Homeschooling your preschooler can be a rewarding and enriching experience. This curriculum is designed to foster a love of learning while preparing your child for kindergarten. It covers key developmental areas, offers detailed lesson plans, and provides additional resources to support your homeschooling journey.
How To Design an Effective Preschool Curriculum
When designing a curriculum, it’s important to consider factors that foster overall development in your child. These include curiosity, social skills, and physical development. Let’s explore these factors and how they can be integrated into your homeschooling routine.
1. Triggering Curiosity
- Encouraging Questions: Foster a learning environment where asking questions is encouraged. Answer their questions patiently and thoughtfully.
- Providing Diverse Experiences: Expose your child to various activities and environments, such as museums, nature trails, and cultural events.
- Modeling Curiosity: Demonstrate your own curiosity by exploring new topics and showing excitement about learning.
- Creating a Stimulating Environment: Surround your child with interesting books, toys, and materials that encourage exploration and discovery.
2. Developing Social Skills
- Role-Playing Games: Encourage children to role-play different social scenarios to understand social roles and practice communication.
- Cooperative Games: Games that require teamwork teach cooperation and the importance of working together.
- Board Games: Simple board games help children learn to take turns, follow rules, and deal with winning and losing.
- Group Storytelling: Create stories together by taking turns adding sentences, fostering creativity, and encouraging listening and contributing.
3. Assistance in Physical Development
- Active Play: Provide opportunities for outdoor play and physical activities that develop gross motor skills.
- Fine Motor Activities: Engage children in arts and crafts that require the use of small muscles in the hands and fingers.
- Music and Movement: Incorporate music and movement activities to enhance coordination and rhythm.
Tips to Create a Stimulating Homeschooling Environment
- Have a Designated Learning Space:
- Create a specific area for learning activities with child-sized furniture.
- Ensure the space is well-lit and organized with accessible materials.
- Keep Visual Aids:
- Use posters, charts, and educational toys to decorate the learning space.
- Display a calendar and weather chart to discuss daily.
- Have a Reading Nook:
- Set up a cozy reading area with a variety of books.
- Rotate books regularly to maintain interest.
- Give Space for Outdoor Exploration:
- Provide opportunities for outdoor play and exploration.
- Use the outdoor space for nature walks and physical activities.
Curriculum Scope
The curriculum is organized into six key developmental areas:
- Language Arts
- Phonics
- Alphabet recognition
- Early reading
- Vocabulary development
- Math
- Counting
- Shapes
- Colors
- Patterns
- Basic addition/subtraction
- Science
- Exploration of the natural world
- Basic scientific concepts
- Social Studies
- Self-awareness
- Family
- Community
- Basic geography concepts
- Creativity & Fine Motor Skills
- Arts & crafts
- Music
- Movement
- Gross Motor Skills
- Active play
- Outdoor exploration
Weekly Themes and Lesson Plans
Week 1: All About Me
Learning Objectives:
- Develop self-awareness and self-expression.
- Recognize and write their own name.
- Identify body parts and their functions.
Materials List:
- Mirror
- Construction paper
- Markers, crayons, and pencils
- Child-safe scissors
- Glue
Activities:
- My Name Collage
- Objective: Recognize and spell their own name.
- Instructions: Help your child cut out letters from magazines or write their name on construction paper. Decorate the letters with stickers, glitter, or drawings.
- Differentiation Tips: For advanced learners, encourage them to write their name independently. For beginners, provide pre-cut letters to arrange.
- Body Parts Exploration
- Objective: Identify and name body parts.
- Instructions: Use a mirror for your child to look at themselves. Name and point to each body part. Sing songs like “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.”
- Differentiation Tips: Use a favorite doll or stuffed animal to identify body parts for children who are more tactile learners.
- Self-Portrait
- Objective: Develop fine motor skills and self-expression.
- Instructions: Provide materials for your child to draw a picture of themselves. Talk about different features (hair color, eye color, etc.).
- Differentiation Tips: Use a simple template for children who need more guidance.
Assessment Tips:
- Observe your child’s ability to recognize and spell their name.
- Check their understanding of body parts during daily routines.
Additional Resources:
- Books: “I Like Myself!” by Karen Beaumont, “Parts” by Tedd Arnold
- Websites: PBS Kids, Starfall
- Apps: Endless Alphabet, ABCmouse
Week 2: Colors and Shapes
Learning Objectives:
- Identify and name primary colors and basic shapes.
- Sort objects by color and shape.
Materials List:
- Colorful objects (toys, blocks, etc.)
- Shape templates
- Paint and brushes
- Paper and crayons
Activities:
- Color Hunt
- Objective: Identify and name colors.
- Instructions: Go on a color hunt around your home or outside. Ask your child to find objects of specific colors.
- Differentiation Tips: For advanced learners, introduce secondary colors.
- Shape Sorting
- Objective: Identify and sort shapes.
