Where to start with afterschooling an advanced learner?

[abr23]

Hi! I'm new here and to TWTM (just reading the book today, actually, and noticed the website reference). I'm reading through the suggested materials and books, and trying to figure out where to start with my DD. She's technically a 2nd grader this year, but is in a 2/3 split and is working several years ahead of her age/grade. We'll likely skip her to 4th next year, although we haven't battled the SD about that yet. Fortunately, her PS teacher is very good about differentiating the independent work for DD, is supportive of us skipping DD if we decide that is best, and definitely understands that DD has different needs than most of the other students. She's not convinced (and neither am I) that skipping would solve the problem, though, because DD learns so quickly that she's moving ahead at an exponential rate. I'd like to supplement at home to fill in any gaps in her education, to allow her to go deeper than she can in the classroom, and to keep her challenged, but I'm not sure where to start with her. Should I start with 2nd grade materials, which is her current, chronological age-based grade level? Or with 3rd for now, since we'll likely be doing 4th grade next year? Or should I start with 1st grade work and sort of skim through it, letting her work as quickly as she wants/needs to, until she hits something she hasn't yet mastered and feels a need to slow down? Or is there another good option I haven't thought of? Thanks in advance for any advice you can pass along! :)

[Cadam]

I would use placement tests to determine her level for each resource you plan to use and then go from there.

[lisabees]

Unless she has gaps, I would just do what she's interested in. I mean, she couldn't be ahead in anything other than math and reading.

Maybe study a different culture or language. Give her music lessons. Do a unit study on something. Do science experiments. Pre-logic workbooks. Lots of board games. Right Start Math abacus activities and games and or MEP or Miquon. Read tons to her. Have her listen to audio books. My 6 year old loves IEW's Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization.

I'm assuming she's about 7. She probably reads ahead, but can she write and spell? Have her do copywork/dictation every day. WWE is also a good option.

Have fun! :001_smile:

[PenKase]

You may also want to check out the Accelerated Learners board here. You may be able to get some ideas there.

Also, you may consider doing enrichment activities with your dd. Maybe unit studies would work?

All the best!

[Carmen_and_Company]

I'd concentrate on quality literature, history, science, and mathematics in a fun way. You could also begin journal writing & free write Fridays.

SOTW & TWTM reading lists--start with grammar stage Ancients

Amblesideonline.com literature lists for 1st & 2nd grades--now don't let numerical grade level deceive you, as Ambleside's lists tend to be advanced by at least 2 grade levels.

Sonlight book lists without reading schedule.

1000 Good Books reading list http://www.classical-homeschooling.org/celoop/1000.html


Science kits can be purchased from stores like Lake Shore. You also may wish to look into nature study along with visits to science museums, and arboriums.

Also look into livingmath.net, as it offers a curriculum that looks at the history of math, and as an extension, science, through living books. The site also provides an awesome listing of living books that explore various math concepts.

When I afterschooled my eldest, we supplemented math with Singapore Primary Mathematics, read through history via TWTM, unschooled science, read through Ambleside's & 1000 Good Book lists, attended plays, art galories, museums, and concerts.

As I type this, my eldest & DD--middle child, are getting ready to go see Macbeth at the Guthrie Theater with $55.00 tickets the eldest scored for $2.00 each through a program at his university.

Instill the love of culture, theater, great literature, history & science within your child, and you'll raise a lover of the classics, fine art, theater, and music for a lifetime.