Tips for teaching a preschooler at home.

Question

From the way it looks there may not be any preschool this year in our school system, and we make to much money for my 4yr old to go to the other preschool in our area. I know they learn things like colors ,ABC's, and numbers. What are some goods ways to teach him these things, and make it fun at the same time. So neither of us get stressed out.

Answer 1

buy a toy which is coluorful and educational also, and the toy must be fun!!!

good luck

Answer 2

Look for a book called "Ready for Kindergarten".  I believe the author is Susan Wilcox, but I am not sure.  I know the title is correct, and the cover is a red or orange and purple plaid.  It has activities to prepare children for kindergarten, and they are presented in a fun (as all activities at that age should be) manner.

There is the popular What Your ___ Grader Needs To Know" series from the Core Knowledge Curriculum.  They have a brand new Preschool edition this year!  I saw it at the book store the other day.

Look for books called "More than Magnets" and "More than Counting"...they have science and math activities, as well as editions for other subjects.  Your library might have them.

One of my favorites is Story Stretchers.  It takes popular books for that age range and gives ideas for stretching the lesson into math, science, etc...and includes ideas for snacks, games, etc. that are related to the book as well.

There is a magazine called Pack O Fun.  It is full of arts and crafts ideas.  Family Fun (a Disney publication) is another good magazine for craft ideas.

Check out the National Wildlife Federation website at http://www.nwf.org they have a magazine called Your Big Backyard and Ranger Rick that are good for science (animals and nature).

Highlights magazine is another good resource.

At that age, children should learn through play or about things that interest them.  Sitting down at a desk is unnatural to them.  Y ou might pick up several workbooks (they are very inexpensive), but do not force him/her to do it.  I had a daughter that absolutely loved workbooks and a son that despised them.

Many websites will be beneficial.  Try http://www.starfall.com NickJr.com, PBSKids.com and Disney.com have games that also teach basic skills.  

Look for computer programs at Wal Mart, Target, etc.  The Jump Start series is AWESOME and they are inexpensive.

Take him to story time at the library and/or book store and also look for activities at your local aquarium/zoo, museum etc.  Not only are they educational, but they will provide opportunity for him to socialize with other children.  

I hope this helps, and I wish you the best!

Answer 3

books! let your child pick out books and make it a habit to read daily. let your child choose the book ... even if it's the same book every day. he will ask questions which can lead into learning experiences. he will start to memorize the story. this also helps with letter recognition. and it gives him routine every day which is needed from preschoolers.

you can also practice numbers by counting simple things...count fries when at mcdonalds. count toys...have him bring you so many toys. these are also good ways to start with early math concepts. colors...kids love "i spy." ... and it's an easy game to sit and play with your child.

you can also check online for fun resources and ideas.

try:

kidzone.com

perpetualpreschool.com

weatherwizkids.com

everything preschool.com

hope these ideas help :)

i would also involve him in activies or groups in the community so he learns his basic socialization skills....very important :)

Answer 4

you should really go to knowledge tree, they have a great assortment for pre-k children and they are very helpful.  it really depends on your child.  

Answer 5

I like to use free educational websites for my preschoolers,they make learning very fun for them:

http://www.starfall.com/n/level-a/learn-...

http://pbskids.org/

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/math/ad...

Answer 6

Keep it fun and play oriented. Use calendars and books, don't use a drill and memorize method. Try to get your child involved with other children. A play group or even a class in dance, swim or gymnastics for example. That will help with a small amount of structure and how to get along with others.

Answer 7

Flash cards with pictures and letters... educational music they can sing along to, easel boards with magnets and chalk. paints and easel paper, this will stimulate imagination and creativity. There should be some type of teacher store in the neighborhood you can go to for ideas. Many teachers get their material from places like that. do a local search good luck...