Preschool lessons for 3-4 year olds?

Question

I am a stay at home mommy and have decided that instead of putting my 2 girls into PreK I am going to invest that money and put it towards educational things for here and just teach them 3 days a week. Being a Preschool teacher in the past I have seen first hand how Preschools just aren't everything they are put up to be and I feel I can give them much more. I do feel that it is important for them to get Socialzation as well So I have joined a local group that has weekly playdates. These are the areas I am focusing my lessons on

*Math (counting, measuring)

*Maps (states in the USA)

*Reading

*Home Making (folding towels, dishes...)

*Bible study's

*Art

*Days of the week, months of the year

*Seasons

What lessons can you come up with?

Anything I am leaving out??

Answer 1

I think those are great areas to focus on, but it might help if you had a weekly or monthly theme to focus these areas around.  I would visit some preschool sites like http://www.childcarecentral.com for some good themed ideas.  For example, you could do a beach theme and read books about the beach, visit the beach, talk about summer, count shells, and teach your kids how to fold beach towels.

Answer 2

Fine motor skills (cutting, gluing, stringing, stickers..)

Gross motor skills (hopping, jumping, running, dancing, galloping, skipping...)

Language skills (rhymes, phonics, songs, alliteration....)

Pre writing skills (using crayons, chalk, brushes,markers, unlined paper, envelopes)

Letter recognition  (start with the letters in child's name)

Reading comprehension  (stop reading and ask Who did what, when did it happen,  have child read story back to you.....)

Computer skills (using a mouse, left click, click and drag....)

Music (keeping a steady beat, using musical instruments, creative dance....)

  

These are the skills I teach my 3 & 4 year olds.  Maps may be a little hard to comprehend but not impossible.  You know your children best.  Sorting is a huge math skill your children will need along with making a pattern and adding on to a 2 part pattern.  Cheap cereals are great for this skill.

  Play is huge at this time so don't forget to have fun your self.  Boxes are great starters for creative play along with dress up clothes.  Have fun and enjoy!