Need Ideas for DS homeschooling!!

**momof2joys** · 10-04-2008, 11:31 PM

I tried posting a similiar thread in another forum, but I don't think that page is as viewed as this one!!! So, anyway, I am going to try homeschooling my ds for preschool!! He really wants to go to school, and isn't quite old enough yet!! He will be 3 in about two weeks, he just wants to learn, so I figure why not!! I can help get him started, if it goes well, I probably won't have to spend the money to send him to preschool!!!

So, does anyone have any ideas for great websites, teaching aids, or any ideas in general. I know that some of us here on FV are or have homeschooled, so I am just looking for some ideas!!

Thanks in Advance!!

**elphie** · 10-04-2008, 11:53 PM

First of all, how great that your ds is so excited about learning. Be sure to let him know how much he has learned already in the last three years without ever going to school. Walking, talking, eating, drinking from a cup, maybe even using the potty. Wow, what a great list of accomplishments without ever setting foot in a formal school.

If you ignore all the other advice I offer here, be sure to listen to this. I am currently reading the book Einstein Never Used Flashcards and it has some great information about how children learn at the preschool age. I highly recommend it.

A little background on me; I am a homeschooler and am also a certified teacher with a specialty in early childhood education. My training only led me to try new things and see what worked in real life, not just on paper. The things I believe to be most important in early learning are:

- Discovery learning is key at this age. This means when you build with blocks and they topple you try to figure out why and what changes will make it taller. When you are coloring and the red and blue overlap you take notice of the "new" color you "created" and then see if you can make more. Sand in a plastic shoe box with objects buried inside are fantastic for playing guessing games based on size, shape, and texture.

-Read repetive, sing songy, silly books (think Dr. Seuss) over and over, draw, go for nature walks, and do simple experiments (I wonder what will happen if we ____________). All of these activities engage your child and foster a natural curiostiy and love for books and learning.

-If your ds really wants paper/pencil work then allow it (there are lots of free printables on line, just google free preschool worksheets) but don't push finishing, when he's done, let him be done even if a page isn't finished.

-Always praise the process never the outcome (Wow, you really worked hard, look how many beautiful colors you used, instead of This picture is beautiful!). By placing more value on the process we encourage kids to be willing to take chances and make mistakes instead of squelching creativity with fear of doing it "wrong"

-Study after study shows that formal academics at a young age do not improve academics as children grow but they do increase anxiety. This doesn't mean don't do learning activities with him, it means make sure they are age appropriate and fun. In this way, as he grows, learning will be as natural as breathing instead of something he has to put on his to do list.

**Guest57** · 10-05-2008, 02:15 AM

I can recommend a few catalogs...I get them and make my own home made versions of the games
Lakeshore. com
Childcraft.com
www.kaplanco.com
www.TeachersSupply.com
www.hatchearlychildhood.com

I can almost bet that once you do this part of homeschooling, you'll keep your child home for Kindergarten, too, as it is so much fun.
Also, if you have Hastings, Borders, or Barnes and Noble bookstores, ask them for a homeschoolers discount card!!

**Starlight9803** · 10-05-2008, 04:28 AM

Also, if you want something a little more structured to get ideas from, you can look at the site www.letteroftheweek.com. She has a wonderful site loaded with learning ideas, and it is free. Even without using the program, you may find ideas for songs and play activities that reenforce certain skills you may be working on. But most importantly for preschool age children, just play, play, play and enjoy your time together!

**Patty A** · 10-05-2008, 05:15 AM

I am not a certified teacher by no means, but I have homeschooled all 3 of my children, and have been doing this for the last 23 years (one child is now 29, and two are 19, no not twins, just 11 months apart). The last two just entered college this year, and boy oh boy has school changed with the computer. I use to have to buy all the supplies, and then along came the home computers. What a savings, and what a wealth of free homeschool ideas and information you can find. You can get many ideas just using Google, they have tons of websites that are backed by different educational groups. Here are a few ideas for you that offer some really fun ideas to do with your son.

http://www.homeschool-your-boys.com/...urriculum.html

http://www.loveathome.com/homeschool/littleones.htm

http://www.makinglearningfun.com/

http://www.shirleys-preschool-activities.com/

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Forest/2468/ This one offers ideas by age.

Hope this gives you some ideas. There is nothing as rewarding as watching a child "get it" when you are doing homeschool. The rewards of homeschool happen daily, and even if some days seem stressful, the rewards out weight the work and worry! Its an awesome feeling to know you have decided what your children will learn and how they will learn it. I wish you tons of luck, and be ready for the rewards that follow as there are more than you will be able to count. I also think that by starting now you will be hooked and continue to teach your son at home.
Have a great day!

**nessarowdy** · 10-05-2008, 11:32 AM

www.starfall.com is another good website. I am just starting the TouchMath program at home with my 4 year old. I'm interested in if it will boost her confidence in math, unlike my older two!

**Lindsey** · 10-05-2008, 12:48 PM

Here is what I will use. It is based off the Charlotte Mason theories. http://amblesideonline.org/ Since Katrina a lot of homeschooling Mom's put the books online so a lot of it is free.

There is also a lot of support groups on yahoo. The one I belong to is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmbleSide_Year0/ It's for preschool age children.

**momof2joys** · 10-05-2008, 02:48 PM

Thanks everyone for these really great ideas!!! I am going to check out all these sites. I am getting really excited about this!! Ds and I were talking about it last night and his main thing is that he wants homework, like his older sister!! LOL!! I told him I'd see what I can do!! I think that we are going to start with colors this week and move onto a fall theme next!! I am currently working on a "lesson plan", more of a guideline for me, not him!! Its part of my OCD!!!

Thanks again, if anyone else has any other ideas or suggestions, please lets hear them!!!