Top Tips on How to Homeschool Your Preschooler

Homeschooling a preschooler is by far my favorite “grade!” My children are excited to learn, and I am equally as excited to teach. You get to watch them develop some of the firsts, such as handwriting, cutting with scissors, and reading!

I’m currently in my sixth year of homeschooling, and I’ve learned a great deal during this journey. 

Homeschool is just that – a journey. 

We’ve had frustrating, long years (for example, being pregnant in 2018, then being pregnant with twins in 2021). But we’ve had smooth, fulfilling, and fun years, too.

How it all started:

When I graduated college, I already had my firstborn. At the time, I wasn’t thinking about homeschooling. 

I wanted a career. So, I set out to focus on having one and being successful.

After having my second child, I dreaded going back to work. 

I became interested in homeschooling full-time. I desired to be home to watch my children grow up, to be more present, and to know what they were learning.

Most importantly, I wanted to be able to have more time to train them in the Lord and work with their hearts. 

Fast forward to now, and my second born is now in the 8th grade, and my oldest is a senior. I’ve been able to homeschool him since he was in the second grade. 

Yes, he and my oldest son were in public school, so having that transition took some time. 

I’ve been able to watch my girls start their preschool education, and it’s been so much fun! 

My youngest singleton is currently four, and she is so excited about doing schoolwork! (I hope she keeps that drive in her!)

One thing I love about homeschooling is the flexibility. Since my daughter would miss the cut-off date to start public school next school year due to her birthday, she would be starting kindergarten at six.

Thankfully, I don’t have to worry about that – she can start early.

Since this is my second go around, I can easily find educational books and toys for her to feel like she’s having fun, but learning all at the same time. 

My neighbor recently asked me what I teach my daughter since they have a daughter two days apart from ours. She isn’t in daycare or preschool yet. 

So, I thought it would be helpful to share what tools we use, some activities we play, and a flexible schedule that guides me through the days. 

Some days are smooth, and some days, not so much!

One thing I love about this age is that they can be flexible, too. 

There is no fast, hard rule about preschool. 

Some parents choose to let their little ones play and explore.

Some choose unschooling. 

Some choose Montessori learning, etc. 

This is what I choose to do, and it’s been working for us:

Curriculum

Online: 

Education.com – I’ve been using this program for several years now, and I can’t recommend it enough. 

First off, it’s affordable. The printable worksheets for different grade levels and subjects are superb; there are many to choose from. 

I also like the course roadmap that goes up to the fifth grade, which includes songs, videos, stories, and games. 

It moves your child around a roadmap until they master the grade level. My daughter adores this, too. 

YouTube has an array of popular educational videos: Peekaboo Kidz, Lotty Learns, Jack Hartman, and PBS Kids – to name a few. 

Books:

Preschool doesn’t have to be expensive. I’ve gotten so many materials from Dollar Tree in their education section. 

They have letter books, coloring books, flashcards, stickers, crayons, scissors, markers, etc. 

Just find one nearby and have a ball. 

You also can never go wrong with your library either. 

If you want to start with something small to peak their level of development, check out my coloring and activity page bundle here.

Thankfully, I’ve been able to use worksheets from Education.com and recycle books from my older children or from our friends that also homeschool.  

So, I have a variety of materials that I use from different curriculums, which has been a huge blessing.

If you prefer to purchase a curriculum for your child, I would suggest: 

Abeka, BJU, and Handwriting Without Tears. 

BJU has a good selection of Bible-related materials, like memorization scripture cards. I also love the classic Golden Children’s Bible for our Bible learning. 

Field Trips:

If anyone asks me what my favorite thing about homeschooling is, I will say field trips! We have a membership to our zoo, so I sign up for monthly little learner classes.

I’m also looking for anything FREE! 

Since we have a yearly membership to our homeschool association, we’re able to get into our state museum for free. 

You might find that local businesses or museums will allow your child to get in for free, too. Again, the library will most likely have age-appropriate classes for your child. 

I’ve found that memberships can be costly at first, but you get your money’s worth if you go again and again. 

Don’t forget about the park on a nice day. You can pack your lunches and head out because exercise and fresh air are always good, right? 

Have your child find different types of leaves in the park, take them home, and do activities centered around them. 

Try a scavenger hunt or play I, Spy.

Schedule: 

My schedule is flexible, and that’s what I enjoy about homeschooling. The hard part is juggling different grades.

I only sit with my daughter for 2-3 days a week to do her schoolwork. Once she seems to check out, then I stop for the day.

But she enjoys it so much that I’m usually the one that has to do that. 

Here’s an ideal schedule for her:

This schedule may be shorter depending on her attention span for the day. 

 I hope you have found this information helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. 

XOXO,

Sharonda