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Angel
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| Posted: Sept 30 2008 at 3:09pm | IP Logged
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How much work (and what kind of work) do you require from your kindergarteners? Anything? Nothing? How much time do you spend "doing kindergarten"?
Just trying to get an idea of what might be reasonable...
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Angela
Mom to 9, 7 boys and 2 girls
Three Plus Two
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Meredith
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Well, this is variable depending on the child, but about an hour to an hour and a half total time is PLENTY! If you're using a span of a 3-hour work period in a Montessori-ish way, then that is more than enough and I would imagine this would be off and on work during this time period.
We usually shoot for some picture book reading, some reading practice or pre-reading depending on level of readiness, some math/counting games, something nature-ish and something musical. Mine have all really enjoyed poetry in K as well. Living the Liturgical year pretty much covers Religion, but mine have also really enjoyed making their own illustrated Bible notebooks as well.
HTH, what are you thinking for your little one???
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Meredith
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Sept 30 2008 at 9:59pm | IP Logged
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I don't "require" any work, but we do a lot like Meredith does simply because we're all already doing those things with the older children. So, there's always poetry, always picture book time, Catholic Mosaic reading and other treasures and beautiful living books make up religion as well as living the liturgical year, math offerings, some pre-reading/reading practice, and plenty of nature study.
The Montessori activities are out and available at any time, but I weave picture books in throughout the day.
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Jen Mackintosh
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Angel
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| Posted: Oct 01 2008 at 7:50am | IP Logged
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Well, what I was thinking sounds a lot like what you two do (not surprisingly). He tags along with the older kids a bit as far as listening to read-alouds and religion, we're outside a lot... but is he ever resistant to *having* to participate in Choice Time, rather than doing whatever he wants (which is usually running all over the place playing war or making explosion noises with Legos and blocks). I can often coax him over for an activity or two, but if it contains a whiff of "kindergarten" (i.e. reading or math), he doesn't want anything to do with it. (Actually, he's a little more receptive to math.)
I was just trying to check whether my expectations were reasonable or not. I'm still thinking about how to handle the problem, as I can only get so much mileage out of showing things to the twins and having him overhear it.
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Angela
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MarilynW
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Angela - I try to be disciplined about spending some time each day with the Kindergartener - though I do not plan too far in advance or stress if we do not do stuff. I try to spend about 45 minutes a day of one on one K time with my little guy - reading, writing and Math. But he does activities by himself like pattern blocks, puzzles etc. He also joins in the read alouds for the olders. I do keep a read aloud list for each week - just to make sure I read aloud to him - eg now we are doing a lot of apple and pumpkin books - I usually do this whilst nursing the 1 year old.
Re reading etc - we do not even call it work - he sees it as something he does with me - max 15 minutes. His older siblings make a big deal of congratulating him and telling him how well he is doing!!
One of the things that has helped him focus is we started him on playing the piano - he begged and begged. I spend 10 min a day with him as he practices- and it is hard for me as I am not over patient - but it is helping him to concentrate and focus, and his teacher is pleased with him.
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Marilyn
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Kristin
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| Posted: Jan 06 2009 at 10:18am | IP Logged
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Angel, I'm just curious how things are going with your K'er? I'm in the same situation right now and would love to know if you have found a balance there?
The hardest part for me is that this is the third year that we have done Montessori work periods and the first year that he doesn't show much interest in doing it! He used to really work for long periods of time, too. 
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JennGM
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This my first year and I'm only doing a Kindergartener. Learning happens all day, working in music, crafts, science, puzzles, read alouds, etc. We do some table time for our math and language arts which at most is 30 minutes, not done every day, stop when he gets tired or disinterested. Play time is priority. 
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Angie Mc
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I do nothing formal with my 5yos. Really. And I LOVE it...love this precious time of:
play
following their lead
observing their initiative
providing an appealing environment
strewing picture books
play dough
pretend
including them in family activities
This time is so fleeting...formal work can wait for us.
Love,
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Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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4Real Forums : Nurturing the Years of Wonder
Topic: how much for kindergarten?
