Setting up your own homeschool preschool is a cinch. I recently observed a preschool classroom at the Jessamine Early Learning Village in Wilmore, Kentucky. Renowned for its positive learning atmosphere, the Village includes both Preschool and Kindergarten classes.
The teacher, an experienced and master preschool educator, explained their daily schedule to me. The three and a half hours are divided as follows.
Reading Books – This is an independent time spent looking at books.
Art Class – The class does an art activity together.
Planning – Children decide what centers they will go to.
Worktime – This is one full, uninterrupted hour of playtime.
Recall – Time is spent sharing what was done at centers.
Music/Movement – The children listen and dance to Raffi, Greg and Steve music.
Circle Time – Teacher reads aloud. Includes fingerplays, felt boards, etc.
Playtime – Outdoor recess.
When I asked the teacher, “What’s the number one item you couldn’t do without in teaching preschool?” , she answered, “Real life stuff. Pots, pans, staplers, hole punchers – you have to provide them with real life experiences. Also, you can’t teach preschool without going to yard sales!”
Now, I ask you, “Could you do that? Could you teach your child by allowing her playtime, reading to her, enjoying music and the great outdoors?” Absolutely. You have been doing this already for how long? Not only are you qualified to teach your child, but the loving, nurturing environment you provide will far exceed anything even the best public school has to offer. Really, you have already been homeschooling your preschooler the whole time!
You can also teach your child through high school in this same positive environment. Bookmark this site and return often for more ideas on accomplishing this task of love. We always tell parents at report card conferences, “You’re the best teacher your child will ever have.” It’s true!
Here’s a list of some of the centers I found at the preschool.
Kitchen Area
Baking pans
Measuring cups
Plastic food
Inoperative telephones
Small sized table, sink, cabinets
Music
Xylophone
Maracas
Drum
Triangle
Art
Paint
Brushes
Small aprons
Easel
Tape
Markers
Glue
Hole punch
Stapler
Play dough
Other
Fake bugs
Gourds
Rocks
Little tent
Play tools
Calculator
stethoscope
play cash register
computer
games (Mr. Potato Head, V-tech alphabet toys)
wood/foam puzzles
dress up hats, clothing
doll house
puppets
How many of these items do you have around your homeschool preschool? You will not need to spend large amounts of money to find preschool play items. Thrift stores and yard sales offer more than you could ever want!
Let your child help with grown up activities like baking, cleaning, helping with the laundry. Act out Bible stories, play dress up. By focusing on joyful experiences and adventure you will provide your child with tools and motivation for a lifetime love of learning.
I would like to add that computer time, as well as tv time, should be limited. Dealing with two dimensional life is not an effective way to learn. Real life experiences are what you’re looking to provide - they make for the perfect homeschool preschool curriculum!
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