- Instructions: Use shape templates or toys to sort into different categories (e.g., circles, squares).
- Differentiation Tips: Introduce more complex shapes like hexagons for advanced learners.
- Color Mixing
- Objective: Understand basic color mixing.
- Instructions: Use paint to mix primary colors and create new colors. Discuss the results.
- Differentiation Tips: Provide pre-mixed colors for children who may find it challenging to mix on their own.
Assessment Tips:
- Observe your child’s ability to identify and name colors and shapes.
- Check their sorting accuracy during play.
Additional Resources:
- Books: “Mouse Paint” by Ellen Stoll Walsh, “Shapes, Shapes, Shapes” by Tana Hoban
- Websites: Sesame Street, ABCya
- Apps: Color and Shape, Tiggly Shapes
Week 3: Numbers and Counting
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize and name numbers 1-10.
- Count objects up to 10.
You can use this 1-20 number tracing worksheet to get the numbers hardwired in the child’s mind quickly.
Materials List:
- Counting blocks or beads
- Number flashcards
- Number puzzles
- Paper and markers
Activities:
- Number Flashcards
- Objective: Recognize and name numbers.
- Instructions: Use flashcards to practice number recognition. Mix them up and ask your child to put them in order.
- Differentiation Tips: For advanced learners, introduce numbers 11-20.
- Counting Game
- Objective: Count objects accurately.
- Instructions: Use counting blocks or beads to count objects together. Make it a game by hiding and finding objects to count.
- Differentiation Tips: Use larger numbers for advanced counters.
- Number Puzzles
- Objective: Match numbers with corresponding quantities.
- Instructions: Provide number puzzles where children match numbers with pictures of objects.
- Differentiation Tips: Use more complex puzzles with higher numbers for advanced learners.
Assessment Tips:
- Observe your child’s ability to recognize and name numbers.
- Check their counting accuracy during activities.
Additional Resources:
- Books: “Ten Little Ladybugs” by Melanie Gerth, “Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3” by Bill Martin Jr.
- Websites: Coolmath4kids, Education.com
- Apps: Endless Numbers, Counting Caterpillar
Week 4: Exploring Nature
Learning Objectives:
- Understand basic concepts of the natural world.
- Recognize different plants and animals.
Materials List:
- Nature journal
- Magnifying glass
- Plant seeds
- Child-safe gardening tools
Activities:
- Nature Walk
- Objective: Observe and discuss the natural world.
- Instructions: Take a nature walk and collect interesting items (leaves, rocks). Discuss what you see and hear.
- Differentiation Tips: For advanced learners, create a scavenger hunt with specific items to find.
- Planting Seeds
- Objective: Learn about plant growth.
- Instructions: Plant seeds in small pots and observe their growth over time. Discuss what plants need to grow.
- Differentiation Tips: Use different types of seeds to compare growth rates.
- Animal Observation
- Objective: Recognize different animals.
- Instructions: Use a magnifying glass to observe small animals (insects, worms) in your yard. Discuss their characteristics and habitats.
- Differentiation Tips: For advanced learners, research more about the animals observed.
Assessment Tips:
- Observe your child’s engagement and curiosity during nature walks.
- Check their understanding of plant growth and animal characteristics.
Additional Resources:
- Books: “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle, “Over in the Meadow” by Ezra Jack Keats
- Websites: National Geographic Kids, BBC Earth
- Apps: Seek by iNaturalist, PlantSnap
Week 5: Family and Community
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the concept of family and community.
- Identify different community helpers.
Materials List:
- Family photos
- Dress-up clothes (doctor, firefighter, etc.)
- Community helper flashcards
Activities:
- Family Tree
- Objective: Understand family relationships.
- Instructions: Create a simple family tree using photos or drawings of family members.
- Differentiation Tips: For advanced learners, include extended family members.
- Community Helper Role Play
- Objective: Identify different community helpers.
- Instructions: Use dress-up clothes to role-play different community helpers (doctor, firefighter). Discuss their roles.
- Differentiation Tips: Visit a local fire station or other community service location.
- Thank You Cards
- Objective: Appreciate community helpers.
- Instructions: Create thank you cards for community helpers. Discuss the importance of their work.
- Differentiation Tips: Write simple messages for advanced writers.
Assessment Tips:
- Observe your child’s understanding of family relationships.
- Check their recognition of different community helpers during role play.
Additional Resources:
- Books: “Whose Tools Are These?” by Sharon Katz Cooper, “The Berenstain Bears: Jobs Around Town” by Stan & Jan Berenstain
- Websites: Kids.gov, Scholastic
- Apps: Community Helpers, My Town: Jobs
Week 6: Arts and Creativity
Learning Objectives:
- Develop fine motor skills through arts and crafts.
- Express creativity through various art forms.
Materials List:
- Paint, brushes, and paper
- Playdough
- Craft supplies (glue, scissors, colored paper, stickers)
Activities:
- Finger Painting
- Objective: Develop fine motor skills and express creativity.
