How to Choose a Homeschool Preschool Curriculum
Looking for the best homeschool preschool curriculum that will help your little one grow? We're explaining how to choose the right one here.
Did you know that more than six percent of the school-age population in the United States attends home school?
Embarking on a homeschooling journey is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience.
As a parent or guardian, the responsibility of nurturing your little one's early education falls squarely on your shoulders. And, it's an important task; some would even say it's critical. Research shows that children taught with the Montessori method are predictably more confident, collaborative and better at conflict resolution than their peers. Further, the long term Benefits of a Montessori Education include an enhanced sense of well-being in adulthood!
Choosing the right homeschool preschool curriculum is a crucial step in creating a solid foundation for your child's lifelong learning. With countless options available, making the right choice can seem daunting.
To make things easier for you, we've put together a guide that breaks down everything you need to know about creating a GREAT curriculum for your preschooler. Keep reading to find out more.
What Is Montessori Education?
Montessori education is a pedagogical approach founded by Dr. Maria Montessori. She was an Italian physician and educator.
This educational approach is centered around the belief that children learn best when they are actively engaged. She also understood that youth thrive in carefully prepared environments.
Montessori education caters to their natural curiosity and fosters their innate desire to learn.
At the core of Montessori education is the idea that children should be treated as individuals. It is an approach that respects their autonomy and unique development.
The Montessori method emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning. It encourages children to explore and interact with their environment.
This approach seeks to cultivate a child's natural love for learning by nurturing their interests.
Making a Preschool Homeschool Curriculum That Is Fun
When children have enjoyable experiences during their early education, they develop a natural love for learning. They are more likely to maintain a strong curiosity for acquiring knowledge.
By making learning fun you will help children to build a positive self-image. They will associate their achievements with satisfaction.
Start by preparing a learning environment that is rich in aesthetically pleasing, interactive materials and activities. They should cater to your child's interests and developmental needs.
Choose resources that are visually appealing, tactile, and interactive. These elements help stimulate curiosity and a desire to explore.
Instead of imposing strict schedules or rigid lessons, allow your child to take the lead. Try to choose activities that spark their interest. Offer guidance and support when needed.
You should also give them the freedom to experiment and learn through play. And try your best to encourage your child's independence.
You can do this by thoughtfully preparing their learning space. This space - the prepared environment - should allow them to access materials and activities without constant assistance. This will foster a sense of autonomy and accomplishment.
A Typical Montessori Homeschool Daily Curriculum for Preschoolers
A typical daily Montessori preschool homeschool curriculum balances structure and flexibility. It also prioritizes hands-on, self-directed learning experiences.
Throughout the day, be mindful of maintaining a balance between structured learning and unstructured play.
You should also offer opportunities for social interaction. And don't forget about the importance of encouraging connection with the natural world.
By following these guidelines, it will be easy to create a nurturing environment.
Here's a breakdown of what a daily Montessori homeschool routine for preschoolers might look like.
Morning
Begin the day with a consistent wake-up time and a gentle routine. This might include getting dressed and brushing teeth. Allow your child to take the lead with these practical life activities, even if it takes longer. This will help establish a sense of order. It will also prepare your child for the day ahead.
Transition to the learning environment by starting with a brief circle time. This might include songs, stories, or a discussion of the day's activities.
This will set the stage for the preschool homeschool curriculum. It will also foster a sense of community and connection.
Dedicate the morning to the core Montessori work period. You should focus on activities from various learning areas. This might include practical life, sensorial, language, math, and cultural studies.
Encourage your child to choose activities that interest them. And allow them to work at their own pace. During this time, be available for guidance and support. You should also be observing your child's progress and interests. Take notes so that you can adapt the learning environment to your child's interests and needs on an ongoing basis.
Midday
Include a break for lunch, outdoor play, and physical activities. You could go for a nature walk or play in the backyard. This allows for social interaction and physical movement. Remember that children process what they learn through play, so this time is not optional.
Afternoon
You can reserve the afternoon for more focused learning activities or projects. Base these activities on your child's interests and energy levels.
This could include art, music, and science experiments. You might also want to add additional work in the core Montessori areas, if your child expresses a specific interest. Unit studies are great for these times.
Incorporate quiet time or rest in the afternoon, because preschoolers often need a break from structured activities. This gives them a chance to recharge and process their experiences. It also gives YOU a break!
Evening
End the day with family time and dinner. You could also create a calming bedtime routine. This routine could include activities like reading, storytelling, or discussing the highlights of the day.
This will help your child wind down. It will also reinforce the importance of family connection and shared experiences.
Designing a Homeschool Preschool Curriculum
Creating your own homeschool preschool curriculum is do-able, but time-consuming. You will need to start at the very beginning: understanding your child and what your child needs to learn during this special time of their lives.
If you are creating a Montessori curriculum, focus on following the traditional Montessori scope and sequence, creating kinesthetic activities that are fun and letting your child lead. These activities should also encourage children to learn and experiment through play.
Are you ready to start creating great homeschooling curriculums? If so, we can help you. Don't hesitate to get started today by requesting a free curriculum sample!
We offer a variety of resources and support to help you get started with homeschooling. Download a free curriculum sample and join the Multisori community today!
