Kumon

About two months ago I wrote about how summer was upon us and I was hoping to get a routine/schedule together for Braden. I never really got around to making an official one, but as our days flowed into one another a schedule/routine of sorts developed.

Part of our routine was working on writing his name. I started with him tracing the letters I wrote out, then we moved onto writing the letters under my example and now I can proudly claim that he can write his own name without any prompts.

I can't remember now, but I stumbled upon KUMON workbooks while looking for age appropriate lessons for Braden. And for two months now we have sat down for 10-15 minutes every morning and worked on our books. I purchased them on Amazon and bought 3 with the 4th free. Free Shipping too! I read all the reviews that the parents gave and I would have to agree with all the positive ones. Braden loves the mazes and the cutting books. The uppercase letters and numbers are mildly interesting and it takes work to keep his attention focused. I think in the long run these will pay off. Not only have they helped his motor skills (cutting) and his problem solving (mazes) but I think it was a good start and foundation for what to expect at pre-school this year. Plus the idea of sitting a focusing attention on work for 10 minutes a day was good practice for school.

I bought a few for friends and so far they like them (they may however just be humoring me) . I know some people disagree with the KUMON system. But its worked well for us.