If you’re like me, the idea of sending your little one off to preschool can be daunting. So, this year, I’ve decided to take on the challenge of homeschooling my 3-year-old for preschool. And to make things even more challenging, I wasn’t quite happy with the curriculum options out there. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create a curriculum that works for both of us.
First things first, let’s talk about the importance of preschool.
Preschool is not just about learning ABCs and 123s. It’s about socialization, exploring the world around us, and developing fine and gross motor skills. It’s a time for kids to develop a love of learning and gain confidence in themselves.
And, as a homeschooling parent, it can be a daunting task to make sure all of these areas are covered. But with some pre-planning, a little creativity, and a lot of patience, it can be done.
Now, let’s dive into the curriculum.
For our homeschool preschool curriculum, we’re focusing on four main areas: language and literacy, math and reasoning, social and emotional development, and gross and fine motor skills. Here’s a breakdown of what we’re doing in each area:
Language and literacy
We start each day with a storybook. We cuddle up on the couch, and I read to my little one. We talk about the characters, the plot, and what we think will happen next. This activity not only helps with language development but also encourages a love of reading.
After we read, we move on to letter recognition. We play games that involve matching upper- and lowercase letters, and we sing the alphabet song. We’re also using a tracing app on the iPad to work on proper letter formation.
Finally, we end our language and literacy time with a writing activity. For example, we might practice tracing lines, drawing shapes, or writing the first letter of our name. These activities help with fine motor skills and prepare my little one for writing.
Math and reasoning
Next up is math and reasoning. We start with counting activities using toys or household items. Then, we move onto basic addition and subtraction using manipulatives, such as counting bears or buttons.
We also play games that involve patterns and shapes, such as building towers with blocks or sorting buttons by color and size.
Finally, we end our math and reasoning time with a critical thinking activity, such as a puzzle or a memory game. These activities help develop reasoning skills and problem-solving abilities.
Social and emotional development
Social and emotional development is an important part of preschool. We focus on empathy, sharing, and taking turns through playtime and structured activities.
We play games that involve turn-taking, such as taking turns stacking blocks or taking turns with a toy car. We also read books that focus on feelings and talk about how we can help each other feel better.
Finally, we end our social and emotional development time with a mindfulness activity, such as deep breathing or a yoga pose. These activities help my little one learn to regulate their emotions and calm themselves down when needed.
Gross and fine motor skills
Gross and fine motor skills are important for physical development. We focus on both through play and structured activities.
We play games that involve gross motor skills, such as tag or dancing, to work on coordination and balance. We also do structured activities that involve gross motor skills, such as jumping jacks or running around the yard.
For fine motor skills, we do activities that involve coloring, cutting, and gluing. We’re also using playdough to work on hand strength and dexterity.
Finally, we end our gross and fine motor skills time with a sensory activity, such as playing with rice or sand. These activities help develop sensory awareness and creativity.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: our homeschool preschool curriculum. Is it perfect? No. Will we have our good days and bad days? Yes. But, as long as we’re having fun and learning, that’s all that matters.
Remember, as a homeschooling parent, you have the flexibility to create a curriculum that works for you and your child. Take the time to assess your child’s strengths and weaknesses and create a plan that will help them succeed.
And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!
Thanks for reading, and happy homeschooling!
