This week’s Parent Spotlight is Ruby Yu. It’s always fun to see the different experiences even within the same family. Ruby’s experience reminds us that our children are different people from one another and age plays a bigger factor than we may think.
Family Background
Ruby went to college in Taiwan and her husband was born and raised in America. They speak Chinese at home, have had some Chinese tutors over the years, and both her children attend a regular elementary school.
Children
7 year old daughter (started: 5; finished: 6 months)
5 year old daughter (started: 4.5; finished: 18 months)
In her Own Words
1. Why did you choose Sagebooks?
2. What was your experience with going through Sagebooks?
My youngest daughter was excited about “learning” since she’s watched her older sister learn Chinese for so long. I started her early when she turned 4. She was super slow and could only do one character a day, and that wasn’t even terribly consistent. By the time she turned 5, I realized that she wouldn’t be able to finish before Kindergarten if we don’t step it up. We are now on the last book and she has 8 characters to go. It would be the 1.5 year mark. It was painful. Maybe I should have started later.
3. What did your typical lesson look like? Did you do additional activities?
4. What did you like about Sagebooks? Was there anything you didn't?
5. If you have more than one child, would you do it again?
6. Any advice for parents who are just starting?
...
Thank you so much for your responses, Ruby! Your humor and candor is greatly appreciated.
We’d love to hear from you.