Hi Kezia! Just curious as to the beta release for the Arabic Curriculum! We're very excited. Thank you!

Certain songs I can't seem to google lyrics for -- ie. I'm a good little learner, etc.  I know my kids are much more enthusiastic about this section if I sing along -- even if the song is new to them.  Any suggestions on where to find?

Hi, I'm also from the Chicago area and have been doing BK programs (all 3 + Spanish) with my children since January among other early learning activities.  I don't know much about the gifted program but thought I'd reach out to my neighbors just the same

Thanks Mamaofwill! Helps to see how others are tackling it. Much appreciated!

I thought I posted a topic but can't seem to find it so here it goes again!

I am looking for some tips on EK. I've been doing EL for a few months now. I have a 2.5 and a 1 y/o.  My older son shows interest in just about any topic I introduce him to. He's always had laser focus and innate curiosity.  Right now he's really enjoying states -- I would stay bordering on obsession.  He can point to all 50 and conversely can tell me the names of each them as I point to them.  He can complete a 60 piece states puzzle unassisted.  When we watch youtube videos he insists we watch the same one about states.  I want to indulge him in the things he's interested in, but it got me wondering....how long do you stay on topic for?  Do you try to delve as deep as possible while an interest is shown in a topic?  Or do you have a timeframe?  I am now teaching him capitals but also want to introduce new topics.  Although I like that he wants to watch a fun educational video on youtube, I want to move on to different topics or subtopics as he's already learned what he can from the song.

I know Doman indicated to flash a bit (same picture but different facts) about 5x.  Shichida's method indicates that in theory with the mind trained, information should only be need to be presented once.  My son attends Montessori part-time and that is child-led.  He is getting used to following his interests.

We take advantage of the Brillkids library and will flash a series of EK in rotation for several weeks.  How long do you flash EK bits for?  ie. - birds, elements table?  How long do you stay on topic for? Looking for feedback and ideas from others!!

I tend to show it primarily at meal times! I have a 15 month old and a 2.5 y/o.  The younger one is an explorer and would never sit still -- whether for books or for LR/LM.  Since showing them at meal times he's totally hooked and anticipates the next screen - ie. "clap along!" - he gets ready to clap.  It's also perked his interest in books and now he brings me books to read to him and actually sits through them!  I know the key is to eliminate distractions but the lessons are so quick that spoons are usually set down and eyes are glued for 10 minutes -- then they resume eating.  I find that it helps that they're restrained so to speak in their seats.  I know that's the only way to get my younger one to pay attention.  The older one doesn't particularly love some of the math sessions and I know if we were doing the lessons anywhere else in the house he would find a way to sneak out of the room   And I can attest to the fact that they're learning!

Thank you, Kezia!

Does your son prefer learning via the computer/TV? Although my 2.5 year old will sit through flashcards and piece together puzzles I can tell he LOVES learning with all the bright colors, sounds and animation of a computer.  There are plenty of downloadable e-flashcards and knowledge bits on Brillkids and for just a few minutes a day you can teach your toddler general knowledge in an attention-grabbing way.  I have a 1 y/o who would never sit still (zero attention span) and would run away as soon as he saw me pull out flashcards but ever since I purchased the LR, LMath and LMusic programs, he'll anticipate our learning sessions with excitement! I think the method of delivery is important as kids learn via different modes.  Try different things.  There's also a wealth of educational youtube videos, etc.  Starfall.com is another good website....I taught my 2.5 year old to navigate a computer by himself and he loves the independence and loves playing educational videos online (math, matching, etc.). Good luck!!

Thanks again, Skylark! Appreciate your words and time. My 1 y/o has done a 180! He LOVES the programs - all of them.  He used to squirm and run away even at the mere sight of physical flashcards. but he adores the digital version!! It's so motivating to see my boys engaged and loving their "lessons".  My son asks for them!  It truly makes learning fun! Thanks for your insight!

Kezia, any updates regarding the Arabic program? Thanks much!!

Other than the hardcopy materials, are there any SYSTEM limitations of LR I would be giving up by getting LR Basic vs LR Deluxe? 

Thanks, Skylark! Again, very encouraging words. Wow, sounds like you are doing an amazing job! It's nice to see that you've been able to give your kids the gift of learning - and the foundation for a lifetime of the love for learning!

Can I ask at what age did you start your 4 y/o with LR?  Also, have you seen a similar trajectory from LR as compared to when you were preparing the materials yourself? I assume you've had to supplement LR with more advanced words? Lastly, for BITs, how long do you show the same set of information for? a week or depending on interest level? 

Thanks again so much for your help!

Skylark - thank you so much for such a detailed (and quick) response! So reassuring and helpful!  We had our inaugural run with all three programs today and my older one is hooked!  My 1 y/o is much more interested in exploring his surroundings now that he can walk but I'm finding the best time to go through flashcards-and today, with the programs-is during their meals because they're seated (baby is restrained  ) and there are less distractions.  The 1 y/o will sometimes look away then look at the screen -- and when I tried showing the program in-between mealtime, he would walk away and then return to see what was going on then be off again.

I am so happy I stumbled on Brillkids and Doman's methods when I did.  It was by accident.  A girlfriend mentioned she took her LO to his 4 y/o checkup and was feeling down on herself b/c he wasn't reading yet or doing anything particularly "advanced" and I exclaimed why on earth would you expect him to be reading at 4?!  She said she knew someone who flashed words to their son from the time he was 6 months old and at 5 was reading Shakespeare.  So, I retorted that he obviously was a rare gifted specimen and she said there's this whole program of flashing cards to babies/toddlers.  I had to see it for myself.  Fast forward about two months and hours upon hours of research and print outs, I now feel like I have direction!! I feel like my days are no longer aimless and I don't have the guilt of not knowing if I did enough for my kids that day.  And I can breathe a sigh of relief that I have a pre-built program that is seemingly comprehensive.  Phew!  In fact, I have been wavering about continuing to work  - long before I learned about Doman.  I wanted to stay home with the boys but felt unproductive some days and thought myself more useful to myself and others if I worked.  But now the decision is a no-brainer.  I am so impassioned about early learning that there's no going back.

My older son has always shown an intense curiosity, attention to detail and focus but I didn't know how to nourish it beyond what I was already doing.  Yet I knew there had to be something more.  By 17 months he was putting together alphabet puzzles unassisted, knew his colors, basic shapes, could count to 10, spell his name and by 22 months was doing 12 piece puzzles unassisted. I had always wondered how some adults always seemed to know everything about everything.  Exposure!! Of course! And why not start exposing now?

Skylark - just a couple more questions....with the BITs, how long do you show them for? 10 days, fewer? Then maybe refresh on them every once in a while? Also, have you been on the "welovebrillkids" site? They sell the programs a little cheaper but wanted to see if it was recommended to purchase from there vs here.

Thank you!!

Can I use LR on my Kindle Fire?

I currently have the trial version of all three programs and thinking of purchasing the bundle.  I have two LOs - 2.5 and 1 y/o.  I want to start them both on the programs (have been using flashcards for the past month) but wanted to see if that is feasible to do and how other people are structuring their days.  Would I do 1 lesson from each program back to back say in the morning and one again in the evening?  the lessons don't seem too long so this seems like an option.  Currently, we do BITs via videos during mealtimes and both boys love it so i think they would have the attention span to sit through....but i also want to weave in flashcards, puzzles, writing, drawing, BITs, etc. throughout the day.  I tried searching the forum for ideas but couldn't seem to find any hits.   Any thoughts?