Lesson 5

Elinore finished her fifth lesson today. She has trouble sitting still, paying attention, and following directions. Oh yes, and answering questions. I wonder if it is worth the effort at this early stage, knowing about the better late than early philosophy.

I also know that children tend to perform to expectations. I have gone very easy on Elinore these three and a half years, because with her speech delay, it's hard to know how much she understands. But her developmental pediatrician is convinced that she's smarter than I give her credit for.

The reason we are soldiering on (doesn't that sound like she's a lot of work?) is that Calvert school is very non-academic for preschool. Today we reviewed red and introduced yellow, and according to our team of experts, this is a three year old skill. She is identifying her learned colors with about 75 % accuracy. To me, this means an appropriate skill.

We played with the Lauri alphabet puzzle, talked about books and read the first story in Read to Me Storybook. This is our third copy: PJ got one in his Kindergarten box, and Hannah got hers in a Pre-K box eight years ago. Reading to children of any age is developmentally appropriate.

We also reviewed yesterday's discussion topic of left/right, name, address, and phone number. Calvert's manual acknowledges that mastery of left/right may take some time. As an impaired left/right adult, I think it's never too soon to start.  Phone numbers are a lot longer than they used to be. And her speech is not clear enough to convey her address in case of being lost. However. We do not plan for her to get lost. But you all know about the best laid plans...

For games and play, we did hunting for a spool, using a bean bag. It is not for lack of spools, we have plenty. I just don't want to share my sewing supplies.

So, in my opinion, there is nothing out of reach of a three and a half year old, at least, not yet. The main thing for Elinore is learning to sit still, follow directions, and answer questions. She has her team of experts (speech therapist, occupational therapist, and special instructor) all helping with these same issues, so I know these are age appropriate skills to acquire as well. So, for now, we'll keep soldiering on.