We recently PCSd to a new state. And while we were moving to be with my husband, it was a hard move for me and the kids for one reason. Their Pre-School was AMAZING. I can’t even begin to explain how spoiled we were at this school. The teachers were amazing, loved the children and the education they received was above any place we have attended prior. I waited a year to get both kids into this school and despite them being separated, I accepted the spot when they called for J and patiently waited for a spot for E. They were learning. Like really learning all while playing. J thrived in that environment.
You can only imagine my excitement when the email came in at 11 pm telling us a spot opened for E! I woke up my husband in fact. While his teachers at his daycare were great, it was only a matter of time before he was moved up to a classroom with too many kids and too few teachers.
Then orders came…
I received orders to move days before E would start at the new school. I was heartbroken. Everything I could ever want in a preschool was provided here. Everyday J came home excited to tell us something new she learned. She was thriving in this environment and I was ecstatic with her progress.
The fact that E would be receiving a similar learning experience was amazing. Unfortunately, that would no longer be happening because we were moving to New York.
We enrolled J in “pre-school” which I later learned was just a glorified daycare. While most, if not all, the parents seem to love this class, I was extremely underwhelmed. Compared to where we were previously, there was no structure and no lesson plan.
My daughter happened to be the oldest in her class at 4-years-old, which has been the norm for us since her birthday is in October. However, as soon as a child turned 3, they were moved into her classroom. Usually, a school would wait until the new school year to move children up, this was not the case.
Despite the age gap, I had been told multiple times they have a curriculum. One has never been provided to me. And after sitting in her class one morning, I am convinced there is not one.
I toured a local private school and while the facility wasn’t the greatest, the program seemed much better in comparison. I spoke to a few parents of the pre-k class and heard nothing but great things.
Best Resources for Homeschooling your Preschooler
Decisions Decisions
It’s a tough decision, do we take her out of her current school, where she has made friends. Just before heading to Pre-K? Or do we supplement her day with our own educational activities?
We went with option number 2…temporarily. Supplementing her education by teaching at home. You might be thinking, really? But you work full time, run a blog and small business, take care of a home and two kids now you are adding homeschool. Yes, I did. Moving J was a hard decision. Should I move her from her new friends forcing her to yet again make new ones? Oh and let’s not forget the convenience of her daycare with it being a 2-minute drive from the house and on a warm day a nice walk.
I decided she would not move to the new school until January after the holidays and everything settled down. In the meantime, I found a wealth of information and resources for homeschooling a preschooler. Here are four of my favorites.
Education.com
While this is a paid site there are many free resources to get you started on your homeschool journey. The only downside is with the free version you can only download a few resources per month.
Natural Beach Living
I love this blog. Kimberly provides amazing activities and free printables. With a Montessori theme, you are provided fun activities that aid in your child’s learning while having fun. The arts and crafts she provides are a great way for your child to continue to grow their fine motor skills and be creative!
My Bored Toddler
Not the crafty type? Don’t worry, neither am I. Carol over at My Bored Toddler has amazing crafts that toddlers and preschoolers are sure to enjoy. What I love most about her site is she tailors her crafts for the season, from fun holiday crafts to everyday seasonal activities you are bound to find a craft or activity that will be fun for you and your little ones.
The Relaxed Homeschool
Jenny from the Relaxed Homeschool created a homeschool curriculum from preschool through high school. Interested in a 9-week program? This website has one for your preschooler, that will guide you through all the lessons needed to prepare your child for Kindergarten. You’ll go from recognizing shapes and colors to recognizing letters and their sounds and even problem-solving. Not ready to purchase the program, there are a ton of freebies on the website you will enjoy. And by joining the newsletter you will receive fun creative learning templates for you and your child to work through.
I’m considering homeschooling my child and these are great resources. 😃 Thank you for this.
I’m a homeschooling mom and need resources are always a fun time! I love that there are so many awesome homeschooling parents online to share tips with! I don’t have preschool children anymore but I will share this post with my friends who do!
My son is grown now but I think what I’d like most about homeschooling him is cooking and craft. Love that you have such a good list of various resources