Questions About Head Start to Reading.com

I don't think you can over prepare for Kinder these days. They really expect a lot of them from the start (already knowing all letters and letter sounds) and they hit the ground running to get them reading as early as possible. We were chastised for my daughter not knowing all of her letters when she started and we basicly had to cram for 3 weeks to get her caught up. If I had know this going in, I would definitely signed her up for a program such as the one you describe. Good luck.

I have twins that are five years old. They had the Head Start opportunity and they just started Kindergarten a couple of weeks ago.

They are very familiar with their lessons, but are not bored at all.

They each have different teachers, who also have aides in their classrooms. The program is awesome. It has several programs for students who are advanced and a program for children who have not yet gathered their reading skills.

So my testimonial is to give your child all that she will handle, but dont over-stress her and just watch her grow.

I have 7 children and I gave each child the best in learning while they were little and all are doing so well in school. My 22 year old son hand Hooked on Phonetics starting at 8 years old and he just graduated Cuma-Sum-Lade from Xaviar University in New Orleans this past May as a Biology/Pre-Med Major. It pays off. Also add lots of love, praise and prayer!

I am also an Early Childhood Teacher and I have seen two, three, four and five year olds learn to read at an unbelievable level. Some children grasp fast and some slow, so give her as much as she will allow you to introduce to her. It pays off in the end, but try not to force too much too quickly, make it fun, but be very serious too.

If she's too advance the schools have special programs for them so they wont be too bored and stay into trouble.

A lot of private schools and Montessori Schools affer upper level programs too. Can be expensive, but if you can afford them go for it!! God Bless and Take Care

I have not tried this program (my oldest is 3), but am a former 1st grade teacher. I know that there is a very big push for kids to learn to read in Kinder, and if they're not beginning readers by the time they get to first, it was very difficult. I don't think the pressure is right, but it's there nonetheless. Any preparation you can do (that she can handle) would be good for her. Since Kinder is also about socialization, I don't think she'll be bored. If you're child is a little young (which it sounds like she is, if she is right on the cut off date), preparing her for the academics for Kinder is great, and she can continue to work on the social aspect!

You have been getting some great advise. My son just started kindergarten and I am very lucky to have a very intelligent child. He started school already knowing his alphabet, phonics, numbers, colors, and level 1 reading. The only thing I was going to say was that if you can't afford a program like the one you are speaking of (which sounds awesome), there are other options as well. The Leap Frog videos (set of 5) are GREAT!! My son knew his phonics at age 2 because of those videos. We also read a lot. He went to preschool also and learned lots there. You can also buy activity books at Wal-mart that provides lessons to do together. I also was afraid my son would be bored but he is loving it and he gets to "help" the teacher with the other children. Good luck!!

I was just wondering if this program is available in Austin,TX.
If anybody has any info please respond.

My daughter who is now in first grade has done all of the head start classes available. She didn't take them because she "needed" to or was struggling but because she loved the classes (and teachers) so much. The classes gave her the confidence to try more challenging books and take on tougher words. She has a true love of books and reading and writing that is in part due to her participation in this program. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to give their child a boost in reading skills and confidence.

I am an educator by trade, and I feel obligated to recommend you seriously consider holding your daughter back a year. The problems have NOTHING to do with whether or not a child is bright enough...they have more to do with down the line being socially mature. You start to see issues in 3rd grade and up. Sometimes even 2nd grade. I can tell you as an educator that I never once experienced a younger student doing well socially in my classes. There was always a struggle. And then, it began to affect the student academically. The program sounds great. I would do the program, but I would think twice about putting your daughter into kinder next fall.

I have a 4 year old that I will be enrolling also. I am very excited about the opportunity. I have always struggled with reading and want to make sure that I give my kids all the resources so they don't get behind like I did. I will say I was also young for my grade as I had the Aug birthday. I never had a problem with the social side it was always with the academics of the reading and spelling side. As soon as I decide what day and time we will be there.

My son started kindergarten last year, and his birthday is August 31st. He was the youngest in the class, and I was concerned. Socially he was great, but mid-year I got a report from the school saying he was "at-risk" for his reading. His teacher didn't really have any time to spend in one-on-one tutoring, and he was very frustrated. I enrolled him in Kumon to help the situation, and within two weeks, he was different. He could really REALLY read, and it gave him back his confidence. His teacher said she was amazed at the difference in him, and I didn't need to worry about him having to repeat the year. Basically, kindergarten is all about reading, so if you can get your daughter reading early, it's the best thing.

C.:

I just saw the post and figured I would add my two cents- as only we women can do!!!

"Programs" can be great, kids can have fun, they can even learn things certainly, but really do you need one?

If your concern is that your child has a solid foundation for reading and is therefore "ready" for kinder, then teach her yourself. It's really not hard.

I taught my daughter to read with a book called "how to teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons." It's, I believe, a whopping $14.95 at Amazon and Barnes and Noble and other bookstores carry it. The first sentence she read was "See me read." and that was after one week of daily 20 minute lessons. And no, they don't use ridiculous sight words! The pictures look boring, it's all in black and white, but you break up the lessons and my daughter loved it. After we read, we would paint letters (there is a writing portion that goes with it, but we did not do that. I did handwriting without tears with her when she was reading solidly) , play bingo - cards I made using clip art and markers- incorporating the letters she had worked on, etc. At the end of 60 lessons, she was reading at a second grade level. Solid second grade.

She went to kinder and had a great time and wasn't bored. (to be fair she went to private school and it was a half day so I know adjustments are easier in a smaller setting) Children don't get bored because they know too much, they get bored when the teacher can't make adjustments or make things interesting or different.

With your background it should be a snap, and as a mother you have to know what joy it is to be there when it just "clicks" and your child takes off. It is one of my fondest memories I have when I think of the things I've taught her.

And FYI, my degree is not in teaching and I don't have any background in it. (unless you count Sunday school and VBS). So, for what it's worth, don't get caught up in the hype and the worry and teach your child yourself. What a gift for the both of you!

Hi C.-
I didn't read all your responses but have to say how wonderful the Head start to reading program is. My daughter started kinder this year and it was the best thing I ever did for her. She also did the Next Step to Reading class which is the sequel to the Head Start. Kindergarten is so much different now and so much is expected of this little children it really helps put your kids on the right track no matter how smart or ready they are! If you have the time and money to invest in this you will not regret it. The program and teachers are incredible and wonderful Christian ladies, most of them former teachers in the area!
Blessings-
Elizabeth

The Head Start to Reading is a wonderful program! Both of my children took the classes when they were 4. It gave them confidence and strategies to build on. I think her method works well for many different kinds of learners. Both of my children also took classes she has offered for other grade levels in the summers. If you want your child to go to kindergarten next fall, I would definitely sign her up for the class. You will not be disappointed!

Both my 7 and 5 year went threw the program and loved it! My daughter only did the first session the summer before Kinder. My 5 year old son just completed the 2nd session this summer. He is already reading. He came out of the program knowing about40 or so words and can sound out 3 letter words. I waited until Jan. to start the first session and did the 2nd session during the summer. The teachers and the owner are wonderful! We went to the main campus off of Jones Rd. I feel that any Head Start in school is a good Head Start these days.