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How to Homeschool Preschool

You’ll love the tips I share here on How to Homeschool Preschool at Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus.

When I started preschool with my first son, I put so much pressure on myself.

If only I had trusted the process of natural growth and playing to learn, I would have saved myself much stress.

Thankfully, by the time my other children came along, I learned how to teach in the preschool years.

How to Homeschool Preschool

Hoping to save you some time in how to homeschool preschool, I’m sharing my 20+ years of teaching experience.

Why? Because my tips work! All my children are grown now and I’m still mentoring homeschoolers.

Times may have changed, but not the best way to teach preschoolers.

Preschool Homeschool Planner

Firs, this unique flexible and beautiful preschool homeschool planner is the perfect homeschool planner to use for early learners.

While creating this 47-page early learner planner I included flexible planning pages.

Forms like 21 thematic planning pages, a year at a glance page, and 12 months of planning your theme are a few included.

Adding in an editable lesson planning template and 4 colorful attendance sheets helps you to easily meet record keeping guidelines if necessary.

How to Homeschool Preschool

Too, you’ll want to know what skills to teach preschoolers through natural play.

Also, don’t forget to grab my book or do my online self-paced course if you’re new to homeschooling.

How to Homeschool Preschool

You can nurture a scholar who basks in learning and then rigorous learning comes OR you can raise a learner who resents academics because you feed a “show me the results” attitude only.

Next, most important, don’t begin focused on constantly pushing your preschooler.

Follow his lead and let his imagination lead.

Curriculum and Skills for Homeschooled Preschoolers

PRESCHOOL PHONICS AND LANGUAGE ARTS

It’s important to know that phonics means vocal sounds. And that is the important thing to teach first when teaching preschoolers.

Letter sounds are way more important to teach than letter names which comes later for spelling.

However, for prereading skills, teaching letter sounds comes first at this age.

And one more tip, teaching short vowel sounds first, along with a few consonants sets a child on the road to reading.

But do not push a child. Most are not ready to read at this age, but need lots of time to explore outdoors and play.

PHONICS ACTIVITIES

PRESCHOOL FINE MOTOR SKILLS STRENGTHENING

Preschool Science Curriculum and Lesson Ideas

Next, although it’s not important to divide topics into subjects, I have some ideas here to begin teaching your child about the natural world.

Science Lesson Ideas For Preschool

And some of these are unit studies but a lot of our science is hands-on as it should be at every age.

How to Teach History and Geography to Preschoolers

Additionally, it’s important to preschoolers about geography, but it has to be their level.

First, they need to learn the concept of place and home.

This is best done through personal connections like their home, an animal’s home, or through games.

How to Homeschool Preschool

School Year 2024-2025 Homeschool Planning Schedule Seafoam Color Beautiful Form

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today I have the second color choice for the 2024 to 2025 homeschool planning schedule for your homeschool planner ready.

Besides, my homeschool planning schedule allows you to plan your year whether you homeschool year-round or not.

As you can see the planning schedule begins July 2024 and ends June 2025.

School Year 2024-2025 Homeschool Planning Schedule Seafoam Color Beautiful Form

In addition, even if you started in August or September, you can use the schedule because it is twelve months.

Remember, I create both academic and physical year calendars.

Although the homeschool planning schedule calendars may seem similar to plain calendars, let me assure you they are not.

Three Different Homeschool Calendars

And I create three different types of calendars each year.

The three different types of calendars I prepare each year are.

  1. Regular calendar for reference. I normally put two or three in my planner.
  2. A planning schedule like I have today which I create both an academic and physical year.
  3. Then the two page per month calendar for tracking appointments.

Also, you need at least one of each type of calendar in your homeschool planner.

School Year 2024-2025 Homeschool Planning Schedule Seafoam Color Beautiful Form

However, you want to know best how to use it.

Homeschool Planning Schedule

Here are some features and sections it has.

  • First, 12 months on one page so if you school year round, you can still track;
  • is a calendar where highlight weeks you plan to homeschool and mark out weeks you take off;
  • is used to track each day and total weeks by writing down; and

Next, it has a comprehensive key box at the bottom of the form for you to note things like first day of school, holidays, quarters, and goals for days and weeks to homeschool.

Look at my samples below in how to use the planning calendar.

School Year 2024-2025 Homeschool Planning Schedule Seafoam Color Beautiful Form

Look at these other homeschool planner products that I know you’ll love!

More Homeschool Planning Resources

Look at the free forms for each STEP. Be sure to go to each link to get the free printables offered at each step.

School Year 2024-2025 Homeschool Planning Schedule Seafoam Color Beautiful Form

How to Get the Free 2024 to 2025 Homeschool Planning Schedule in Seafoam Color

Now, how to grab the free printable. It’s a subscriber freebie.

When you sign up to follow me, you get access to this freebie.

► 1) Sign up on my email list to follow me and get this freebie and many others.
► 2) Grab the printable.
►3) Last, look for my emails in your inbox as a follower. Glad to have you.

