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!
Thanks for all the preschool ideas! It’s so easy to get caught up in all our home “to do’s” without including the littles. I especially need the encouragement to let them get messy!
Fantastic list!
I hope that 1000 books can include the same book read over and over and over again?
These are all great ideas and wonderful launching points to beginning school time with your child. So many times we forget that the work of childhood is often play.
I like making school time enjoyable and full of exploration for the younger kids
Thank you so much for your posts. They have helped me a great deal with my almost 4 year old and 2 year old. You’ve made learning so much fun.
I’ve noticed that you haven’t posted since November. I hope everything is all right. Looking forward to more of your posts.
Fellow Homeschool Mom of 4,
June Hendley