rhyming, alliteration, similies, metaphors, etc.)
Also, we make sure to include at least one non-fiction (science) book, and one living math book. Often the living math will be a chapter in Life of Fred. History/culture often gets done in this manner by reading a short book on upcoming holidays or a short biography.
Math: For us, the day IS math. everywhere, everything. We have any number of programs to pull from, but her math knowledge/skills WILDLY outpace her ability to sit/focus/write at the moment. I dont see this changing anytime soon, so math is often me reading the text in advance and teaching it to her in preschool-friendly ways. and often jumping around outside of the traditional linear approach. This may mean algebra via Dragonbox app/Hands on Equations one day, finding area and perimeter outside on the pavement with chalk another…or playing addition/subtraction games to maximize her speed on knowledge of facts another. The absolute best money spent is on an app called Math Bingo that allows you to choose from addition/subtraction/multiplication/division…or all at once. It also allows selection of easy, medium, and difficult levels for all.
So I guess my main point is also that it will always cost you…If you choose not to spend the money, it will cost in terms of time and energy. But I look at it in terms of long-term goals. You can spend it now, and ensure your child earns a college scholarship ( traditionally or much earlier!), or plan to save and pay for university later. And note that later will be much more expensive with inflation and market!
Look for great deals, research WAY ahead (it always costs more if you need it last minute!), use the library first, and teach to the child you have in front of you! Not what others are working on…
Wow. I can see how committed you are to your kids. I’m a newbie to this early learning thing—I didn’t really know until very recently. Kerileanne referred me to this forum.