u/ProudDecision1546

I’m thinking it could be fun to introduce my 4 y/o to two different approaches to math this year:

 1. Preschool Math at Home by Kate Snow, which leads into the Math With Confidence pathway.

2. Dimensions Math PK, which leads into the Singapore Math pathway.

From what I understand they’re both hands-on, but the approaches are a little different. Kate Snow is more play-based, child-centered, and focused on games, conversation, and everyday math, keeping formal work relatively light at this age.

Singapore is a little more structured and focuses on building conceptual understanding through manipulatives, visuals, and eventually more abstract work.

I’m not thinking of doubling her workload or having her complete two curricula. I’d just like to use both as resources throughout Pre-K and see which approach seems to click best with her. Since they’re both introductory programs, it seems like a good year to explore them before deciding which one we want to continue into kindergarten!  We can say “Okay, we’ve seen both. This is the one that really clicked for her.” And commit to it.

What do you guys think of this approach?

I agree that it’s a more mature solo, but to me it’s mostly posing, belly rolls, and hip movements with gymnastics tricks sprinkled in between. It also feels really packed, which was something they often did with the Ziegler girls’ choreography. I think the solo had a lot of potential, and Kenzie did great with what she was given, but I don’t feel like it was choreographed to the best of its ability.

So my background is actually in education. I’m a licensed teacher - but after college I went into nannying with my NF instead of taking a classroom teaching job. From the beginning, it was discussed that the role would eventually evolve into more of a homeschool/private educator role as NK got older.

NK is 3.5 now, so I’ve been building more structured learning experiences based on a curriculum I’ve created using the Arizona Early Learning Standards and Infant/Toddler Development Guidelines. It’s still very play-based because that’s what’s developmentally appropriate at this age, but there’s definitely a lot more intentional planning involved now.

I truly love my job, but lately I’ve realized how mentally “on” this kind of role can be sometimes. Planning activities, teaching through play, observing development all day, staying highly interactive, managing child-related chores, outings, play dates, meal prep, etc. - while also trying to thoughtfully support early learning - can feel exhausting some days. Baby #2 is also on the way, which will add another layer to the role eventually.

And to be clear, this absolutely is not a criticism of my NF. They are genuinely wonderful people and I feel incredibly lucky to work for them. They are generous, respectful, flexible, supportive of my wellbeing, fund my retirement, offer very generous PTO (6 weeks!!)/bonuses, annual raises, and truly treat me with kindness and appreciation.

I think I’m just realizing that blending nannying and homeschooling/private education is a unique kind of emotional and mental labor that can be hard to explain unless you’ve done it yourself.

Would love to hear from anyone in similar hybrid roles