my daughter is very very bright. She is only 3 1/2, but she already recognizes all the letters of the alphabet and knows how to spell her name(Karina), and a few other simple words. She shows a great interest in reading and learning, and I wanted to know if anyone knows what I should be doing to further educate her at this age. Any activities, books, specialty stores and such that would help me to teach her, any suggestions at all would be great. Thanks to all in advance...
C.
Karina sounds very bright! Have you started chapter books with her? Charlotte's Web, and Beverly Cleary's mouse books (Runaway Ralph and The Mouse & the Motorcycle) are great.
E.
Hi C.!
It sounds like you are doing an amazing job with Karina! My son is going to be 3 years old in a couple of weeks. And like Karina, he knows and recognizes all the letters of the alphabet, can spell his first and last name as well as a few other choice words. (cat, dog, mommy, daddy, etc). One activity that I enjoy with my son is when we're reading books, I'll have him choose a word on every page that he wants to learn how to spell. He obviously doesn't always get it the first time, but after a few times reading and spelling the same word, it sticks.
When we're driving in the car and he spots another car, or a tree, or anything really, I'll ask him what the objects color is and we'll spell it. Or we'll try playing a game where he finds all the red cars, or counts how many trucks he sees, stuff like that.
You could also start making alphabet flash cards that have the letter and an object on them. (A is for apple, B is for bear, etc) and placing them on the wall in her room, or on the refrigerator.
If you want to go even further, attempt to teach her a different language. I've been teaching my son french and spanish since last summer. And although he can only count and speak general greetings, it's the coolest thing in the world knowing he will be able to communicate with other kids that may not be able to speak english.
Good luck with Karina!
I might call your local elementary school and ask to speak with a PreK or K teacher and get information about their reading programs. Maybe they could give you better suggestions as to what she will benefit from!
K.
You're already doing everything right!!!! Encourage imaginative play, expose her to more books/music, and allow her to explore the world around her. It sounds as if she may be ready for a more structured enviromnemt such as preschool a few days a week, so she can also learn how to interact with other children. At her age, you don't want to structure learning. When you're at places like the beach, parks, the zoo, wherever you are, talk about what she sees and ask basic questions like "What do you see?" "WHat is going on?" encourage her to think about what is around her.
Have fun; it sounds like she's an amazing little girl!
Thier is a store in Danvers on Liberty st. The Learning Tree store. The sell educational materials and toys. Most of the customer base is teachers and workers from early intervention. I buy many things from there for my son. The have a wonderful staff who can help you find the materials for your daughter.
just keep it up the laep frog system our good two just get the next leveal up for her i know how you feel my son feel like he is beyoned his years
Hi C.,
Your daughter sounds wonderful, congratulations! I think you've gotten good advice - but I want to add something. My daughter just turned 2 1/2. By her second birthday, she was already recognizing letters, and each stood for something. M was mama, e for elmo, etc. She already knows all 26 letters and has at least one or two words that it represents. I also asked advice here for ways to enhance her gift, and I got good ideas too.
But something that I think is important is to not push academics too much. As important and wonderful as the gifts of speech and reading are, remember too that your daughter is just a kid and to let her have a lot of fun. I think it's too soon for classes and/or reading groups. Let her develop her talents at a more appropriate time, in a year or so. Social and emotional development are just as much a priority, so try and make sure there is a good balance. Very very smart kids can become alienated, and you don't want your daughter to be lonely.
But certainly in the meantime, continue to read with her and encourage her. She sounds great, and you have a lifetime of learning ahead. Enjoy it!
K.
