Homeschooling Preschool

Are you thinking about homeschooling preschool? Now is the perfect time to give it a shot! You don’t have to homeschool long term just because you choose to homeschool preschool. Here is some great information for those considering homeschooling preschool. 

Preschool registrations are in full force right now! If you have been debating on sending your child to preschool because you are not sure you can “do it” at home, let me reassure you that you can! Preschool is actually a great age to try out homeschooling, and find out if it is the right fit for you.

What to Teach

Preschool is something anyone can teach. Many of the things taught in public preschool are things you are already doing with your child. Things like cutting, pasting, teaching colors, counting, reading and looking at books, singing songs, and dramatic play. All these things can be done at home without a curriculum. If you look into your state standards many states will have preschool standards listed. There are also websites like this one that will have a breakdown of things children need to know before Kindergarten.

Curriculums to use

If you choose to get a curriculum there are TONS of options. A few free ones are Easy Peasy Homeschool Getting Ready 1 and ABC Jesus Loves Me. Through my years of teaching preschool at home to my children and daycare kids I have used Little Hands to Heaven, Before Five in a Row, Rod and Staff Preschool, and Christian Liberty Press. You can also buy basic workbooks at Wal-Mart and the Dollar Tree. I have not been able to tell a big difference in using a curriculum that costs money vs. free options. There are also tons of ideas on Pinterest for making your own preschool unit studies.

How do the Kids do in Kindergarten?

There are a few moms in our homeschool group who had no intention on homeschooling long term. Their oldest children are already in Kindergarten. Every single mom said they could not tell a difference in their child compared to the others. You could not pick out the “non” preschooler from the group of kids. Two moms said their child had been a little “bored” when preschool first started due to already knowing what was being taught.

What about Socialization?

There are tons of opportunities for children to learn all the necessary “social” skills before going to Kindergarten. If you know a homeschooler ask them if your children can tag along on field trips, play dates and holiday parties. Most homeschool groups would be more than acceptable to have some at home preschoolers join them. Another great option is a MOPS group. Check out their website to see if there is a group near you. When my crew was little we always went to library story times, parties, and activities. The kids made tons of friends at the library through the years.

I think it is important for parents to be aware that there are other options for preschool than sending their kids to public school. You do not have to plan on homeschooling to keep your children home during the preschool years.

Some of my favorite memories are from teaching my children during the preschool years. It is such a great stress-free time. We had a blast learning our shapes, playing with play-doh and making all kinds of messes! Preschool is a great time to build relationships with your children, and let them have relaxed learning before starting Kindergarten.

Misty is a homeschool mom of three and has been homeschooling for over 4 years. You can read about her homeschool journey and more on her blog, Joy in the Journey.