We had signed up our 3.5 year-old for preschool this fall, but with everything going on, we decided to keep him home for this next school year, and do homeschool preschool!
Before we get into all the delicious details or weekly plans and all, I thought I’d share a little bit of my personal experience and my educational philosophy that will be shaping this homeschool preschool curriculum.
My Experience
I am a certified teacher, and taught for 5 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. My teaching experience is quite diverse. I’ve taught in 3 different countries, and have taught grades ranging from 1st grade through high school. However, this year will be my first year teaching Preschool!
Parents Are a Child’s First Teachers
Parents are the first teachers! Whether or not you are a stay-at-home parent, or if your child goes to daycare or nursery, mom and dad are the first teacher that a child has.
Children pick up on everything! Which makes being a parent a ton of pressure at times, but then again how valuable is that?! We can model through our everyday lives.
Learning Should Be FUN!
I believe young children should have many sensory and hands-on activities. Children shouldn’t be bound to a table and chair for learning.
Learning can take place anywhere at any time. Learning doesn’t always have to be pen and paper. It can happen while we drive. We talk about color or the letters we see outside. We talk about shapes: what shape is the STOP sign? What letters do you see on that sign? What color is the light?
READ, READ, READ!
There is loads of research done that kids that are read to from a young age, are better prepared for learning and “success” in school.
If you have no idea where to start, I have a list of books that we read with my boys since they were babies! Just put in your info below and the list will be sent directly to your email 🙂
Exposure From a Young Age is Very Important
Examples: Having the alphabet up and available for kids to look at. Having letters of the alphabet for bath toys, or magnets for the fridge. Listening to educational songs and watching educational shows (we love Daniel Tiger!). Having a clock with numbers that are easy to see and read.
Activity-Based Learning
Sensory activities as well as physical activities to get the child moving is super important to their development.
Our lessons will be primarily activity-based!
Go Outside
There is so much to learn from nature! We take our boys outside at least once a day. I encourage you to do the same!
Seasonal Activities
I love doing seasonal activities with my boys. I think it’s important to celebrate different times of the year and holidays. The unit themes I’ve chosen reflects that.
Pen and Paper
Although “traditional education” AKA pen and paper sometimes gets a bad rap, I think it’s still important for parents to prepare their kids to be able to learn in this way as well.
In our preschool curriculum this year, we will be practicing using crayons and learning to safely use scissors as well.
Character Values
Character values should be taught from a young age. Patience, kindness, empathy, obedience, discipline, perseverance, resilience, truth, etc. are important qualities I want my children to learn.
Faith
Faith is an intrinsic part of who I am. I believe the Bible is God’s Word of Truth. I believe God created our universe. I believe we are saved through the blood of Jesus Christ.
My Preschool curriculum is crafted from a faith-based worldview.
Next Step
I hope reading through my educational philosophy gives you a better idea of what this preschool curriculum will be like. I will be sharing our weekly lesson planning sheets, and editable binder covers very soon!
I have created some FREE worksheets for preschoolers you can find on my printables shop here.
And here is a FREE downloadable First Day of School Sign. You can see more options in my other post here! And there are even more options available for purchase on my Etsy shop.