Focusing on the goals of education and the needs of the child is one way homeschool moms can train themselves to relax and let learning happen naturally. It's not uncommon for homeschool moms to spend hours and hours planning an activity, only to discover that the child isn't interested in it. At that point, a wise mama will back off. Too often, it becomes a power struggle. Recognizing the difference between mom's needs and the needs of a toddler or preschooler is one way moms can refocus and create a happy learning environment.
Educational Needs of Preschool Homeschoolers
In a traditional preschool, children are exposed (maybe for the first time) to letters of the alphabet, colors and shapes, patterns and textures. A list of items are checked off by instructors, to see that every child is exposed to these "real-world" concepts systematically. Planned activities aren't the only way kids learn, though.
Ironically, even though families live in the real world, many homeschool moms believe they have to have a similar checklist for preschool. Toddlers and preschoolers naturally investigate and explore the world. There's no need to deliberately hide away the cutout shapes for all but an hour a day when it's "shape time." Casual exploration helps children develop more than a vocabulary of shapes.
Free Play With Math Manipulatives
When the learning focus is on vocabulary, a child can point to every triangle and say "triangle." When the focus is on allowing exploration, a child can put two triangles together to discover a square. Or use several shapes to build a train or house.
For homeschoolers, there's no need to split the world up into subjects. It's OK to use math pieces to build letters of the alphabet. It's also acceptable to point out the numbers of the pages in the book you're reading. Designating an arbitrary schedule to impose specific subjects isn't always an asset. At home, learning can happen logically and constantly.
Natural Learning and Testing for Preschoolers
In addition to simply exploring shapes and colors through play, a conscientious parent can point them out in real life, too. Many kids enjoy a developmental phase that involves "knowing everything." It's at this age when they begin craving big words, and using them frequently. Feed into that by asking "What shape is that stop sign?"
If they've been exposed to hexagons in play, they'll likely know the answer. Simple conversation is the easiest way to communicate information, whether it's in the name of teaching or testing. Homeschool testing can be more accurate when it happens in conversation and through life experiences, which is where learning matters.
Some parents, especially those unfamiliar with the redundant intricacies of a scope & sequence or state learning standards, may feel comforted by reviewing a chart of preschool learning goals. Instead of using it to create lesson plans, though, use it as study material. Don't let it affect the day's activities. Take a peek at the list every few weeks and check off another developmental skill that's been obtained, naturally. There's nothing on those lists that must be taught via worksheets, goofy puppet songs or parental power struggle.
Lisa Russell - Lisa Russell is a freelance writer and mom of six daughters. She blogs about their life at lisarussell.org
