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onetwo_threefour · 09-09-2009, 12:37 PM

I think if you're a parent who is committed to taking the time to read to your kids and teach them, rather than just plonking them in front of the DVD and expecting that to teach them, it doesn't really matter what brand name you use of learning materials. I think it's the child's natural level of readiness combined with the parents' level of involvement that makes the difference. Both of my sons have been 'behind' milestones verbally up to about 2 years old. My eldest only said a very few words, but it was obvious that he understood a lot. We read to him constantly from a very young age and when he finally did decide to start talking, he was talikng in phrases and almost complete sentences. He is now seven and reads at a Grade 8+ level and is similarly verbally eloquent. My point is that we never invested in any particular products to enrich him, we just took it upon ourselves to read to and with him, and to challenge him to read more.

I am not bad-mouthing the product in question, and I know I learned to read at a very early age with the help of phonics flash cards, but I do think it was the time my mom spent with me, and the time that we spent with our elder son that made the difference. My younger just turned two, and like the older probably has a smaller than average spoken vocabulary, but based on his level of understanding I am not concerned and we'll keep investing the time to give him the same reading advantage that my older son has.

As a counterpoint, my sister has used Baby Einstein videos with her kids, but they didn't seem as ready to pick up reading as mine did, so there doesn't seem to have been a great advantage there. Her oldest is now in kindergarten and seems to fit in around the same level as most other kids. I think you have to use your judgment and try to keep it fun. Don't get your expectations to high, and remember that any time investment you make will certainly be rewarding for you and your child.

My son has been assessed now as gifted, so the actual applicability of my experiences may be questionable, but I do think the secret is the time you spend, and not the money you spend.

09-09-2009, 12:37 PM	#24
onetwo_threefour Powerplay Quarterback Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Mahogany, aka halfway to Lethbridge Exp:	I think if you're a parent who is committed to taking the time to read to your kids and teach them, rather than just plonking them in front of the DVD and expecting that to teach them, it doesn't really matter what brand name you use of learning materials. I think it's the child's natural level of readiness combined with the parents' level of involvement that makes the difference. Both of my sons have been 'behind' milestones verbally up to about 2 years old. My eldest only said a very few words, but it was obvious that he understood a lot. We read to him constantly from a very young age and when he finally did decide to start talking, he was talikng in phrases and almost complete sentences. He is now seven and reads at a Grade 8+ level and is similarly verbally eloquent. My point is that we never invested in any particular products to enrich him, we just took it upon ourselves to read to and with him, and to challenge him to read more. I am not bad-mouthing the product in question, and I know I learned to read at a very early age with the help of phonics flash cards, but I do think it was the time my mom spent with me, and the time that we spent with our elder son that made the difference. My younger just turned two, and like the older probably has a smaller than average spoken vocabulary, but based on his level of understanding I am not concerned and we'll keep investing the time to give him the same reading advantage that my older son has. As a counterpoint, my sister has used Baby Einstein videos with her kids, but they didn't seem as ready to pick up reading as mine did, so there doesn't seem to have been a great advantage there. Her oldest is now in kindergarten and seems to fit in around the same level as most other kids. I think you have to use your judgment and try to keep it fun. Don't get your expectations to high, and remember that any time investment you make will certainly be rewarding for you and your child. My son has been assessed now as gifted, so the actual applicability of my experiences may be questionable, but I do think the secret is the time you spend, and not the money you spend. __________________ onetwo and threefour... Together no more. The end of an era. Let's rebuild... Last edited by onetwo_threefour; 09-09-2009 at 12:44 PM.