So it looks like homeschooling has really taken over for “in class” happenings for the spring season. And it’s going to continue through summer. So you might be wondering what exactly you’re supposed to be working on with your preschooler, if you’re doing it right, and sometimes…what’s the point?
Like…are they getting anything out of what you’re trying to teach them? How do you know? Is it supposed to be themes like school or something else?
It’s all a big ball of confusion for the younger kids right now because preschool curriculums are not only so individualistic, but your toddler or 3yr old. don’t have the words to tell you “mom we’re learning about butterfly life cycles right now”.
So what’s a busy mom to do that has never homeschooled before? Read this post and find out!
*Homeschool is Not Going To Be The Same As In Person Preschool. Do It Your Way.
There are a few key elements that you should be focusing on while homeschooling your preschooler. Do not worry about making it content specific. Do not worry about planning themes. That’s going to be way too much work for right now and most likely it won’t stick.
However, knowing what skills your preschooler should be working on is key. Then all you have to do is interweave it into different parts of your day.
Think about it this way. Exposure and experience is the basis of preschool. So that’s all you have to remember. All you need to work on is exposure and experience.
Sounds more doable now right?
You got this! Let’s look at the skills.
*The Skills Your Kids Need To Learn
1. letters:
A lot of these are going to be pretty obvious. But! That makes it easier for you! Yay!
So letters are going to be included. You can basically do anything with this. You can do a letter a week and work on picture IDs, sound matching, letter IDs in books. Anything you want! Letters are all around us so this will probably be the easiest one to work on every day.
Remember exposure is key. So if you’re looking at a book then ask about the letters. If you’re driving past a few signs, see if your child can identify them. Maybe do a letter scavenger hunt around your house.
Either way, the point is, work on letters.
2. Numbers:
Of course numbers is next. Numbers are pretty important in preschool. I would focus on 1-10, and once you master that then do 11-20.
Word of advice, teen numbers are much harder for kids to understand so they will take a little longer.
But again, I would maybe tackle a new number each week and build on the previous numbers as well.
A couple other things to keep in mind when working on numbers is number IDs, sequencing numbers (the order the numbers go in), rote counting (counting in order without using pictures), and 1:1 correspondence. 1:1 correspondence just means if you placed a handful of objects on the floor, your child is able to count them starting in numerical order and placing one value to each item.
3. Name IDs:
This is an important one in preschool and will accompany your child’s acquisition of letters and language. Also, just a side note, your child will be able to respond to hearing their name before learning the letters that actually spell it.
So write out their name and work on the letters within it. Maybe write it a few times on a few different flash cards and hide it around the house. Every time they find their name they can do something fun!
Also make sure when they practice reading their name they point to it, and move from left to right. The physical connection helps internalize the concept.
Once the first name is done, you can work on the last name.
4. Calendar:
I would keep exploring this concept at home because it’s part of every preschool morning meeting. However, I wouldn’t worry too much about the concept being fully understood.
One of the hardest things for kids to comprehend is the abstract notion of time. And that’s what calendar is all about.
So should you continue to explore the calendar items with them (months, days, dates, weather, seasons)? Absolutely! But do not worry if it doesn’t stick right away. This is about exploration and eventually getting it.
5. Vocabulary:
This skill is pretty easy, and what you might not know is that you work on this already!! Continue expanding their language, work on some new terms when reading books or when watching a movie. Take the time to explain what certain things are to them.
This is all about exposure. The more you expose them to and discuss, the more their vocabulary and knowledge will grow.
6. Fine Motore/ writing:
So this is for the parent who might want to tackle a little more and good for you! If you have the time and commitment then why not.
If your preschooler was already learning to write before homeschooling began it would be good practice to keep that skill going. You can have them practice some letters, learn how to write their name, write a recipe that you can make together, or maybe they can write the grocery list for the week. There’s a whole bunch of things you can have them write or pretend to write.
Side note: Inventive writing is huge in preschool so most likely it won’t make sense but it’s more so about the intention, and letter formation. Help them write the letter correctly, whether or not it makes sense.. not important.
Next, for those little ones who have not yet started to explore writing, that’s totally fine. I would make sure to continue strengthening those fine motor muscles (hand muscles that help you achieve small or “fine” tasks like writing, buttoning, snapping, turning a knob, etc.). Anything from play dough to lacing to coloring is great for that. Also allowing them to explore pouring with cups is always a huge hit in preschool.
But help them strengthen their little hand muscles so once it’s time for them to learn how to write they have the fine motor endurance to do it.
7. comprehension:
This task also happens pretty regularly throughout the day but can have a little more emphasis when homeschooling. Because your child is really just learning how the world works, all their questions are for the most part very genuine.
Basically, when they ask a question be sure to give them a pretty thorough response. And if they ask why, explain to them why. This is not an 8yr old who is just screaming why in the back of a car ride to make you frustrated. This 3yr old really has no idea. So take the time to chat and discuss.
And obviously the favorite medium for any adult to work on comprehension is books. Stories are a great and engaging tool to use with little ones. It inspires their imagination, and instead of expecting them to always come up with questions, you can base a few easy ones on the text.
I would start simple though and move on from there. But every story time should have a few questions weaved into it.
8. independent play:
The last skill I think everyone should be working with their preschooler on, especially during this time, is independent play. One of the biggest concerns I hear from parents is that because your child is home, they think it’s mommy time 24/7.
Well, its not. And you have things to do. So it’s important your child learn how to play independently of you. It’s also necessary to have separate time so that once everyone does transition back to school, your child is not screaming and grabbing your leg as you’re doing drop off.
This is a very important skill that we work on in preschool all the time. It helps build confidence, autonomy, and is huge in promoting decision making. And there’s no better time than now.
This is a wonderful skill to work on.
*Summary. Take It Easy
Alright parents, we made it through the 8 skills your preschooler should be working on while at home. Most of these can be incorporated within your day and a few already are. But let this list guide you.
Remember, you’re not a teacher in a preschool. You don’t have to be. Do it your way and interweave these skills to help them develop more. Have fun and don’t stress. Every child will develop at their own speed. We just try and lay a little bit of scaffolding along the way.
So do the same and you’ll be just fine!
And as always, If you have any questions, comments, or ideas please share them in the comments section below with your fellow parents! And definitely subscribe to the newsletter for updates and ongoing happenings at TylekTeaches.com. The subscription link is just on the right hand side of this post. See you there!
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