If you're starting to homeschool your preschooler, you might be feeling intimidated by all the curriculum options out there. You might even feel pressure to recreate a traditional preschool environment in your home. Many preschool teachers advocate starting early and teaching subjects such as phonics and foreign language. The common belief among many preschools is that this form of early education produces gifted children. But, such a rigid system isn't really necessary. Preschool can be the most imaginative and enjoyable time for you and your child. Here are a few tips for successfully (and happily) homeschooling preschoolers.

1. Analyze your own attitude toward learning. Do you tend to be a sit-at-the-desk-with-a-book learner? If so, you will probably need to adjust your viewpoint about education. Your child can learn anywhere and through just about anything! If you're more relaxed about learning, your child will feel free to explore their interests.

2. Be flexible. Preschool-aged children change their likes and dislikes almost daily. You might set up a detailed lesson plan for the week only to see your child grow bored with it by day two. Instead, observe your child to find their learning style and adjust your way of teaching to suit them. In Homeschooling the Early Years, Linda Dobson observes, that a successful homeschooling family "moves and experiments until the education fits the child instead of forcing the child into a one-size-fits-all education."

3. Start slowly. Take your time introducing school to your child. Try playing a board game (like Chutes and Ladders) or spend some time letting your child fingerpaint. Spending time like this together regularly gets your child prepared to do activities daily.

4. Focus on play, not work. Let your child feel free to play outside, inside, anywhere they like. Watch them to see what interests them. If he enjoys pretending to be a doctor, spend a little time talking about what doctors do. Then encourage him to learn more about the human body. Let the child's interests direct your learning.

5. Encourage natural learning. Get your child involved in hands-on experiences. Let them learn about math through cooking with you or let them learn about biology by spending time in the backyard examining insects. This will help her to look to learn through everything she does, instead of confining it to a classroom.

6. Read, read, read. Read books every day with your child. Spend a lot of time at your local library. Let him pick out a few books he would like to read. Pick out a few for him as well, so that you can introduce new topics to him and gauge his interest.

7. Take field trips. Inquire in your city about children's museums or zoos that offer homeschool rates. Many attractions offer discounted admission or special homeschool events that will both expose your child to new experiences and help you to connect with other homeschooling families.

The early stages are the most relaxed times for homeschooling. Using the above tips can help you to enjoy homeschooling your preschooler.

Learn more about this author, Selena Robinson.
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