School for a 3 year old??

Question

Well I have a nephew who is 3 going on 4 next month. I honestly think he's pretty smart for his age (Am not braggin) but he knows his colors in both english and spanish and pronounces them Very Well!! And he also knows how to count to 10 in both spanish and english. He understands words also in both languages For example: My sister asked me something about church and singing, and he asked me the same question in Spanish which really surprised me because I didnt think he knew what that mean in spanish. What kinds of games should we buy for him?? He loves to play Gameboy and Xbox, and Gamecube, but should we let him play those often?? Also, he still needs 1 more year before he can even start school, is it necessary to put him in Preschool?? They didnt accept him in Headstart because they said they didnt have enough space, even though he WANTS to go to school NOW!! Is there another school similar to headstart?? Let me know what you think!! Thanks!!

Answer 1

I would enroll him a few days a week at first to get him socializing and comfortable with the teacher. I teach pre-school in my home and I love kids like your nephew who enjoy learning.

There are some really great computer programs for learning too. We used a lot of the Jump Start ones when my kids were small. They loved Jump Start Spanish! Just check your local store where software is sold. Be sure to find something in his ability bracket that will challenge him. Age isn't always the best way to determine what to buy.

Answer 2

Have you checked with your school district to see if they are offering a pre-k program for 4 year olds?  If they are it may be free or low cost as this is a growing trend right now.  If they are not, ask about preschool programs in the area.  Also call social service agencies and churches to get a list of programs in the area.  Call these programs and ask what license they have, and what credentials their teachers have.  Ask what curriculum they use and what the children's schedule is.  Try to observe a class in progress.  In the meantime, keep him on the Head Start waiting list.  They sometimes have turnover as children move to different areas and an opening may become available for him.

Answer 3

some daycare centers have preschool included in them.  I attended one that did.

Answer 4

Preschool is important for developing social skills. It is the only time in a child's life where you learn how to be a friend ,how to resolve conflicts , hopw to share, etc... Gameboy and computer games should be limited because they are antisocial and addictive. There is absolutly no reason for a three year old to play video games. If you can afford a part time school- do it!

Answer 5

My son is four and was in preschool last year.  When he started, he knew a lot of the basics like your nephew.  What preschool did for him was get him used to a school social setting (waiting turns, structured schedule, etc.)  The other good thing about preschool was that he only went two days a week (the 3 and 4 year olds) so it wasn't too overwhelming.  This year (the 4 and 5 year olds), he'll go three days a week.  It serves as a way to prepare the kids for kindergarten.  Many churches (Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic, etc.) have private preschool programs.  If your nephew goes to daycare or play dates, maybe ask if anyone else is is sending their child to school or has any recommendations.

As far as video games, I only let me son play his V-Smile and I have noticed a drastic improvement in his skills.  There are all kinds of games for different age levels and skill sets.  Good luck!

Answer 6

Montesori school!

Answer 7

If he is into games, get him a v-smile console. It has tons of learning games that would be very good for him.

http://www.amazon.com/Vtech-V-Smile-TV-L...

Answer 8

That is great that he is being brought up in two languages! So many have to speak one language at home and another in school.

Instead of getting him totally absorbed in computer games and programs, is it possible to give him an opportunity with word games, math games, Spanish and English games and such *without* a computer? I mean the old-fashioned way, I guess, for I am a former teacher who is very disappointed with most of the schools of today. If he has had a basically good start with what he is learning now--and you sound as if he is one smart little guy!-- I would try to get him into some very, very simple books and workbooks as well. He will feel like a big boy and will do very well compared to the little ones who have not had that privilege. Pre-school would be a plus for him--getting along with others, learning to follow simple orders--very helpful if you can afford it, but also possible by spending a couple of hours a day doing the things I mentioned (and all the things you can come up with, as well.) Reading before he gets to school may be a real possibility!