Now what's next for our toldler ..?

Question

We have 3 year old tod who can read and write alphabet (A-Z), knows colors, shapes, animals (their sounds), counting (1-50) and loves to read books (though he really can't read). He does all that and much more with very little effort on our behalf. Now we are wondering, what's the best thing we can do at this stage which will help him in future. (We're not planning to send him to preschool though)

Answer 1

The first step to reading is knowing the sound of each letter -- not just naming the letter.  Cut  pictures out of  magazines for a few letters of the alphabet and help him learn the sound of each letter by matching the begging sound of the picture to the letter.  Once he has learned the first few add some additional letters.  Later, he can find pictures of his own to match up.  Once beginning sounds are mastered move to ending sounds.  He'll be reading by the time he enters kindergarten.

Answer 2

anything that involves hand-eye co-ordinations, increasing attention span slowly, music,

Answer 3

why aren't you planning on sending him to preschool?  Academics is not socialization which is what he will get in preschool - enroll him and see him challenged and taught appropriate life skills.

Answer 4

:-)  I agree with Ann.  Consider sending him to a preschool or attend a weekly playgroup, etc.  At this age, one of the best things we can offer the child is experience with peers and other social settings.  

As for academics...go ahead taking steps forward...begin reading.  I've had great success with the book Teach Your Child To Read in 100 Easy Lessons.  Siegfried Engelmann.  So many people have told me, regarding my son, that you had better stop "teaching" him or he'll have nothing to do in Kindergarten...which may very possibly be true...but most classrooms now a days tend to work with the individual and challenge them where they are at.  However, though I didn't do much more than provide materials for him to progress...if I hadn't we would have had behavior problems relating to boredom.  Good luck!

Answer 5

i can give u online guidance

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and mail me at

[e-mail]

Answer 6

Does he play with other children? Maybe go to Stay and Play groups or Parent and Toddler Groups to vary his daily routine and try new experiences.

Just keep him active and interested-I wouldnt worry about trying to take him too far forward-let him enjoy play and having opportunity to make mistakes. Do fun things like cooking, dancing, walks outside that involve the skills he's learnt in context-eg: how many eggs do you need for cake?

If he starts to get bored then it may be worth looking into some form of playgroup or preschool-this can be as informal as you like if you dont want it to be a big nursery setting. Depends whats available in your area but preschools have trained staff who can support child in moving on, they have activities and fun things for kids to play and do that varies from the home, gives them experience of other children and other walks of life.

Depending on where you are in the world try looking online for curriculum:

In England you'll need to search for Foundation Stage or Birth To Three Framework but in September this changes to Early Years Foundation Stage so it may be worth looking at all three for ideas.

Good luck, he's sounds lovely! x