Home Preschool

For the time being, our family has decided to "home preschool".

Granted, our child is one.

But since Levi doesn't go to a daycare center and is with me most of the day, I knew I needed to start working on some of his academic skills.

And, I know I'm his Mama and I'm supposed to say this, but.... this kid has some smarts.

Must take after his daddy.

So after lots of research, we dove into the school year with our own little version of preschool.

Right now, at 20 months old, Levi's goals are:

Learning his colors

Learning shapes

Begin counting (he can count to 5!)

Begin identifying letters

Lots of reading together

Expand his vocabulary

LOTS of creative play

In our family room, I carved out a little area for his preschool things:

The key being that I wanted his items accessible, but organized.

Clearly labeled so that he can help in putting things back where they belong.

How I've structured our time is that we do mini-units every 2 weeks (give or take).

So for now, we are on "Fall".

We are still working on his general concepts (shapes, colors, etc.)

But through structured play that corresponds to the theme.

I've gathered a billion ideas from Pinterest, and organized them into a little binder so I can keep it all together.

 A fabulous blog to check out is 1 + 1+ 1= 1.

It is filled with everything you'd need to start Tot School inclduing free printables!

You can also follow my Preschool Pinterest board for ideas!

 Each week, on our book shelf is 3 baskets. 

Each basket has an activity or toy that goes with the theme.

They may be homemade stick puppets that go along with a book, blocks, toy animals, leaves, etc.

This helps keep toys fresh and interesting.

At Levi's age, with the attention span of an active one year old boy, we only do preschool for 20-30 minutes. Much of the time is lead by him. 

We usually have time for him to explore the activities in his basket, we then read a book that goes with the theme, then usually some type of art project.

Really? You can make it what works best for you and your little one.

This is meant to be intentional, fun learning.

To get started....here's items I recommend.

Laminator 

 I got this one at Target for $25.

You can get refill pouches for cheap on Amazon.

Definitely recommend this.

Velcro Dots

Work great when making puzzles or labels

Binder rings

For making your own books

Bookcase

So items are organized and accessible for little ones

Baskets

Lots and lots of baskets. Organization is key.

Kid size work space

A little table and chair are great for them to do reading or art

Magnet Board

Great for kids to manipulate items and practice storytelling

Paint Dot Markers

These are washable and fabulous for little hands!

And to help you get started, just right-click and download these labels I made in organizing your own preschool area!

Just print, laminate and attach to your baskets!

And for us, teaching Levi the Gospel is the center of our day.

I pray and strive to show Christ-like patience and love to him.

We look at the wonders outside and how our Creator made them.

We practice saying sorry and forgiving.

We read Bible stories and try to recall the characters.

We pray for those around us.

God has entrusted Levi's precious mind and soul to me to mold and shape and I pray daily for His wisdom.

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Is anyone else a "home preschooler"?

Have any great tips or resources?