My dcg is a few days past 2. She is smart as a whip, and we do a lot of casual things with colors, counting, and have started some with the alphabet. I really hadn't planned on doing anything organized for a few months. I'm of the opinion that every moment is a learning moment-it doesn't have to be crammed down their throat. They only have 4 years to be free before full day pre-K takes over their childhood. (Sorry, soapbox moment.)
Anyway, dcm is planning to start dd in pre-K when she is just 2 weeks past 4 years old and is already worried that she will be the youngest and will be behind. She wants me to start some serious teaching, name, letters, numbers, flash cards. Flash cards!!! She's 2!! I just don't think it is appropriate yet. But, I'm not an expert on this age. All of my experience has been with late 3 and 4 year olds and up. And even that was 40 years ago.
I don't want to be stodgy and I also don't want to push this baby. So, what activities are appropriate for a 24 month old? I have tons of ideas, I don't so much need themes or ideas, I need a broad outline. When do I start letters? When do I start sorting or sequencing? The little I've done so far just went right over her head and her 3 minute attention span. Can you recommend a book that gives step by step "first you teach this, then you teach that, then add in this." As I said, I don't need activities to teach sequencing, just to know when to do it.
I have to do this. I have the time since I only have 2 kids now, and I like to teach, I just don't want to push her when she isn't ready. Or am I once again over-thinking the whole thing?