2024 New Year Homeschool Goals FREE Printable (Get it Together Girl)

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The 2024 new year homeschool goals printable is ready. You’ll love the other forms I have for my free Homeschool Planner.

This new year goal printable is one I love especially because it reminds me to keep goal setting simple.

And to not fill in so many goals that I can’t reach them.

One of the best parts I like about the form is to remind myself to have Less of This.

2024 New Year Homeschool Goals FREE Printable (Get it Together Girl)

It’s important to remind myself that some things I need to let go.

I don’t want to have pie in the sky goals, but to be reminded to homeschool and live simply.

Besides, the new physical year is a half-way point if you’re following an academic year.

And a half-way point is a good reminder.

Homeschool Goals

A, goal setting means doing LESS OF THIS.

I’ve learned doing more means that I have to let go of something.

Different things can weigh me down. I mentioned being too critical of myself is one thing that holds me back.

Letting go each year or at least reminding myself to let go each year, I can start with a fresh slate.

Maybe this next year you need to do more of something which is productive.

Just remember that being productive means doing less of something. It means making room for it.

What are you going to be doing LESS OF this next year?

Grab the form below. It’s easy to fill out because it requires few words! Keep goal setting simple.

Look at these other homeschool planner products that I know you’ll love!

2024 New Year Homeschool Goals FREE Printable (Get it Together Girl)

However, I’ve rounded up some fun planner supplies which I love and use.

15 Gorgeous Homeschool Planner Supplies

Whether you add a bit of eye candy or consider it essential supplies, you'll love some of these ideas.

More Homeschool Goal Printables

Additionally, look at these other homeschool planner resources.

How to Get the Free Printable

Now, how to grab the free printable. It’s a subscriber freebie.

When you sign up to follow me, you get access to this freebie.

► 1) Sign up on my list.
► 2) Grab the printable.
►3) Last, look for my emails in your inbox as a follower. Glad to have you.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There are so many fun handwriting activities for preschoolers before they ever need to pick up a pencil. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

These activities will build not only their letter recognition but also fine motor, gross motor, coordination, posture, and letter formation.

I think it is important for kids to get a good mix of writing with different materials, crayons, markers, and even their fingers.

They can also practice letter formation with sticks, playdough, paint and so much more.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Mix it up to keep it interesting for them and they will not even realize how much they are learning and developing as it will seem like play.

I have found 11 fantastic ideas for writing in all the stages for preschoolers to get you started. Including some resources that would be a great addition to your preschool.

Too, I also have an easy cranberry sauce writing tray tutorial for you that is completely taste-safe and is a fun new texture for kids to try that sensory seekers will love.

Resources for Teaching Pre-Writing to Preschoolers

9 Preschool Writing Resources for Pre-Writers for Readiness to Write

Preschool means pre or before writing. That means they are not ready to write. You are teaching them prewriting activities to strengthen their fine motor skills.

Also, look at more how to homeschool preschool activities.

How to Homeschool Preschool Activities

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Then look at these fun handwriting activities.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities for Preschoolers

  1. Before writing you can use playdough to learn about forming letters like with the Playdough Mat Name Forming activity here.
  2. This Rainbow Rice Sensory Writing Tray is tons of fun and most of us have plenty of rice in the pantry so give it a try.
  3. There will be lots of ooey-gooey writing practice with this Slime Writing Tray where they can use their fingers or something else to write with.
  4. If you want to avoid the mess or your child just doesn’t like messy hands try this idea for Shaving Cream Writing in a bag.
  5. A different take on the shaving cream but keeping the mess contained is to learn How to Make Sensory Bags PLUS a Letter and Number Card FREEBIE
  6. Who needs a pencil when you have a pile of fun play dough and a skewer? Check out this Play-Dough Writing Tray.
  7. I really love this idea for Q-Tip letter tracing, who knew such a simple household item could be so useful?
  8. How creative is this idea for Icy Letter Writing? A fun activity for winter or a great way to cool down and practice in the summer.
  9. Break out the watercolor paints for this Simple Watercolor Activity for name and handwriting practice.
  10. Prewriting activities like these DIY Alphabet Lacing Cards help a child learn letter recognition and formation while building the muscles and coordination they will need for actual writing.
  11. Pushpin Letters are good for coordination, and fine motor skills, and will help your child learn the grasp they will need for writing with a pencil correctly
11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Finally, look at how to make this easy cranberry sauce writing tray.

Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

You will need:

  • Shallow tray or dish
  • Canned cranberry sauce, pureed
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Fresh cranberries
  • Cardstock
  • Marker

First, open cranberry sauce and stir to break it up and make it as smooth as you can.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Pour into the tray and smooth it out with the bottom of the can.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Draw shapes, letters, and numbers on cardstock with a marker.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Cut them out, if you would like them to be able to be used often you may want to laminate them so they can easily be wiped off after messy play like this one.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

You can also add a handful of fresh cranberries to explore a different texture but also they can be used to count when a child writes numbers with their fingers.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Look at that fine motor work!

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Encourage letter and number writing but also free play in the sensory bin to make it a well-rounded experience.

