First, I would suggest that this is the time to educate yourself in the varying styles of homeschooling. I’m very partial to Charlotte Mason (the original, not the watered-down version; her book Home Education is specifically for the 9 and under crowd). Read lots of good books and don’t be afraid of much longer ones like Little House in the Big Woods and Anne of Green Gables, mixed in with great picture books. You yourself can learn phonics if you don’t know them (I’d suggest All About Spelling as a possibility — for yourself, not her for a few years yet). Then you can slowly introduce that as your daughter gets interested in reading. Spend lots of time outdoors (even in winter, clothed warmly) and learn about nature together (nature study, according to Charlotte Mason). Explore and be interested. The library is a great resource for wonderful books to learn about animals, bugs, flowers, snow, water, etc. Start a small garden (even herbs in a pot) if you can, together. Find “Maximum Math” by Kathryn Stout, which gives all the math objectives for K-8 with wonderful hands-on ways of teaching those concepts. Play some classical music once in a while; display an interesting art print from a master (plenty on the internet; pick what interests you). Sing hymns and folk songs together. Read interesting Bible stories. Absolutely no pressure on your daughter — just relax, enjoy, work a few interesting things into your daily routine in very short (10-15 min.) increments. The goal at this age is to enliven interest in all sorts of things and the wonders of the world God made. It is easy to overpressure a young child by accident in our enthusiasm, so err on the side of giving up anything rather than insisting. There is so very much time ahead. A child who is excited and interested in the world, and well behaved in a strong relationship with you and your husband, will be a joy to teach and quick to learn.
I agree with Lori! Take this year to educate yourself about the various educational models and methods, praying and asking God to guide you to what He desires for your family. Then trust His wisdom. Read lots of books; some below, at, and above your child’s reading level. Spend some time on intentionally training in character issues if you have not been diligent in that up to this point; the payoff will be less conflict in relationships, a wonderful thing for home educating families. When it comes to busy-ness, less is definitely more! Read books about educating children with a classical, Christian (assuming you are Christian) viewpoint. I used Charlotte Mason in early years with my children, then transitioned easily into classical. Children are grown now and doing very well in their individual endeavors. Blessings!
I concur with all the above, but I would also add the memorization of Scripture. We started with verses, but by the time our children were in late primary grades, they could memorize entire chapters of the Bible. What they memorized as a child has stuck with them, as now they are all adults or late teens.
I would like to add one more thought that I neglected to write with my reply yesterday. All our teaching needs to be redemptive. Morals and character are necessary and should be taught, but they have no eternal value unless the child is pointed to Christ as Savior and Lord.
First, I would suggest that this is the time to educate yourself in the varying styles of homeschooling. I’m very partial to Charlotte Mason (the original, not the watered-down version; her book Home Education is specifically for the 9 and under crowd). Read lots of good books and don’t be afraid of much longer ones like Little House in the Big Woods and Anne of Green Gables, mixed in with great picture books. You yourself can learn phonics if you don’t know them (I’d suggest All About Spelling as a possibility — for yourself, not her for a few years yet). Then you can slowly introduce that as your daughter gets interested in reading. Spend lots of time outdoors (even in winter, clothed warmly) and learn about nature together (nature study, according to Charlotte Mason). Explore and be interested. The library is a great resource for wonderful books to learn about animals, bugs, flowers, snow, water, etc. Start a small garden (even herbs in a pot) if you can, together. Find “Maximum Math” by Kathryn Stout, which gives all the math objectives for K-8 with wonderful hands-on ways of teaching those concepts. Play some classical music once in a while; display an interesting art print from a master (plenty on the internet; pick what interests you). Sing hymns and folk songs together. Read interesting Bible stories. Absolutely no pressure on your daughter — just relax, enjoy, work a few interesting things into your daily routine in very short (10-15 min.) increments. The goal at this age is to enliven interest in all sorts of things and the wonders of the world God made. It is easy to overpressure a young child by accident in our enthusiasm, so err on the side of giving up anything rather than insisting. There is so very much time ahead. A child who is excited and interested in the world, and well behaved in a strong relationship with you and your husband, will be a joy to teach and quick to learn.
I agree with Lori! Take this year to educate yourself about the various educational models and methods, praying and asking God to guide you to what He desires for your family. Then trust His wisdom. Read lots of books; some below, at, and above your child’s reading level. Spend some time on intentionally training in character issues if you have not been diligent in that up to this point; the payoff will be less conflict in relationships, a wonderful thing for home educating families. When it comes to busy-ness, less is definitely more! Read books about educating children with a classical, Christian (assuming you are Christian) viewpoint. I used Charlotte Mason in early years with my children, then transitioned easily into classical. Children are grown now and doing very well in their individual endeavors. Blessings!
I concur with all the above, but I would also add the memorization of Scripture. We started with verses, but by the time our children were in late primary grades, they could memorize entire chapters of the Bible. What they memorized as a child has stuck with them, as now they are all adults or late teens.
I would like to add one more thought that I neglected to write with my reply yesterday. All our teaching needs to be redemptive. Morals and character are necessary and should be taught, but they have no eternal value unless the child is pointed to Christ as Savior and Lord.