Oct 22, 2020
Ack! I’m preschool homeschooling!
Like with many others, Covid quarantine gave me lots of time to slow down. Gone were the days of constant playgroups and outings. Suddenly, I was at home and had time to give things a rethink. In came the idea of preschool homeschooling.
What no one tells you is that there’s so much out there! I spent so much time looking up things that I forgot what was the most important part. Little E.
Through recommendation, I did find a curriculum that works for us, but it’s not anything that I strictly follow. We leave things out if they don’t interest either of us, we switch weeks up to fit whatever we’re doing that week or current interests, and I’m always adding in fun things to follow little E’s interests.
- Don’t try to be a Pinterest parent. I’m not going to say that I don’t use Pinterest as a resource. It’s great for that.. BUT I will say that can I replicate carefully crafted, perfectly lit Pinterest posts. If something you make is Pinterest worthy, that’s great. If something you make looks like your preschooler made it then sat on it, you’re like every other mom out there. It’s not a photo contest or a race of who can better the other moms. Just be you, no matter how crumpled and smeared.
- Reach out. There are local homeschooling groups out there who are more than willing to help you or answer any questions. Facebook and Google are good resources for your search. Remember, every homeschooling family that you talk to started out as a newbie with lots of questions.. even the well seasoned looked like she gave birth to her flock of children solo while high up in a mountain retreat. Well all know those moms… and guess what? There was a time when they had no clue what was going on in the homeschool world!
- Don’t get hung up on curriculums. There are SO many out there. You may instantly find one that you like and that’s it. You may find one that you love but it doesn’t quite fit once you’re comfortable. You may not find one. Preschool homeschooling is the perfect time to discover the type of homeschool parent that you are. Test it all and see what works for your family.
- Don’t feel that just because you’re doing preschool that you’re not worthy enough to be in the homeschooling community. Are you staying home with your child or are you trying to flex learning around your job? Then you’re homeschooling.
- The most important — have fun! The point of homeschooling is to provide an alternative to traditional schooling and in a way that best fits your child. Put away the worksheets and make everything a game. Toddler and preschool learning should all be play based anyways. There’s not a single preschool skill that can’t be learned via an art project, through nature exploration, or a homemade game. If something isn’t work, that’s okay. Put is down and try again later or tuck it away and jump to the next thing.
It’s going to take some time to hit your stride. That’s okay. Again, just have fun. I guarantee you, that within a month or so, you’ll look back and wonder why you were so wrapped up in the right and wrongs of homeschooling and have learned to just ride the waves.
