My thoughts about HomeStart Learning Solutions

School is back in session all over the world for our kids, but it's also in session for you!  Here are some  "Coach Lynn's training tips for parents" that may help you survive your kids in school.  When your young child starts school, you shouldn't just think about their homework and their play dates or social interactions.  Think about whether your little brainiac will truly be adequately prepared for a life of learning.  Pay attention there will be a test afterwards!!!!

On my last show, I spoke with Marilyn Kravitz, the Program Curriculum Director for one of our new sponsors- HomeStart Learning Solutions.  It is a wonderful concept.  Marilyn and her sister Estelle started HomeStart.  Both women worked as teachers in the New York Public School system cumulatively for over 60 plus years.  Their nephew saw all of the wonderful curriculum they had developed and urged them to start the company.  Specifically,  the HomeStart program allows a parent every month to download curriculum that is appropriate for 4-7 year olds and work on it with their child. (I find you have to supplement your child's learning experience at home all the way up to college).

There are so many reasons why you should supplement your child's learning experience, especially in their formative years.  You can do this by introducing them to cultural events and activities, supporting hands-on learning like puzzles, recipes and cooking, and for those who really love a challenge - the Rubik's cube!  In the event that parents are too busy to try to keep up with their child every step of the way, this program has these extra added benefits:

* The two women who developed HomeStart and the curriculum, have cumulatively 60 plus years of teaching 4-7 year olds.  
* The program works by subscription (3 month, 6 month and annual) and is affordable.
*  It "tracks" the academic year, tracks the curriculum, and provides classroom-tested and "fun-to-do" activities.
*  There is a monthly parent guide, that even gives instruction to the parent on HOW to use it and work with your child!

At the risk of seeming like a commercial, I just want to emphasize that I believe that parents should take an active role in their child's education.  Studies prove that children who work along with their parents on child-centered educational activities from age 2 are better prepared for a successful school experience.
There is nothing available on the web geared towards parents taking an active role in their kids education from 4-7. You can go to bookstores and find workbooks, computer software and complete homeschool curriculum.  But this program can be utilized to ACCENTUATE any school your child may be enrolled in.  The educators who developed this unique program wanted something for parents who felt hopeless or helpless to help them accelerate the learning process.  HomeStart is different from so many other programs because it covers the basics with 16 downloadable activities you can do with your child during the month.  You can choose any or all of the 16.  I wish someone would develop a program for mom's of high school teenagers that teaches text language, social nuances and how to do CHEMISTRY PROBLEMS ---- again!

My hats, yes I said hats, salute Marilyn Kravetz and Estelle Feldman for starting HomeStart Learning Solutions.  I think we should send it as a gift to every 4-7 year old we know.  They have developed curriculum for children for decades. Even though the curriculum is for kids to work at home,  it is important that parents be interactive in being a part of their child's educational experience!