ACADEMIC GOALS
Preparing for first grade is the ultimate goal of kindergarten. First graders begin reading, writing, addition, and subtraction. So, kindergartners need to learn the basics to do those things. For English those basics are learning the alphabet, writing the letters, and pronouncing the letters and letter combinations (phonics), and listening to stories. The basics for math are learning the numbers, counting, and writing the numbers.
OUR SITUATION
I was intimidated to coach my son through kindergarten for several reasons. It was our first year homeschooling and I had never taught anyone how to read before. I also had a 3rd and 6th grader to educate. I questioned my ability to handle all three adequately and hoped that the kindergartner could get away with very little education. I figured that kindergarten was not an essential grade, so flopping it would not be ruinous.
The only book purchase needed for a kindergartner is a phonics book. The other resources are free.
A LA CARTE CURRICULA CHOICES
Most of what a kindergartner needs comes from the alphabet and number line. Add a phonics book and find inspirational books to read to your child. In my opinion, the only book you need to purchase is a phonics book. I chose Abeka Handbook for Reading because that is what my daughters used at their school.
Kindergartners also need to listen to stories. Fortunately, I was reading books and educational material to older children from My Father’s World: Exploring Countries and Cultures. I recommend the books from this set as oral readings for kindergartners and first graders but the rest of this curriculum is for older kids.
TYPICAL DAY
For English my son listened in on inspirational stories from My Father’s World curriculum. He learned the alphabet and how to write the letters in cursive. Once he knew the letters, we started working on phonics from Abeka Handbook for Reading. Math consisted of learning to count and writing the numbers.
REQUIRED PARENT TIME
It took about one hour a day of active instruction from me: half hour of reading; half hour of letter and number work and phonics. Read Short School Days Work!
EXTRA TIME
My son spent the remainder of the day playing and drawing. He loved using “how to” drawing guides to teach himself how to draw. My mother played a lot of games with him and helped him construct 3-d artwork. I should note that he did not have access to a computer, TV, or video games, so he had to come up with his own activities. He never had a problem finding things to do on his own. See my post on How My Kids Spend their Extra Time.
THE OUTCOME
Despite the very short lessons he received that year, his skills tracked the same as his traditionally schooled peers. He learned to read proficiently in the first grade like his peers. He was prepared for learning addition and subtraction in the first grade too. The best part was that he had a lot of fun using his imagination and learning art skills. These skills helped him develop graphic art skills enabling him to sell 3D models throughout middle school and high school.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
My experience is that kindergarten requires about one hour a day of active instruction from the parent: half hour of reading; half hour of letter and number work and phonics. My advice is if you feel pressured to spend hours and hours a day educating and entertaining your kindergartner like other parents do, step back and look at the big picture. Stick to the true and tried basics: reading, writing, and arithmetic. Don’t make it like school. Let your child figure out imaginative play.
Are you wondering how my son turned out following years of no-nonsense schooling? By the age of 16 he earned 15 CLEP credits, was taking a full course load at the community college, developed a thriving 3D modeling business on the internet, and rebuilt the engine of a vintage Volvo. His ACT scores were within the merit scholarship range at that age too.
Wonder why the school day is eight hours? Read Is an Eight-Hour School Day Necessary at Home?
Read: No Nonsense First Grade and Math Grades 1-5.
Musing: a period of reflection or thought. As such this post reflects my thoughts, opinions, and experiences on the topic. The choice to home school and the methods you choose are yours to determine.