Getting ready for MUS Alpha

[Hausunterricht]

My oldest two went to K and half of 1st grade. I started them on MUS Alpha when they came home. (No they weren't in school at the same time;). It just seems our boys don't last too long in public school.)

I now have my 5 (turning 6 in April) son. I'm not really able to get Primer right now and I've been told by others it's not worth it. Just start at Alpha.

So, if you just started with Alpha in 1st grade...how did you prepare them? He can count to 10. I know the MUS website has what they do in Primer. But, I was just curious what others did to prepare.

[razorbackmama]

If I remember right, I think they have to be able to write the numerals 0-9 and be able to count to 20.

[Aletheia Academy]

My ds K'er (almost 6 yo) began Alpha in September. He knew how to count to 100, how to write numerals 0-9, very basic simple addition and subtraction with counters, and addition facts up to 3 or 4.

He did have quite a challenging time understanding the first lesson (place value), and it took quite a while to move beyond that, but now he has been zooming along. We have just hit lesson 7, and this is the first lesson since the first that has been a challenge for him.

I'm not sure how long it will take to work through Alpha, but I'm not very concerned about it, and he's having a good time. :-)