Homeschooling

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Question: Preschool curriculum for Homeschooling your child?

I have 2 (3 yr old) toddler that are very ready for preschool; however, our local district is charging $1700 per child. It would cost up $3400 for both kids to attend preschool this year, plus I work part time job and thought about Homeschooling my children myself. I would like a curriculum for Homeschooling so I know what exactly to do, therefore, by pre K they will know what the school requires. Do you recommend any websites, book or tools. Thanks

Answer: At that age, a curriculum is unnecessary. They learn most naturally through play and the experiences you expose them to. Visit the library and/or book store for story time and let them pick out books, keep coloring books and crayons on hand, sidewalk chalk, refrigerator magnets, puzzles, games, etc. Take them exploring in your own backyard, for walks around the neighborhood, to the park, to the aquarium, zoo, children's museum, etc.

Television is a good resource. We limit what our children view, but it is a good tool in moderation. Most of the children's television stations also have websites with educational activities/games your children can play as well- check out PBSKids.org, NickJr.com, Disney channel's website, SproutOnline.com, etc.

Some of my favorite resources for that age (I have a daughter about to turn 3, and two older children- along with a new baby) are Ready for Kindergarten. I got this from Amazon, and I believe the author is Sharon WIlcox but I may be wrong on her name. It gives short activitites that are appropriate for a 3-4 year old, that are fun and educational, without overwhelming them.

I also like Story S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-R-S, which I also got from Amazon. There is a preschool version available. It gives ideas for incorporating little lessons into favorite children's stories, from Math and Vocabulary to Crafts and Music and even Games and Snacks.

There is curriculum available for that age. A Beka (Abekabook.com, I believe) is one provider- many private and Christian schools use their curriculum and it is available to homeschoolers. There are many- MANY- other providers. But, again, I do not think a curriculum is beneficial at that age, just a rich environment.

You CAN go to the A Beka website and request a free catalog, and then in the notes ask that they also send a Scope & Sequence. It is free, as well, and gives an overview of the topics usually covered in each level from Nursery-Grade 12. You can go to the World Book Encyclopedia website, as well, and click on the Parents tab and then on Typical Course of Study and then get a similar resource.

Children love getting mail, so subscribe to some magazines and then do the activitites when they come in. Highlights has a version for younger children, so does National Geographic Kids and Your Big Backyard is age appropriate. Pack-O-Fun is another one we like, with arts and crafts related to the season/holiday coming up and it also has a section each issue for a country around the world, and you learn its location and some facts about it and there are related activities.

Recurring Nightmares

As your kids grow up, they will want to take part time jobs to earn extra cash while still Home Schooling. This is normal and you should be encouraging your kids to take a part time job that interest them. There are many jobs for homeschoolers. For example, retail stores offer many jobs for homeschoolers and school kids. You can get with the store manager where your kid works and get an evaluation from him or her on your kid's attitude and work performance. It is good experience for kids to be working in the real world and earning money for themselves. This further teaches them responsibilities and how to save money for what they want to buy. You can also give them work experience credit on their transcripts.

Before you send your kids to look for jobs, you can help them by preparing them for what they will face. Tell them about the application forms, application process, interview process, what employers are looking for, etc. In other words, tell them honestly what you know. You can even give them practice at filling out application forms and answering interview questions. This will help give your kids confidence.

Vocational courses for Homeschool Kids

Vocational courses are ideal for Homeschool Kids. Not only can they be taken during the day, and do not have to always be held during the evenings or weekends, but they also stretch the kids' minds by giving them hands-on experiences. We parents have to be creative. Look around for what vocational courses are offered at local vocational colleges. Vocational schools these days offer many courses that are both fun and educational such as culinary arts programs. Our kids don't have to study for a certification on culinary arts but a little culinary arts class here and there probably will not hurt. There are many courses tailored especially for homeschoolers. If a topic that your child is interested in is not offered, maybe you can structure a vocational course yourself. Some of the popular vocational courses are:

• food science and nutrition
• culinary arts
• electronics
• healthcare
• automotive technology
• construction
• agriculture
• home maintenance
• metal fabrication
• home economics
• animal science
• gardening science
• graphic design