Homeschoolers: How far in advance do you plan?

Question

I am just getting my feet wet with homeschooling, my oldest child is 3, we're simply doing "preschool" activities. We're having a blast doing it, and I realize it doesn't have to be incredibly structured at this point - I'm just looking for advice as we move on! How far in advance do you plan? Do you suggest any specific organizational tools, or anything of the sort? Thanks so much for any tips on this.

Answer 1

We do unit studies, which last approximately 6 to 8 weeks.



One day before we start, we decide on the next unit, and I sit down and:



- look up lesson & unit plans for the topic to get ideas

- look up books we have in our home or local library that we can use

- type up a reading list for the kids (both mandatory & independent suggestions)

- look up resources and ideas on the internet and bookmark them (interactive websites, research, etc.)

- Check out if there are any educational DVDs or something we can rent

- print up worksheets, essay questions, project topics, coloring pages (for the little ones), crosswords or word finds or things like that (makes it fun), etc.

- make lists of spelling/vocabulary words for the coming weeks

- consider any possible field trips or experiments, etc.



After it's planned out I put the materials in order make a folder for each child.



Some work they do independently (especially as they get older) and some work I sit and go over with them. The goal by the end of the unit is to finish the packet and present a final project (they can do one I suggest or desing their own.



Final projects can be as simple as a research paper or a lap book; or as complex as filming their own documentary on the topic or doing a science experiment; or something more fun like a cultural festival for family night where they cook & play games & read stories & make a presentation about a country they've been studying.



Sometimes they work on the same unit together (older kids just get more advanced materials, younger kids get more basic skills to focus on). Sometimes they don't do anything related.



Then we take a week or two off and start again; we do this year-round.

Answer 2

I'm a planner, lol I wrote up a 'curriculum' like two years upfront. It's most often matters I'd like to hide, with notes approximately a laugh matters we will do and locations to head. For instance, beneath Mathematics, a rookies addition endeavor is "Play Store" Organize your apartment with models to promote. Using pennies, your baby will learn the cost, rely how so much they've and what kind of they want. Also a a laugh endeavor for while finding out subtraction and once they begin to make use of different varieties of cash (like quarters, dimes) I log on watching for a laugh academic events like this, and a laugh crafts that correspond to the lesson. It's a curriculum of varieties, however it is lovely informal. I even have a few paintings books I picked up alongside the best way. When the time comes, there may be plenty of special methods to earn situated on thier temper of the day. I would possibly not be sitting there stumped on what to do subsequent. When I honestly labored at a preschool, you do not rather want any fancy equipment. Laminated letters are a well thought. Its a laugh to hint letters in a box of sand, or shaving cream. Kids love counters - mini teddies, circles, stickers, beads, anything. Your library can have lots of books for studying time and rookies studying. Stencils are a laugh, stamps. Kids experience letter bingo. Songs are a need to - you'll be able to google convenient rhymes, and lesson oriented songs that children love. Anything that they are able to do movements too (stomping, clapping, finger play) shall be principally a laugh, and will rather sink a lesson in.

Answer 3

You don't need, nor should have, "structure" at age 3. As long as he is the one "having a blast" you are fine! 3 year olds need to learn through play and investigation of their environment. Take your child to storybook time at the library, check out books (child selected) and read them to him or her. Both storybooks and non-fiction. Take nature walks, collect "stuff" and make collections, or glue down on cardboard. Help him or her learn math attributes by sorting socks. Go to children's museums, see live children's theater. Play with magnets. Do lots of messy art projects! Learn about the weather. Make borax crystals, cut snowflakes. Plant a garden (you can do lots indoors even now!).



I would have suggestions and my experience in advance planning if this were for a school age child, but it is very important to let preschoolers explore. No plans, go with the moment and whatever he or she is in the mood for that day, or that moment.