- Instructions: Provide paints and paper for finger painting. Encourage your child to create freely.
- Differentiation Tips: Use different textures (sponges, brushes) for varied sensory experiences.
- Playdough Creations
- Objective: Develop fine motor skills.
- Instructions: Use playdough to create different shapes and objects. Discuss their creations.
- Differentiation Tips: Provide tools (rolling pins, cookie cutters) for more complex creations.
- Collage Making
- Objective: Develop fine motor skills and express creativity.
- Instructions: Provide various craft supplies to create a collage. Encourage your child to tell a story about their collage.
- Differentiation Tips: Use themed collages (e.g., animals, nature) for guided creativity.
Assessment Tips:
- Observe your child’s engagement and creativity during art activities.
- Check their fine motor skills development through their creations.
Additional Resources:
- Books: “The Artful Parent” by Jean Van’t Hul, “Beautiful Oops!” by Barney Saltzberg
- Websites: Crayola, Art for Kids Hub
- Apps: Drawing Pad, Toca Hair Salon
Schedule, Pacing, and Structuring the Homeschool Day for Preschoolers
Keep the following pointers in mind while you are implementing or planning any homeschool preschool curriculum.
- Have a Flexible Routine:
- Establish a flexible daily routine that includes a mix of structured activities and free play.
- Allow for breaks and snack times to keep your child energized.
- Keep Balanced Activities:
- Balance academic activities with creative and physical activities.
- Incorporate quiet time for reading and reflection.
- Have Thematic Weeks:
- Use weekly themes to guide your activities and keep learning engaging.
- Allow for child-led exploration within the themes.
- Assessment and Reflection:
- Regularly assess your child’s understanding and progress through informal observations.
- Reflect on the week’s activities and adjust the plan based on your child’s interests and needs.
Additional Resources for Boosting Homeschool Preschool Learning
Recommended Children’s Books
- Language Arts:
- “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr.
- “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss
- “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff
- “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown
- “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
- “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
- “We’re All Wonders” by R.J. Palacio
- “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss
- “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes” by James Dean and Eric Litwin
- “Harold and the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson
- Math:
- “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” by Dr. Seuss
- “Ten Apples Up On Top!” by Dr. Seuss
- “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle
- “Count the Monkeys” by Mac Barnett
- “How Many Legs?” by Kes Gray
- “Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons” by James Dean and Eric Litwin
- “Mouse Count” by Ellen Stoll Walsh
- “Anno’s Counting Book” by Mitsumasa Anno
- “The Crayon Counting Book” by Pam Muñoz Ryan
- “Ten Black Dots” by Donald Crews
- Science:
- “The Very Busy Spider” by Eric Carle
- “The Tiny Seed” by Eric Carle
- “National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why” by Amy Shields
- “The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth” by Joanna Cole
- “Over and Under the Pond” by Kate Messner
- “A Seed Is Sleepy” by Dianna Aston
- “The Water Hole” by Graeme Base
- “Hello, World! Weather” by Jill McDonald
- “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats
- “Waiting for Wings” by Lois Ehlert
- Social Studies:
- “The Family Book” by Todd Parr
- “Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood” by F. Isabel Campoy
- “Whose Tools Are These?” by Sharon Katz Cooper
- “The Berenstain Bears: Jobs Around Town” by Stan & Jan Berenstain
- “Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña
- “A is for Activist” by Innosanto Nagara
- “Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do” by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook
- “What If Everybody Did That?” by Ellen Javernick
- “When I Grow Up” by Al Yankovic
- “We March” by Shane W. Evans
- Creativity:
- “The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt
- “Not a Box” by Antoinette Portis
- “Beautiful Oops!” by Barney Saltzberg
- “Ish” by Peter H. Reynolds
- “Mix It Up!” by Hervé Tullet
- “Art & Max” by David Wiesner
- “Scribble Stones” by Diane Alber
- “Dot” by Patricia Intriago
- “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds
- “Mouse Paint” by Ellen Stoll Walsh
Educational Websites
- Language Arts and Math:
- Starfall: www.starfall.com
- ABCmouse: www.abcmouse.com
- Science:
- National Geographic Kids: kids.nationalgeographic.com
- Science Kids: www.sciencekids.co.nz
- Social Studies:
- Kids.gov: www.kids.gov
- PBS Kids: pbskids.org
Educational Apps
- Language Arts:
- Endless Alphabet
- Teach Your Monster to Read
- Math:
- Monkey Math
- Moose Math
- Science:
- MarcoPolo Ocean
- Toca Nature
Conclusion
Homeschooling your preschooler can be a joyful and fulfilling experience. This comprehensive curriculum aims to provide a balanced and engaging approach to early learning, fostering your child’s development and preparing them for the exciting journey ahead in kindergarten. Adapt the activities to suit your child’s needs and enjoy the process of learning together!
