What do I teach my preschooler?

[mom of 2 :-)]

I have a child who just turned 3 and I can't afford preschool. Even the online versions of preschool at home are a little more expensive than I can afford right now. Can someone help me by telling me what your kids learned first in preschool, or what I should teach each month, or any sort of time line of what he should learn and when he should learn it? Thanks in advance.

[krystal]

look into Parents as Teachers. It is a free program where an educator comes to your house once a month and assesses your childs development and gives you ideas of activities to do. The one in our area even does preschool once a week (which is also free). They should know their colors, shapes, recognize the alphabet, be able to peddle a bicycle, use scissors, just to name a few. I highly recommend Parents as Teachers. go to www.parentsasteachers.com

also some good websites for some worksheets/activities
www.preschoollearners.com
www.sesamestreet.com
http://homeschooling.suite101.com/article.cfm/homeschooling_the_preschooler

[bunbuns_mama]

Hi,

Kids don't NEED preschool so don't feel badly for not sending your kid to one.

I only sent my daughter to a preschool at 3 years old because it was a parent co-operative schooI, as I wanted to be fully involved (Parental participation is mandatory - The school was essentially run by parents AND it was low cost. Perhaps you have one of those in your area?).

For now, take frequent trips to the library. I bet there is a special story time for kids 3-5. Also, consider joining a playgroup in your area. Read to your child often. Do lots of arts and craft projects. Here are some cool websites:

http://www.showmomthemoney.com/homeschooling.asp

http://www.fastq.com/~jbpratt/education/links/preactonline.html

[mammaDJ]

Don't teach them too much preschool as this can cause problems if your way of teaching proves to be different from their schools system. This will confuse them and maybe even make them stand out as they struggle to readjust. Simple things like drawing (learning how to use a crayon/pencil), recognising shapes/colours (looking at everyday things around the house), and counting are just as important as writing and learning the alphabet. Have a colour day when your child has to look out for things that are the colour of that day. Ask for them to pick 1,2,3 etc favourite toys and correct them if they get numbers wrong. Education at this age can be free if you look around you and use your imagination. Best thing is your child will not even know they are learning as its fun and it wont seem tedious.

[kimberly r]

You might want to try the website www.naeyc.org which is the organizations that provides accreditation for preschools. They have a lot of resources and I bet you could find guidance there as to appropriate curriculum.

[Gina M]

Try doing a search for preschool education lessons and print out some stuff for the sites that are free. www. kidzone.ws is a good website and the lessons are free to print. If you don't find anything, I would suggest a few basic things like:
Alphabets and Numbers
Name, Age and Date of Birth
Parent's Names
Adress and Telephone Numbers
You can also introduce the child to colors and shapes. It may seem complicated but it is a start.

My kid isn't in preschool yet but I would teach him these things. Good Luck!