This year my third child is starting Classical Conversations as a 4 year old Junior Abecedarian. Whenever possible, I like to prepare my littles for new experiences before sending them off. I asked my friend and son’s tutor for recommendations on getting my little guy ready. If you’re like that too, here are 3 things you might like to practice with your little 4 year old:
Copying motions, words, drawing and so forth modeled for them. This is SUCH a great suggestion! So much of learning memory work at CC is quite literally copying the tutor. I’m going to draw a circle on the board and ask my son to copy it. The same with a line, dot, tracing on a map, etc. I think we’ll also play a little “follow the leader” for motions and words.
Finding things in their backpack or pencil box (including snack and water bottle). My little guy will back to school shop with me to pick out the items that belong in his backpack. Then we’ll sit down to make sure he knows the names of each item and its place in his backpack/pencil bag/snack bag.
Shutting the bathroom door! How true is this? At home, this is definitely not the habit among my little men. Even for me, there are usually little feet following me in before the door is closed. So we will definitely talk about this and practice it at home!
My friend gave other suggestions too, but we’ll be focusing on these. My little guy is eager to be in his own class, so I think he’ll have fun practicing with me. If your guy or gal is not digging it, it’s probably best to just let it go! Keep in mind, the tutors do not have these expectations on the incoming 4 year olds. I just think it will make for a smoother transition for my guy. Maybe it will for yours too?
My third child is an Abecederian for the first time too this year, and this will be my first year to direct. Your suggestions are great! We’ve been discussing how to be a good friend and being helpful to the tutor with our daughter as well. This will be my ‘last to start’…being on the CC journey all together will make school time even more fun! Best wishes in the coming year!
yes, magistra mommy! i stuck to the more tangible ideas for this post, but i love those ideas too! my sister is a first time director too. she’s starting a new community in tn. i commend y’all, because i know that is a lot of work! thank you for doing it : )
Great suggestion. I like it. Thanks to share it.