4 of 8

Write now Article Tools

I have been homeschooling now for several years, but it was the preschooling years that got me started.
My son attended public school, and when he was at home doing his work, our little girl, then only two, would spend plenty of time asking to "do school" too.
We started easy and quiet, playing the sing song games, puzzles, rhymes, ABC's and 123's. After a while though, this was just not enough for her. I picked up a couple of easy preschool books, and she loved them. I continued to do a lot of interactive play with her, reading to her, I even pulled out the globe and made up a game with it for her. She loved it all, and I found I had a avid learner on my hands.

To this day, she is still enthusiastic about learning. I found out what the keys were for her though, and in retrospect, I believe these keys are the ones that will start any child out properly.
1)Pay attention to your child. Watch for his/her interests, and work with them. It will only feel right to a young child, if it is fun. 2,3,and 4 year old's aren't ready to "learn" the way older kids do, they are ready to absorb, in a light and entertaining manner.
2)Keep it slow, and keep it fun. Whether you are teaching the next Einstein, or the next mechanic at the garage station, at this age they really don't care. Toddlers and preschoolers alike have a very short attention span, even for things they find enjoyable. Don't make any activity last longer than 10 minutes and even that is stretching the envelope for kids who are actually enjoying the activity. If your child is not enjoying it, put it down and try again another day. Pushing activities they don't like are only going to make them resent the activity, and if pushed often enough, they may in turn learn to resent learning and even spending time with you.
3)If you brag, do it in private. Please don't ask your child to become a performer. I have seen parents, push their child into saying their ABC's for all present. This takes away from the private fun time that the child thinks they are experiencing with you, and turns your play time into rehearsal time for the next performance. Bragging it every parents right, and we all love to do it, but not at the expense of our children.
4) Let your child be the teacher. Learning is so much more fun if the teacher is really enjoying it as well. Many adults have forgotten many of the things that make learning fun for children of this age. Let your child teach you what learning is supposed to be like. If your child picks up a wooden block, pick up one too, and try to understand how your child is seeing it. It can be like discovering your world for the first time. You may be amazed at what you experience.
Teaching a toddler/preschooler is not hard, if you just sit back, and take your cues from your child, it is a wonderful time. Many times you also learn from them as well. Adults relearn how to play, how to explore, how to see (really see), how to discover, how to laugh, how to enjoy.

Learn more about this author, Deborah Bigelow.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for homeschooling your preschooler.?
We want to hear your view. Write now!