Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Preschool

I’ve decided to be more proactive about doing preschool activities with Meredith. Is this really the beginning of my homeschooling career? Lately I’ve been very reluctant about homeschooling, mostly because I’ve felt very lazy. And, if that’s how I feel, how are my children supposed to get an excellent education?

Most of my friends are sending their three-year-olds away to preschool. A huge part of me wants to do that too because it would be VERY nice to get a break two mornings a week. Plus, I really loathe doing children’s crafts. But Meredith loves it so much and I don’t want her to be cheated of that experience.

So, I’ve put together a plan. We’re going to do a bunch of mini-unit studies. I found a book at the library that inspired me. Basically we’ll read 10-12 books surrounding a theme (everything from “the moon and stars” to “bugs” to “pizza”) and then we’ll do a craft based on that theme. Each week is a new theme. And a lot of the themes are seasonal. It's great because everything is spelled-out and (appears) super easy. Between that and what she gets at MOPS, I think she should be set as far as crafts go.

We are also planning on doing a lot of nature walks and outings to give her hands-on experience and reinforce what she is learning. I’ve been inspired after reading some books on Charlotte Mason.

The other day I was talking to a friend whose son was “studying” Humpty Dumpty in preschool and then the teacher asked him what kinds of animals lay eggs. Later, out of curiosity (don’t you love peer pressure?) I asked Meredith what animals lay eggs. She looked at me as if that was such an absurd question and said, “Mom, birds lay eggs.”

So, anyway, here we go! I think it’s going to be a fun and memorable year with my girls.

6 comments:

Jen S said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jen S said...

Good for you! It sounds like you have some great plans!! I miss those preschool years. . .they learn so much and say the cutest things. Enjoy!

Heather L. said...

It sounds so fun! Meredith will love it!

Rachelle said...

I detest crafts. I have justified not doing much of it because Ben was in preschool last year and probably had his fill. Gratefully he is happy to do a little coloring, a little cutting, and a lot of reading these days.

I think you sound so ambitious. I get so tired thinking of really homeschooling. Until we get into numbered years, I will just consider it experimental and then we'll ask again what God has for Ben.

Queen of Carrots said...

I'm with you on the crafts. I figure if I spend more time setting up or cleaning up than they do on it, it's not worth it. So that leaves . . . coloring and cutting paper into little tiny pieces.

the Joneses said...

Not a crafty mom here. I love workbooks. Fortunately, so do my children. :)

-- SJ