My DD is bright. She already knows ABC's and letter sounds, can count to 40, shapes, colors, patterns, grouping etc. I didn't think we would have to advance into learning so quickly but we do. We are at a point where I want to work on her fine motor skills. We are working with scissors and crayons but not effectively. She needs work on drawing a straight line and cirlcles. Is there a ciurriculm out there that will assist her in developing physically and not academically. Something that can give me ideas to help her. She really likes having a book to work in though.
2006-12-07 07:03:52 · 4 answers · asked by Question Addict 5 in Education & Reference ➔ Home Schooling
Do you have some sort of teacher supply store where you live? They'll have stuff for preschoolers to work on fine motor skills.
To be able to write well and work with pencils well, kids actually need to use their hands in other ways first. Homemade playdough is great (store-bought is too soft and doesn't work the hand muscles enough), plasticine, sewing cards, helping with stirring things when cooking, having a little spray bottle with water in it to spray glass and wipe down, dressing dolls up...
2006-12-07 08:55:07 · answer #1 · answered by glurpy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, I would argue that if she's really excelling in her letters and numbers and what not, that her motor skills might come a little slower. And - that's OK. There's no rush to teach her to write in straight line, or to use scissors.
Kids, especially little ones, naturally work on these kinds of skills. Even if all she had was rocks and sticks, she'd work on these skills.
In fact, that's a REALLY good idea - get her outside!!! If you want her to have opportunities to work on gross and fine motor skills, play outside. In the dirt. With balls. Sticks. Rocks. Sand.
Please don't get into the habit of pushing her at such a young age. Since she is so bright, she *will* pick things up when she's ready. You won't have to push her. So relax, let her learn at her own pace, and enjoy her! Marvel at her abilities, don't try to make them go faster. Slow down, and enjoy the ride.
Leaving a link for info on early childhood homeschooling.
2006-12-07 15:37:15 · answer #2 · answered by TammyT 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am homeschool a 4 year old and a 3 year old. For fine motor skills, you might try teaching them to use chopsticks. I found that it was the perfect thing to teach fine motor skills. The other idea is to get a magnadoodle....I found that they are the perfect tool for homeschooling. Each one of my kids has one and not only do they use them for HS but also for free drawing time. You don't have to worry about paper, pens, or them drawing on anything else. Good luck
2006-12-07 09:59:04 · answer #3 · answered by kcl_andersen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rod and Staff, a company that's either mennonite or amish (I can't remember) makes a very inexpensive set of 6 early learning workbooks that include all the things you've mentioned, and more. My kids have all really enjoyed them and I don't remember them being overtly religious, and if there's a page here and there that your dd already knows how to do, they're cheap enough that you won't feel bad about skipping them. I know rainbowresource.com carries them, but I'm sure others do too.
2006-12-07 07:41:35 · answer #4 · answered by Amy G 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