Stages

Education

Tampa Bay Life

Successfully Homeschooling a Preschooler

Sheena Salmon

A great thing about homeschooling preschoolers is that they are learning basic concepts that most parents already know. Finding resources for this group is also very easy and their home education will not burn a large hole in your wallet.

Supplies

First let's start with the supplies. While teaching my oldest child during her preschool age I found these to very helpful.

Repetition

When learning knew things for children and adults repetition is the key. The concepts you introduce to your child may be overwhelming for you to teach and for them to learn. Always start with the basics and build from there. This way you and your child will not become overwhelmed.

Children learn differently

Children learn in different ways. People are different. Children are different. Do not compare your child's progress to that of another child. Allow your child to learn at his or her own pace. If there are areas that your child is struggling in try to introduce to new ways to teach that topic. For example, if learning the alphabet is difficult try using interactive software, or videos. You can also go outside and use sidewalk chalk to draw the letters on the sidewalk or driveway. You can place shaving cream all over a table and use you fingers to draw the shapes of the letters. There are numerous ways to teach one thing; let you imagination do the work. Do not think that because on parent does it way and their child learned that way that you must do the same thing.

Now to the Free Resources.

One of the best places to find educational material is the public library. The public library has many different educational videos and DVDs. You can also borrow educational software from your public library. Now do not forget the books.

Another great place is the internet. There are several places that offer free worksheets and educational games.

Handwriting Worksheets

General Worksheets


Interactive Games


My number one interactive resource is Starfall . This site helps to teach reading, phonics, and letter recognition.

There are lot other places to get free and low cost learning material for your child. I have even found addition and handwriting workbooks at the local dollar store.

Learn from Everyday Activities

Do not forget learning during everyday activities. When I would make fish stick or cookies I would have my daughter count each of the items on the cookie sheet.
Also, we would read commons words like "stop" at the stop signs. We would point out different shapes and colors during the day's activities. The opportunities to learn and save are all around you, so take advantage of this time in your child's life.