I highly recommend taking this one outside or at least placing a plastic shower curtain liner under the area as it can be pretty sticky.

11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

Free Editable Field Trip Tracking Guide for Homeschool Field Trips

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have a field trip tracking guide for homeschool field trips. Also, look at my Homeschool Planner page for more forms.

Homeschool field trips are an important piece of the educational puzzle.

We homeschool so that we can experience learning while living. 

I never imagined when I had my then 4 year old and 1 year old in tote as we went to the zoo that I already started homeschooling with field trips.

Field trips just felt like a natural part of learning, and it is one important reason I have held on to the homeschooling lifestyle.

Free Editable Field Trip Tracking Guide for Homeschool Field Trips

Without going all sappy on you as I look back to some of our fondest homeschool memories, I also can tell you that some of the most significant educational milestones were met while we were out on carefree adventures.

No, lightning bolts of information didn’t infuse my sons, at least not then anyway. 

But our learning adventures nurtured the thirst for a wide range of topics.

Little did I know that all the hard work of planning field trips paid off.

6 Advantages of Exploring Field Trips

Look at some of these ways that field trips inspire a love of learning.

1. They are a breeding ground of learning for hands-on learners.

When a child can touch and interact at places like a museum or zoo, your teaching can’t compare.  It instills learning moments for life not found in the confines of 4 walls.

Homeschool Field Trips | Learning About Birds | Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

{Our field trip at the park where we had a bird presentation.}

2. Professionals, whether they are members of an Audubon society or are geologist come alive and speak about their profession or hobby in their own natural surroundings

Their passion for their hobby or profession leaves an impression on your child that they won’t easily forget. Instead of competing with natural born teachers of their craft, utilize them to teach your children.

3. Sometimes homeschooled kids choose their profession later in life because of what they were exposed to while on field trips.

Homeschool Field Trips | Learning About Birds | Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

{Tiny as he feels one of the birds.}

4. Children can appreciate art and culture while experiencing it.

It is sad that some public schools have had to almost leave field trips out of the school year because field trips are an excellent way to build respect for the arts.

5. Field trips build higher critical thinking skills.

When writing numerous topics and essays throughout the years, the boys have been able to tap into their memory as they recalled what they have learned

6. The needs for socialization by both mom and child are met.

Though you and I both know that unless we crawl under a rock someplace, that homeschoolers are pretty savvy and socialized folks. 

But as homeschoolers we love to meet up with our friends and savor the time we are together.

Because field trips are enjoyed best with a well-behaved group, you may want to form a group.  A field trip can build quickly if you know where to look.

More Homeschool Field Trips Resources

Free Editable Field Trip Tracking Guide for Homeschool Field Trips

Homeschoolers Hangouts

One of the best ways to connect with other homeschoolers is through friends. 

You know that Kelley and I are life-long friends and she had a friend who homeschooled and I had my sister, and we built our group from there.

If you live in a place where you think you are the only homeschooler, a good place to start is your library and go during the day. 

Look for places that homeschoolers frequent like local book stores and places that teach music or dance lessons and for goodness sake, the park. 

I met another homeschool mom because our sons were taking Kindermusik.

Though I would recommend connecting online it can be tough.

Be friendly, but be cautious about giving out personal information until you know somebody a bit better.

Homeschool Field Trip Planning Tips

After you form a small group, some places give a small discount for a group if you will pay at one time.  Be sure you call ahead and ask.

Formulate a few rules for field trips. 

We always make sure everybody knew that though we were having fun, when we had a guide on our field trip or somebody was talking that the kids (and moms) were to be quiet and listen and learn.

We keep a database for our member’s phone numbers so that if anybody had problems on the road, we would have each other’s cell numbers. 

The field trip leaders knew everybody that was coming and would mark off the list as they arrived.

We take seriously if somebody votes and then doesn’t come or communicate with us for good reasons.  Why? Because we may have told another family that we were full or our price discount may depend on having enough people show up at the event.

Members constantly not communicating, showing up late or voting and not coming, would be reason for dismissing them from my group.

It may sound cruel and we didn’t do it a lot, but when you have volunteer field trip leaders, then all members should make their job easy and keep in mind their actions may affect the rest of the group.

I am looking forward to taking more field trips as we prepare for our move to South America.  Who knows? Maybe we won’t just do a lapbook about the Amazon rain forest, but may actually get to visit it now for a field trip.

Look at my form I use to track our field trips.

Free Editable Field Trip Tracking Guide for Homeschool Field Trips. I have a field trip tracking guide for homeschool field trips. Also, look at my Homeschool Planner page for more forms. Homeschool field trips are an important piece of the educational puzzle. We homeschool so that we can experience learning while living. I never imagined when I had my then 4 year old and 1 year old in tote as we went to the zoo that I already started homeschooling with field trips.

Do you cherish your time away from home while learning? You should because the time will pass quickly.

Look at these other homeschool planner products

Free Editable Field Trip Tracking Guide

This is a subscriber freebie. That means you get this freebie if you’re following me or if you sign up right now.

 1) Sign up on my list.
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