Pre School and Kindergarten
For moms with preschool and kindergarten aged children, one of the toughest things is how to
keep them busy and learning without having to hover. Daily living is the best way for young
children to learn. A child with ample free play, a loving guiding parent and an environment filled
with lots of resources and learning materials enjoy learning. Forget about sitting a young child
down to hours of books and workbooks. Curriculum is a drab substitute for learning that can
easily and enjoyably be done though a rich family life.
If you are already a reader, pass your love on to your child by reading to him/her every single
day. The best way to share that love is to read what suits your fancy as well as what suits the
interests of your child. Children love to play around stories and ideas that interest them and
books serve just that purpose. Reading isn't just about helping kids learn to read.
Another spin on reading is tell family stories by using puppets, finger plays and songs to get your
child's imagination growing. Role playing is lots of fun and children love to act out stories. A
great way to build their vocabulary is to use new words and synonyms during play.
What is your child's absolute favorite toy? If your child loves LEGO's, get some books and learn
all about LEGOs. Check your area/state for a LEGO show or learning club. LEGO's are also
great math aids, float in the tub and are great for art explorations. Try sculpting with your
LEGOs.
Just as you want to introduce materials that your child enjoys, take away materials that frustrate
or cause any problems. Keeping with that thinking, even the most wonderful materials can get
old. Rotating learning materials and resources makes everything new.
Board games and card games are great learning resources when introduced when your child is
ready. Keep in mind, that you can also modify board games in accordance to what your child is
capable of understanding. For instance, games that are meant for single players can be modified
and played in parent/child teams so that a parent can guide the young player. You can also
eliminate some of the penalties, allow double dice rolls and instead of winners have first, second
and third winners.It's a great confidence booster for young children.
We've been talking about free play here but remember that directed activities have a place in
your early childhood learning plans. Arts and crafts are one way to do that. Another great
directed activity is to have friends over, do chores together, cook together, take walks and go on
outings. These activities expose your young child to ideas that he/she will be ready to explore
during another day of free play.
Check out October's column where we'll explore setting up fun activity centers that keep young
learners learning.
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Families Online Radio
Listen to an Interview with columnist Christina Lorenzen about Homeschooling
Christina Lorenzen is a full-time freelance writer specializing in parenting and health issues. With more than 125 articles published, she also offers her wisdom and experience to other writers by teaching writing workshops through local libraries, bookstores and online. In addition to this column, she is also a columnist for Connecting @ Home magazine. She can reached at carp119@aol.com
Homeschooling Resources
Homeschool Legal Defense Association
Worldbook Offers a page with the typical course of study for children grades K-12
to help parents figure out what their child should be learning each year
Home School Transcripts
provides help to parents in putting together transcripts for college bound students
Christina Lorenzen is a full-time freelance writer specializing in parenting and health issues. With more than 125 articles published, she also offers her wisdom and experience to other writers by teaching writing workshops through local libraries, bookstores and online. In addition to this column, she is also a columnist for Connecting @ Home magazine. She can reached at carp119@aol.com
Listen to an Interview About Homeschooling with Christine Lorensen
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