Story Time
Set out 3-5 books each week beginning with the Letter of the Week. Use your board books or picture books you already have in your house or plan ahead and utilize the library. Set aside a time during the day, I prefer right before Circle Time, to read one of the themed books. Usually I allow the child to pick out the book they want read to them each day.
Play and Learn
The Play and Learn time should only be an allotted five to ten minute time slot at the end of your preschool day. This is a focused opportunity to apply skills that have been gained. This is the perfect time to get out the puzzles, blocks, Duplo’s, lacing toys, or other educational toys you may have on hand. I keep these toys stored away in a cabinet. These cabinets are generally filled with educational toys received as gifts or picked up at yard sales. These toys, games and puzzles only come out during our specific “learning time.” Each day I pick a new toy and new skill to review. This is basically structured play. You, the parent, play with your child, rather than sending them off to play on their own. You guide them through a puzzle or ask them to sort blocks, buttons or seashells according to color, size or shape. You can even be creative and use what is already around the house for the Play and Learn time. Engaging with your child, having them count blocks or sort crayons, while you guide them can go a long way!
How long should I set aside preschool? Depending on the age of your child, I suggest anywhere between 45 – 90 minutes, at least three times a week.
My child loves to learn, can I use this method five times a week? Absolutely. The printable chart included provides room to fill in material for all five days using the method in this book.
Why don’t you include Science or History? In our homeschool we do Unit Studies for both Science and History that include all ages. This means I include my preschooler with older siblings. When my eldest was in preschool, I would usually do History during Story Time by reading a book about the most recent holiday. A Pilgrim picture book during November or a Valentine’s reader during February. Science would sometimes tie in with our ABC’s. During “A” week we would go outside and find ant hills or learn about the five senses when learning about the eyes during “E” week.
On the next page is a sample chart for our “b” themed week. I simply fill in the chart, each week making sure I incorporate the 5 Activities. Are you ready to take control of your preschooler’s day? Simply print out the blank chart and allow your creativity to flow! Enjoy this precious season of your child’s life!
