4-year-olds - Wants to do everything with K sibling

[alisoncooks]

This is probably a variation on an old question but here goes:) I have a son who will be 4 in one month and one who will be 6 starting MKW kindy. My 4yo wants to do everything his 6yo brother does(I also have a 1yo, 11yo and 16yo at home). I know I should start with the youngest and work my way up but how do I keep my 4yo busy with something else while doing phonics work with his MKW brother. I dont want to have it be big brother time because it will be in the morning and they are both really productive in the morning and I would like them working on their weak areas. Do you think having him work on prek independent activities would work? I am worried he will just interrupt with my one on one time with my 6yo...

Mine are 3 and 5 and I'll say that this has been one of the most challenging things for me (so far!).
My little one has done a little of everything:
independent play in her room while I do the "meat" of the lesson with big sis
play playdough or markers at the table where we're working
"doing worksheets" for her school time (extra handwriting sheets or worksheets I've found)
Her favorite has been joining us during craft time and cutting stuff up with scissors.

I've not found the perfect way to combine them yet, but it's working well enough. She does interrupt occasionally, but often she just runs off and plays. Personally, I'm fine with that. I have no solid "school time" goals for her right now.

[TriciaMR]

Have the 11yo or 16yo play with the 4yo during your time with the 6yo, maybe?

-Trish

[zeo2ski]

Let the 4 yo sit at the table and participate. He would be able to do lots of the verbal parts and the tactile activities.

Then let him do playdough, look at books, color, etc. during the parts he's not ready for.

We've done it like that when my boys were 2 and 3/4 and again now when they are 3 and 5 (and there are 3 baby girls throughout that time also...we do most of school during morning nap!). The younger boy, even as a new 2 yo loooovvved "doing school" and singing the songs. For a long time he just listened and then one day he decided to sing and he knew the whole a-a-apple song already. This year he's 3 and he likes to join in and do everything the 5 y.o. does, but I'm ordering MFW's preschool manipulatives for him to use when it's something he can't participate in. They sell a good package. By participate/join in, I don't mean the little guy is actually learning the skills you're teaching to the older one, but they are becoming familiar with the alphabet through this exposure and more importantly the two kids have fun together. Oh and the little one can actually do and benefit from almost all the science, Bible, and character stuff.

[Julie in MN]

Here is Marie Hazell's idea for teaching preschool & kindergarten together, over several years:
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=642
If your 4yo is not going to do K next year, you may need to adapt it a bit, but I think it should give some good guidance.

Also, some good experiences are in the archives for including preschoolers:
viewforum.php?f=2

HTH,
Julie