Homeschooling The preschool children

 Each child has unique interests and learning needs, not to mention attention spans. Therefore, for parents who are pondering whether homeschooling is for them, it is best to do an initial evaluation of what the preschool child’s needs are.

Several online resources provide lesson suggestions for preschoolers. Parents and tutors will most definitely find these materials very helpful. However, consider them only as a guide to give the children’s learning some direction. It is highly advised on most of the popular homeschooling websites to be aware of the learners’ interests, be it an inclination to writing, sports, arts and crafts, or any other subject. You can then incorporate these interests into the learner’s list of “things that a home schooled child should know.”

For different age groups of children, parents and tutors may need to employ different methods and techniques for homeschooling. And in order to know which methods and activities best suits the child under a specific age group, this short list may be of help.

Children of age 2 are found to be the most difficult. The child often gets bored and at times frustrated when being taught. Stimuli are needed in order to catch their interests. Children of this age group are most eager to learn, often walking around, and climbing steps. Common behaviors of this age include self-centeredness and possessiveness. Their sense of humor also develops. Do activities relating to these capabilities of the child.

Homeschooling three-year olds is even more trying. At this point, the child is more physical in affection and in play. They don’t mind change, love having friends to play with, and they take verbal instructions very well. Use these to stimulate them to participate in learning activities. At this age, they are already capable of communicating their needs.

Four-year olds are usually capable of working with scissors, hopping around on one foot or skipping. They start to learn to draw and possess a lot of physical energy. Let them try new things, as this will be their number one interest. They are very imaginative so give them an opportunity to develop and express this creativity.

Remember that all children grow at their own rate, and in their own ways. To achieve maximum benefits for the home schooled preschooler, parents and tutors should trust them and give them sufficient freedom to explore, inquire, and ultimately learn.

Activities for 1-2 years kids depend on motor skills 

Fine motor skill ( wrist, hand , fingers)

Gross motor skill ( leg, arm, )

Why fine motor activities?

”Fine motor skills” are the use of the small muscles in our fingers and hands coordinating with our eyes. Working on these skills, and strengthening these muscles can help with good pencil grip, handwriting, use of scissors, and several other basic skills that children will be expected to master their first year or two of elementary school.

Why gross motor activities?

”Gross motor skills” are the skills used to control the larger muscles in our bodies that will eventually be used for walking, running, jumping, etc. Building these muscles are important for obvious reasons but I have also found, as a former early childhood teacher, that kids learn, and remember things better when they are up and moving, so incorporating gross motor skills into an activity is always an added bonus.

Why arts and crafts?

One word: creativity. Have you ever heard of anything negative happening from letting a child be creative? In the right context that is. ;) When doing arts and crafts, you are exposing children to a new experience, allowing them to create, and usually building fine motor skills, vocabulary, and maybe even providing some sensory play ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

How Can I Help My Toddler Learn?

Once toddlers learn to walk, there's no turning back. Yours will want to keep moving and build on this newfound skill. Provide lots of chances to be active and to learn and explore in safe surroundings.

Games that your child might enjoy include peekaboo, pat-a-cake, and chasing games. Toddlers love to imitate adults and are fascinated with housework. Provide age-appropriate toys that will encourage this, such as a toy vacuum to use while you're cleaning or pots, pans, and spoons to play with while you're cooking.

Other toys that toddlers enjoy include:

• brightly colored balls
• blocks, stacking and nesting toys
• fat crayons or markers
• age-appropriate animal or people figures and dolls
• toy cars and trains
• shape sorters, peg boards
• simple puzzles
• push, pull, and riding toys

Reading continues to be important. Your toddler can follow along with a story and point to objects in the pictures as you name them. Encourage your little one to name things he or she recognizes.

Chat about the books you read together and the things you did that day. Ask questions and encourage your toddler to reply by waiting for a response, then expand on those replies.

Keep in mind that toddlers develop at different rates, and there is a wide range of normal development. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your toddler's development.

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