Homeschool Preschool Tips

by Terri
(Texas)

Preschoolers soak up information like a sponge, but sometimes our focus has to be on the older child(ren) and then preschoolers can also be a huge distraction to their siblings.

If you plan ahead you can minimize the distractions and help everyone to be more productive.

- Have "school toys" that only come out on school days. These will keep the preschoolers attention longer than something they have access to every day.

- Do a structured lesson with the preschooler first, before the big kid's school time so they don't feel they have to get your attention (so much)

- Make available a few self directed centers (like from a preschool; things they can do on their own and should not need your assistance.

Examples: bin of rice or cornmeal on a vinyl tablcloth on the kitchen floor with spoons and measuring cups, Crayola Wonder Marker coloring book with markers, stories on tape/CD with reading books (this can be stories you read and record; does not have to be store bought) or even a video recording of you reading story books and they can look at the book along with you)

- Have "school" activities for the preschooler that coordinate with the older kids.

Older sibling doing English/grammar? Have the preschooler watch the LeapFrog Letter Factor DVD.

Older child doing history? Have a coloring page for the younger one on the same subject to keep them engaged.

- If there are at least 2 older siblings, schedule in to your day "home ec" or "student teacher time" and assign different kids to occupy the preschooler so you can focus on a single older child at the same time.

The key point is keeping them engaged so that they learn along with the older ones instead of getting bored and becoming a distraction.

Terri Wilson
Hands on Homeschooling