Homeschooling Preschool

I had a friend ask about homeschooling preschool and thought I’d share a few ideas.  Basically, all I do is read a lot of books (mostly picture books for the ages of 4 and under) starting when they turn 1 year old.  (When I stop nursing, I replace it with reading books before each nap and bedtime.)  I find that it’s very natural for me to find things in books to use to teach areas rather than just reading.  For example, in the book "Goodnight Moon", we look for the mouse on each page.  Maybe I’ll ask them to count how many stars are in the sky or what shape or color something is.  We use books like Dr. Seuss’s ABC and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom to learn the alphabet.  I’ve never bought any curriculum or special guides for teaching my preschoolers.

The other thing I do for preschool is make sure we have quality toys to develop their imaginations:  puzzles, dress-up clothes, dolls and accessories, play kitchen, trains, Tinker Toys, dollhouses, etc.

The two previous things are basic.  I know there are some people who have the desire, the time and the energy to do more with their preschoolers.  It’s fine to do so, but not necessary.  Below are some great ideas of "curriculae" which may be helpful to those people.

Before Five in a Row
Picture Book Preschool
Slow and Steady, Get Me Ready
Letter of the Week.com

To get a good list of books to read to preschoolers, check out the following websites and their booklists: 
Five in a Row
Sonlight
Ambleside

I, of course, do other things, too, which I feel are valuable such as reading the Bible, memorizing Scripture (age 3), narration (age 4), music and movement, field trips, art, chores, nature exploration/ outdoor play.  Homeschooling preschool is fun and easy–and you won’t get the negative peer pressure and bad attitudes (and loss of money) that come when sending them to a preschool!