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Jules at Everyday Mommy emailed and asked,

I've begun preschooling our 4 year-old at home with a simple curriculum I've put together. However, it is very basic and we speed through it in no time. I know that every parent thinks their child is bright, but I'm afraid that I truly do have a very bright child on my hands. I don't say this boastfully, but fearfully. Am I capable of teaching a gifted child? I was a B+ student. Nothing to write home about. However, I am passionate about learning to this day, I'm passionate about our child and I'm passionate about homeschooling. Could you take a moment and share some thoughts on homeschool preschool curriculum? Any recommendations?

I've heard it said, "God doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called." By God's grace and His wisdom, you and your husband can teach your gifted son. You may not understand Calculus yet. But don't worry most preschoolers, even the gifted aren't ready for that just yet!

One of the joys of homeschooling is that you get to learn all the things you may not have learned the first time around. All education leaves some gaps. It's just a matter of which gaps they are. So I encourage you to determine to homeschool not just based on what you know, but what you and your son can learn together. With your passion and his energy and aptitude, you'll be a dynamic team. I wrote a more detailed post on choosing curriculum that you may find helpful.

At the preschool stage, curiosity is the best curriculum and exploration the best teacher.

You are teaching him how to learn. Provide lots of opportunities for him to ask questions and then discover the answers together. Build a habit of attentiveness by asking him about what he sees around him. Ask him to describe the objects and why he thinks the Lord gave them to us. What is their purpose? How does the object relate to other things around it? Attentiveness is just one of many habits our younger children need to mature and learn about the world around them.

Charlotte Mason, an English writer from the 1800's talks about many of the early habits we are to help cultivate in our children. I would strongly recommend her writing as a source of inspiration and information. Even if you don't use the "Charlotte Mason method" her words of advice and wisdom will help you gain a greater understanding of education. Karen Andreola has taken the lengthy of works of Charlotte Mason and condensed them. Her website, Charlotte Mason, is a goldmine of information. For a daily burst of Charlotte Mason, visit the blog Charlotte Mason.

Other resources I have found helpful for preschoolers are,

Five In A Row by the Lamberts
Alpha Phonics by Blumenfeld
Math U See (A gifted child son would probably enjoy this method.)

Although, some may disagree I would discourage the use of electronic teaching at this stage, both TV and computer. I would also encourage the use of plenty of read alouds that are a little longer than a story book. Something that would take a few days or a week to finish. I wrote more about this in my post, Don't Control the Remote...Control the Appetite.

And don't discount "playtime" as just a waste of time. When someone asked homeschooler Micki Colfax what she did with her preschoolers she replied, "They played with a lot of legos." It must have worked. Her boys made it into Harvard. Their book, Homeschooling for Excellence will give you some insights as well.

I'm just getting back into the preschool phase after being out of it for a few years. So if others have tips and ideas please share them. I also didn't speak too much about training that is so important during the preschool years. I hope to get to that soon.

I've also been asked what to do with preschoolers while your trying to teach the older ones. I'll try and get to that question soon. In the meantime, two resources that I have found helpful are Preschoolers and Peace and Terri Maxwell's Managers of their Home. If others would like to share their thoughts on that question feel free to chime in.

Heather has also blogged about preschool and kindergarten. She's always full insights and this post is worth a read.

The Carnival of Homeschooling is also up at the Thinking Mother. There is always lots if ideas and inspiration there as well.

Related Tags: preschool, homeschool, homeschooling, education, public school, parenting, family, children

A lot of parents begin contemplating exactly where to send their toddler to preschool long before the boy or girl becomes 3.  In contrast to kindergarten, where most families select between the public school, parochial school and a handful of private schools, there is certainly generally a plethora of preschool choices.

Produce a List

The very first thing to complete should be to make a list of possible preschools.  Start by asking your pals, acquaintances along with colleagues for referrals.  After that, carryout a web search to be able to ensure that you possess the entire preschool prospects indicated down on your checklist.  Then you definitely can begin to narrow down your list by seeing which schools complement the basic conditions that you are looking for in a program.  For instance, you want to ensure that the school’s hours, price and area all fit within your expectations.

Investigate the School’s Objectives and Curriculum

Several nursery schools maintain distinct philosophies and diverse pre-k curriculums.  You need to expect that by the time a young child is 3 to 4 years old that, no matter his potentials or perhaps disabilities, he is going to require a preschool that prepares him for kindergarten as opposed to a childcare center or day care facility.

John Dewey

Many preschool philosophies are determined by the teachings of John Dewey who encouraged for learning by undertaking.  These types of schools recommend play based approaches to learning and believe young kids understand most effective by actively playing.

Montessori

Some other preschools are influenced by the Montessori school of thought associated with learning.  The Montessori philosophy emphasizes gaining independence and self confidence by getting every child learn at their own very own speed.  Montessori schools view teachers as guides and foster cooperative discovering surroundings where by senior kids support younger children and gifted and disabled learners can learn side by side.

Waldorf

Preschools which stick to the Waldorf learning theory seek out to stimulate children’s brains by building a homelike setting.  Kids are inspired to use all five senses in discovering and mastering brand new tasks.  Waldorf educational facilities feel in having all spontaneous play things.  You won’t come across any computers while in the classroom, absolutely no motion pictures shall be presented and there will be no plastic toys.  In the event that the school goes on beyond preschool after that your son or daughter could have the same teacher for every year of his education in the Waldorf school.

Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia schools will often be cited as the preschools which result in the best quality thinkers.  Kids within these programs can be taught to attain strong thinking skills.  Units of study tend to be influenced by elements which fascinate the children on their own. The learners then engage in tasks to learn about the unit of study.  The teachers become advisors whereas the young kids problem solve and start their study.  The Reggio Emilia methodology is applicable for all of the different learning types because fresh ideas tend to be taught in as much diverse methods as you possibly can to aid students maintain the data.

Religious Preschools

Religious preschools may well consider distinctive philosophies of understanding but all of them integrate age relevant religious instructions within the preschool curriculum.  The quality regarding education and also kindergarten readiness expertise acquired by the learners fluctuate extensively amongst these programs.  It is beneficial to ask in regards to the school’s teaching philosophy as well as its religious affiliation.

Cooperative Preschools

Cooperative preschools happen to be parent or guardian run schools.  The parents commonly gather and contract an individual teacher.  The parents subsequently take turns helping that teacher within the classroom, controlling the funding belonging to the school and also maintaining the school.  The parents, as a group, determine the actual preschool curriculum.  Cooperative preschools need an enormous dedication of both time and energy provided by parents.  For that reason, it is important to ensure that your own idea is really a good fit with the preschool prior to enrolling your youngster.

No matter which philosophy a preschool claims to adhere to, each school produces its unique method of teaching.  For that reason, it can be beneficial to have a teacher or administrator explain exactly what Montessori or play based curriculum signifies to that specific school.

Pay a visit to the PreSchool Along with your Youngster

Once you have located a school which seems to have everything you want in a preschool, the time is right to go visit.  It is important to take your youngster along on this visit so that you can observe how they interacts with the teacher and other youngsters.  This visit is crucial and possibly the most important thing which can be done within your hunt for a preschool.  Believe in your gut instinct and intently notice your child for signs that he or she is relaxed or distressing.

As with any childcare concept, it is crucial that you verify the schools recommendations and accreditation standing with other parents, along with your state Department of Education and with the accrediting agency before enrolling your child in preschool.

Martha Johnston is a keen educator and Baby Gear tester. You can take a look at her web pages on Graco high chairs and the Peg Perego high chair.