Okay, so I had NO idea there was so much that you can do with your child at such a young age and these forums have opened my eyes to a whole new world.  It's sad how the mainstream of our culture lulls people like myself into a complacency of just letting everyone else and the "system" raise and educate our kids.  Of course, other people and the system are probably great tools when used well, but I wish I'd heard about all the wonderful and fun things that you can do with your child earlier on!  Wow!  I've only spent a couple of days reading posts but I'm starting to feel overwhelmed by the amount of information.  I am slowly piecing things together while reading, but thought that someone might be able to help get me started with the basics of teaching my daughter to read, as well as math, etc.  I apologize if this all sounds like a bunch of rambling.   

Anyway, on to my point.  I need a starting point.  Somewhere to begin.  I need some Teaching Reading 101.     And there very well could be just that sitting right in front of my eyes at this website.  Of course there is Little Reader.  I don't have the full license yet, but I did use the Beta software for a bit... but I still had trouble organizing everything.  So I have some questions...

Specifically, what IS the Doman method?  Does it apply to reading?  Math?  Or what? 

What are the methods, theories, or systems out there that people are using to help them teach their toddlers reading and other subjects so early on?

Thanks so much!

I was participating in the Little Reader Beta Testing program for a bit, but had to stop for awhile due to work and family issues.  Unfortunately this meant that I did not get the chance to try the program as it developed and changed.  Now, I tried to download the finished product's free trial, but found that it says my trial has expired.  I'm guessing that this is because I had the Beta program?  Does this mean that I cannot try the released program?  I understand if the answer is no, but thought I'd ask to be sure.  Thanks!

I have the same question as Etka!  I suppose I'll have to wait until I can purchase the program.  I'm so excited and just can't wait to get my daughter back to learning with the program.  It was so amazing to see her interest and how she learned.

Good post.  I agree that hugging and showing affection is vital to the development of a healthy child!  I let love be my guide when raising my child, with a bit of common sense and patient thought to help steer the course.   I think every child is different and that different methods of parenting are thus warranted.  I don't believe that any restriction or limits on the time or timing of a hug is necessary, nor that it would spoil the child.  Then again, I suppose an exception to this is avoiding making the hug a reinforcement or reward for negative behavior... but I don't think I've ever heard of that being done. 

I can see why you are concerned, but I bet it's just a normal stage of curiosity.  My daughter wants to grab the screen and pull it toward her to hug or kiss many of the animals, !  I'm sure he will grow out of it soon and will begin to understand without a problem.  Also, you want to keep the lessons interesting and fun, so don't worry if his interest wanes now and then.  I agree with the previous post as well, in keeping things as normal as possible. 

My daughter is about 16 months old now and she still nurses from 2-4 times daily, at least once in the morning and once at night, and she still gets a bottle of milk around lunchtime when I'm away.  Often times she will nurse when I get home from work.  On days that I'm home with her, she tends to nurse several times and does not get any milk from a bottle on those days.  We introduced solids around 6 months just to get her used to the textures and tastes, but I always gave her milk first.  After one year, we started giving her solids before or with her milk. 

She also refuses any milk besides mama's.  I am trying to introduce cow or goat's milk so that when my freezer supply of bm is depleted that she will still have something.  It's not going well.    But I'm also not really motivated either... I've heard bad things about dairy and particularly cow's milk in the past. 

Good luck with the transition!

Oh wow.  I had NO idea that kids could do this sort of thing at such an early age.  These forums are quite an eye opener for me.  I hadn't even thought of looking at BrillKids math program yet, not to mention anything like an abacus!  I'm quite intrigued now and intend to continue looking into it, as well as these dot cards and Doman.  Thank you so much for sharing these links and videos.  I look forward to learning much more from all of you! 

Hi Malma!  Welcome to the forums!  It always a wonderful thing to hear about happy families with foster and adopted children that are doing so well.  It also amazes me what young ones can learn and how quickly they pick things up.  Isn't it a joy to watch how they grow from day to day!? 

Thanks for the quick response!  When I did use Little Reader previously, I did the same as you... kind of let my daughter lead the way on which playlists and how long we worked on it.  I think it's important to pay attention to your child when it comes to their level of interest and such, particularly at this age. 

The flashcards that you use- are they printed off, ones you made yourself, or did you buy them somewhere?  If you bought them, may I ask where from? 

I think it all depends on how much knowledge the parent has and whether they have the appropriate amount of time and energy to contribute, as well as the patience and disposition for it!  I wouldn't think it's a good idea to teach your kids if you can't keep it interesting and fun.  Nor is it a good idea to teach them if you can't spend enough time with them or don't have the right level of knowledge.  I think it's perfectly acceptable and even a good idea to supplement with a tutor for areas the parent isn't as strong in. 

That's awesome!  My daughter is 16 months old and while I played around with the Little Reader software a bit during the beta testing stage, we didn't stick with it because of various work and family issues.  I'm motivated to get started again and can't wait to use the program regularly.  May I ask how often and for how long you work with your daughter daily?  What techniques do you use, or what is the routine you go through, if any, when you're teaching/playing with her?

Hi there!  I'm new here (well, new to being active on the boards anyway, and new to this board in particular) and know some Arabic.  I'm very excited about the possibility of teaching my 16 month old a bit of Arabic as well.  I can read a good amount, but I probably have to look up about 1 of every 8-10 words, at least, depending on the level of conversation.    Just wanted to say hello and thank you for the Arabic that has already been contributed to BrillKids Little Reader and these forums!

We love Little Reader.  My daughter squeals with delight each time we start the program.  It really seems to be something she's starting to recognize too.  Thanks so much!

May we have the key to extend our license until 31 Aug?  My daughter loves the program and can't wait to use it again!  LOL!

We've been using Little Reader every other day or so and my 11 month old daughter LOVES it!  She gets sooo excited when we use it (or she even thinks we're going to use it)... she'll even grab the computer screen and kiss it!    

May I have a renewal license key please?  We wouldn't want to stop the excitement around here.     Thank you!

Hi!  I'm new to the forums and just wanted to swing by and say hello... so, HELLO! 

My husband and I are first time parents and our baby girl is approaching 11 months old.  I saw a video on YouTube of a toddler reading some words and decided to do more research- which eventually led me here.  I'm glad to be here but I'm a bit overwhelmed and unsure of where & how to begin.  I'm sure I'll catch on quickly and can't wait to meet everyone!