A mom on one of the Yahoo! Groups I subscribe to had this question, "Basically, I am just not sure how I am supposed to "work" with a 3 year old. Any suggestions?"
Here are my five starting point suggestions.
1. Include your preschooler in your day
Preschoolers can learn to sort laundry and silverware.
Preschoolers can match up socks.
Preschoolers can even help cook; most are happy to dump and stir all day long.
Whatever it is you are doing, try to find a way to engage your preschooler. They will feel big and important. They will also learn that work is a way of life (and can be fun)!
2. Books, books, and more books
I think most parents underestimate the value of reading aloud with little people. Mem Fox reminds us that "…children need to hear a thousands stories read aloud before they begin to learn to read for themselves." Just three stories a day will deliver over one thousand stories in one year.
It’s not ridiculous to take your tot to the library or to buy your preschooler some books; it’s smart. Make a special place for her to keep them and teach her how to take care of them. Before long, she will probably even be "reading" to herself.
Here is a list of some of our favorites (in case you don’t know where to start). If anyone needs more suggestions, please ask. I could go on and on and on…
3. Play some games
You probably started playing games like "Peek-a-Boo" and "So-Big!" when your baby was itty bitty. Why stop now? You can play a game like "I Spy" anywhere! You can also purchase some games to play together; even my older son likes to play Simon’s preschool games making this not just a thinking thing, but also a relationship building experience.
Simon loves games, and I spent the bulk of my preschool budget on new games for him this year. Puzzles are also a winner as they promote thinking and problem-solving while requiring fine motor movements.
Simon’s Favorite Games
Who Lives Where? by Cadaco
Color Go-Fish by eeBoo
What’s That Sound by Discovery Toys
Life on Earth Bingo by eeBoo
Preschool Lotto by eeBoo
Feel and Find by Guidecraft
4. Don’t be afraid to make a mess!
Every preschooler I’ve ever known likes a good mess. Finger painting, play-doh rolling, shaving cream smearing– it all builds creative thinking skills. Keep your craft cabinet stocked with some good art supplies. You don’t have to have a glorious project for your preschooler to do. If you give a boy a box of art supplies…the possibilities are endless!
I know it can be costly to rush out and buy all of these items. Add to your collection a little at a time; find coupons for your purchases from Michael’s & Hobby Lobby, and put art supplies on your child’s gift wish list.
Our Favorite Mess Making Supplies
Liquid Watercolors
Watercolor Paper
Washable Finger Paints
Finger Paint Paper
Washable Tempera Paints
Play-doh
Watercolor Pencils
Regular Crayons
Watercolor Crayons
Oil Pastels
Wax-O-Glas Window Crayons
Popsicle Sticks
Googly Eyes
Paint Scrapers
Different Kinds of Paint Brushes— including q-tips!
Fun Foam
Beads
Shaving Cream
Glue, Glue Sticks, Etc.
Paint Palette– I also use old yogurt lids for paint
5. Explore God’s great big world
Preschoolers possess an amazing sense of wonder. Preserve that God-given curiosity by giving your young student a magnifying glass, a bug box, or some rain boots and go investigate the great outdoors!
Of course, you can do more with your preschooler (if you want), but these five things are definitely a starting point and foundation. Have fun; these years are some of the greatest!
These are all such super ideas – thank you for sharing! I feel like we do a lot of these things, but it’s such a good reminder to be intentional about them and remember how great they are for our children. Thanks for such a great post!
Wonderful ideas, Ami. Very concrete answer for that mom. To be honest, her question amazes me. The things you mention seem so natural, so normal, so just what we do (did). But there I go assuming. When I was little, my mom was a SAHM, so we did all these types of things, and I guess I learned from her. And she was (is) super crafty and creative. So, again, it just seems normal to play games, do crafts, cook together.
It makes me sad that so many parents do NOT do these things with their kids. THEY are missing out as much as their kids are, IMO. But kudos for the mom who ASKED the question. She is on the right track!
I love this post Ami! Thank you for sharing your heart and reminding me about what is important with my little one!
Love
Leslie
These are the greatest years! Great suggestions!
Ami~ every time I read your posts I find myself wishing I was one of your kids 😉 You are a great homeschool mom, I LOVE what you do with the boys and still enjoy reading along with you SO much!!!!
I get questions like this a lot too, and I second your answers completely-it really is SO simple & FUN!!!
Carisa