You Can Homeschool Preschool!

Preschoolers learn a great deal by observing and helping parents. Let your child accompany you on errands, and assist you with household chores. Explain what you are doing, and answer any questions your child may have.

By helping out in the kitchen, preschoolers can learn math concepts and develop fine motor skills. They also learn that they are a valuable asset to the family. Here are some other tips for homeschooling preschoolers.

Equip your home with interesting books, tapes, videos, art supplies, science equipment, dress up clothes, puzzles, music, instruments and toys such as blocks and legos that inspire imaginative play.

Arrange materials in an organized manner, and place them in an area where they can be easily accessed by your child. Here are some tips for creating learning centers in your home.

Don't feel pressured to buy workbooks and pre-packaged preschool progams. Formal curricula can wait until your child is older. Your preschooler can learn reading, writing, arithmetic and more through natural, daily activities.

To nurture of love of reading, tell stories, take trips to the library, and have good books available. Here are some additional ideas for preschool reading.

For preschool math instruction, introduce your child to mathematical terms such as more, less, big, small, near, far, etc. Count out loud frequently, and help your child learn to recognize different shapes and colors.

To teach preschool writing help your child write stories and letters to send to friends.

Nature walks are a great lesson in preschool science. Teach your child proper terminology and explain scientific principles as you encounter them throughout your day.

Preschool art should be your favorite time of the week. Don't focus on the end product. Relax and let your child have fun making a mess!

Childhood obesity is on the rise. Many preschoolers spend hours per day watching television or playing computer games. Although children can learn through these activities, they still need plenty of vigorous exercise and time outdoors.

Take a walk around the neighborhood, spend afternoons at the park, play follow the leader, or go for a swim. In addition to encouraging your child live a healthy lifestyle, you will be helping him or her develop strong gross motor skills.

Find simple ways to make physical activity a regular part of your day.

Preschool songs, action songs, nursery rhymes and finger plays are not just fun - they're educational. Shake maracas, blow kazoos and play drums with pots and spoons. Put on a favorite CD and wiggle your waggles away.

Expose your child to different types of music. Encourage dramatic play by hosting a puppet show or acting out fairytales and favorite stories.

Set aside feelings of embarrassment and have fun with your child. Make time to add rhyme, rhythm and movement to your day.

Don't miss out on time you could spend with your preschooler by getting lost in the details of cooking, cleaning and family life.

Make time to read to your child daily. Listen to your child express his thoughts and feelings. Answer your child's questions. Look for fun preschool activities, and play educational games like dominoes, bingo, hopscotch and memory.

The best thing you can do to for your preschooler is provide an atmosphere of comfort, security and love. This will give your child the confidence he or she needs for a successful future!

You can learn more about teaching toddlers and preschoolers at Toddler Homeschool. This website contains teaching tips and ideas, as well as suggested resources and sample lesson plans!

You may also want to consider using computer-based preschool resources. Time4Learning provides an online preK curriculum that uses animated characters, stories and songs to introduce concepts such as math, literacy, science, art and music.