Home "School"

According to Olivia's IEP, we are 'homeschooling' her for preschool this year.

Yeah.

My mom brought me an article recently in which a grandmother was writing to a doctor/advice columnist/whatever who was frustrated that her four year old grandson refused to learn to read and write. This child was in preschool where he received instruction on reading, writing, computer usage, etc.

The grandson would occasionaly write a few of the letters in his name but adamantly refused to put the letters together to make words. He also showed no interest at all in reading. His grandmother explained that he enjoyed being read to, but didn't want to read for himself.

The 'expert' suggested that grandma back off and let this child be a little kid. He/she explained that starting kids in preschool this early is showing to lead to attention problems later in life.

The edcuation system of the 50s was brought up, pointing out that decades ago, children stayed at home with their mothers, were taught to sit still when necessary, to listen to the instruction of women, were instructed in social skills such as please and thank you and other good manners.

They weren't taught to read and write until almost six years old.

And this was fine.

It was suggested that this boy be allowed to stay home from preschool and play.

Which, really, is what we're doing with Olivia. We don't have a curriculum for her this year. My mom isn't setting aside time daily to sit down with O and teach her to read or write. They work on flashcards sometimes, but it's random, more of a bit of quiet time rather than structured 'education.'

And Olivia is thriving.

Her speech is amazing. Her physical skills have continued to improve (thanks to gymnastics once a week.)

Yes, her potty training has had a bit of a backslide, but...well, I'm putting this down to her being sort of a brat.

She does great when we're out in public. She will tell me when she has to pee and can hold it when we're in a place where we can't get to a bathroom in that very instant.

But ten minutes to arriving home and she's peeing on the kitchen floor and then splashing in the puddle. It's gross and frustrating but more so because I know she knows better.

Disciplining this child is a challenge. She doesn't take anything seriously. I can scold her and she grins at me. I can put her in time-out and she sits ther patiently, sucking her thumb and pulling at her hair until her time is up then she goes happily on her way.

I'm not sure what we're going to do with her.

Except continue to love her and try not to laugh when she does something so outrageous that should be punished but she looks up at us with those eyes and you can't help but think, "Damn, this kid has got us wrapped around her little finger."