what 'should' my child be doing 'academically' at 4?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would focus on the behavior issues, OP. Sounds like your kid is on target academically but even if he isn't, the main thing you need for school success is appropriate behavior.

So, it won't matter his reading group if he can't sit still at circle time, follow directions when it's time to line up, etc. These are things some kids need to really learn but it's good to try to teach some of these skills before K.

Oh we are focusing on the behavior. That was my point, I feel like that is all consuming so it's all we are doing .

I totally agree with balancing with a strengths-based approach. It's easy to get sucked into all of the problems with behavior. My DC has ADHD, ODD, LD, anxiety .... behavior is a problem. But working a year or two ahead in math, science, and social studies gives him something to feel good about. Even in K self-esteem can be a big problem and it does suffer when all anyone wants to talk about are the problems and deficits. I posted before .... from what you say I wouldn't worry about academics but if he takes pride in or enjoys working with numbers or in playing letter games, by all means support that. Just don't push it and turn it into another area of stress.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like he'll be ahead of the curve when he starts K in a year if he's doing all that now. Fine motor is the only area he's a little behind in. Hang in there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hmmmm I dunno sounds like you probably want to give up on Ivy League at this point and focus on second-tier schools.

Please take your a**holish behavior out of the SN forum.

I thought it was funny, PP.

[Anonymous]

If you google something like "milestones at age four" there are lots of lists on the internet.

[Anonymous]

Does he like to read and tell stories? One thing I do a lot of is tell stories to my 4.25 year old and slowly have him start adding things in so he gets a sense of narrative and plot, as well as sequencing events. He has very delayed fine motor skills and some attention issues, so I feel like this is a good way to develop his logical thinking and problem solving skills, and helping him use his mind towards a specific end, but not require him to manipulate objects to do it. I even encourage him to get interested in TV characters because it gives us a cast and plot points to work with! Basically my gut sense is that this is helping him develop his executive function skills. And it's fun!

[Anonymous]

I think you are on the right track. I might add 2 things

-- engage with you during a read aloud.

--retell an experience in a general sequence

[Anonymous]

I have seen a mini-explosion of "What else should I be doing" posts lately and frankly I find it depressing. It's part of the guiltmongering industrial complex for Special Needs Moms and I really don't like this trend.

[Anonymous]

Is he in a pre-k program? I do zero supplementing outside of ours - they have the writing all letters upper and lo etc, working on site words, very basic math and patterns, letter sounds etc - sounds pretty similar