Guiding your child through home based preschool learning doesn’t have to be rocket science. Many parents do it, with their toddlers often fairing better than those in much more formal preschool arrangements, and you too can do it. Nonetheless, it can be a daunting task for first-timers, and if you feel like you’re in over your head or don’t know where to start, these tips will point you in the right direction:
- Start with a schedule
Your preschool program needs to have a structure. It’s best for both you and your toddler as well that there’s a consistency to your schedule, otherwise, it can be challenging to keep up with the learning.
Of course, while building your schedule, remember that kids may not have the best concentration spans so you’ll need to incorporate lots of breaks. Moreover, your schedule should not be set in stone. Have free slots here and there for emergencies and don’t focus on any one activity for extended periods.
- Limit device time
With Covid catalyzing e-learning preschool solutions into high gear, there has been a significant rise in screen time over the past few years. This has served to only increase device usage problems such as:
- Sleep problems at night
- Depression and anxiety issues
- Increased risk of obesity and more
To avoid all these among others, consider starting off with a device free learning program such as Vaekke. Here, parents receive a list of parent child learning activities for the day, which take toddlers away from their devices.
- Let fun be thy guide
Some parents treat preschool like a rigorous do-or-die affair, but doing so may not work to your advantage. After all, we can’t argue with Albert Einstein, one of the most brilliant minds in history, who said that play is, in fact, the highest form of research.
So as you come up with a routine for your loved one, include lots of play-driven activities or outrightly prioritize a program for Montessori preschool at home. The latter is a great way to ensure that your child’s interests don’t take a backseat in the learning process, thanks to a hands-on, curiosity-driven learning approach.
- Don’t skimp on EQ activities
It shouldn’t just be about math, colors, shapes, and more math. Holistic early childhood development should also factor in lessons for enhancing emotional intelligence which will help your child to:
- Learn how to communicate with others
- Grow her reasoning and empathy skills
- Manage negative emotions she encounters in society
If you’re short on EQ ideas, we recommend you check out the ultra-fun and EQ-centric home based preschool program Vaekke. It encompasses loads of emotional intelligence building activities that will also improve your toddler’s sensory skills.
- Take it outside
Coloring, painting, and playdough make up awesome preschool activities at home, no arguments there. However, your preschool program at home well, shouldn’t be heavily based inside your home.
Incorporate lots of opportunities to take your learning outside, so that your child doesn’t miss out on the real world as well. Here are some ideas you could try out:
- Kite flying
- Musical scavenger hunts
- Rock painting
- Leaf painting and more
Taking play outside is also a great way to curb device addiction and connect with nature.
- Color outside the lines sometimes
I know we said a structured program has its benefits, and we stick by that, but we also said it shouldn’t be set in stone. Try to prompt unstructured play every so often. One way to encourage this, for example, is by giving your preschooler art or building materials such as:
- Legos
- Tiles
- Chalk
- Crayons
Then, without any explicit instructions, sit back and watch what they do with it. This is a great way to nurture your young one’s autonomy, problem-solving, and creativity while spurring their innate curiosity.
You’ll need some help
Unless you’re an experienced preschool teacher, you’ll need some help to give your child an all-around preschool foundation and the springboard they need to get ahead. Short of learning from other home preschooling mums or dads, we also recommend you get yourself some Vaekke help. Packed with strategic preschool activities for preschoolers to foster emotional, social, cognitive abilities, math skills, and language prowess, this gadget-free preschool methodology can hold your hand and shepherd your learning every day. Visit the Vaekke website to learn more about its innovative approach to EYFS education.
