Early Education

You know that saying that goes along the lines of "the more you learn, the more you learn how much you don't know."  That has been very true for me this year.  I've been reading more and more about early education, and keep coming across new theories, methods, and techniques.  It is a whole world of knowledge and parenting that I had no idea existed, and now I'm struggling to learn it all as fast as possible! 

I now have almost all of the Glen Doman books and have been fascinated by the Right Brain techniques involved.  I really wanted to do EVERYTHING he suggests, but realize that it just isn't possible for me by myself.  That's what I was thrilled to come across BrillBaby.  They had tons of forums about teaching infants, with parents that had done it.  They also sell Little Reader and Little Math, two programs heavily influenced by Doman, that I can use to teach Xander reading and math with less prep required.  I'd already spent HOURS putting together flashcards and teaching materials and was starting to feel overwhelmed.  I downloaded the free trials and am hooked.  Xander has loved them so far, struggling to watch more when we're done and turn away. I also love that I can add my own lessons to them, including words, sounds, pictures, etc I think he should learn.  I put a link in the sidebar for anyone interested (if you register for the forums I'd love it if you used my link or affiliate code "BKAFF58564").  While I plan on using LM, I also think I will use the Doman dot cards I made to teach him quantities, but not equations. 

I know it will probably change constantly as I learn more, but I've developed the curriculum I want to use until I start school full time.  My weekly goal is to do two Little Reader (LR) lessons, two Little Math (LM) sessions, six Doman doth flashcard sessions, read two story books, and watch a Your Baby Can Read (YBCR) DVD every day, five to seven days a week.  However, this is my goal.  I know full well that there will be days or weeks when not everything gets accomplished.  I want learning to be fun for him, so we won't be doing any lessons if he is tired, cranky, not feeling well, or just not into the lesson.

The next step for me is finishing the Encyclopedic Knowledge book and organizing the materials.  I would like to have EK ready to go by the time we finish all the Doman dot cards.  Unfortunately, I think I need a new, more cost effective printer.  I will have to see what my tax return looks like.  This whole being a mom thing is expensive!