Preschool Curriculum

Amy - posted on 06/16/2009

Jaimie, I just want you to know that your 3 y/o is so normal. Mine is also 3 1/2 very hyper and he actually just started talking not long ago and definaltey doesn't know any letter sounds, though a few letter names. He also cannot count or write his name, though I am so happy he can draw a picture of people.
At three kids have vastly different levels, what one child can do another one can't, but usually they can do something else.
I homeschool my 4 (8,7,5,3) and we love it. Homeschooling should be fun at any time, but especially at this age. Circle time at a preschool only lasts maybe 15-20 minutes b/c that is all a child can sit still for. Play, play and more play is the best way for children to learn.
If you want a structured curriculm I would suggest Sonlight--they map it all out for you. Possibly Abeka would be good as well. I hope this helps some!

Jaime - posted on 06/15/2009

Thank you this is exactly what I was needing!! Cynthia you are a blessing and a Kindred spirit lol!!

Cynthia - posted on 06/14/2009

I have a 5 1/2 year old who will be in first grade next year, I also have two girls - 3 1/2 and 20 months. My son is extremely hyperactive, like yours! I tell everybody that we felt called to homeschool when we were pregnant with him, and now that we've met him I understand WHY. He fits the mold of the typical ADHD impulsive type child. He is also extremely strong willed. Now, since I don't want to label him or medicate him, homeschooling is really the only option. One thing I have noticed about kids like this (which from reading your description of your son, he sounds very much like mine), is that they learn SO MUCH more than you or I could ever know! In my opinion, the best way to teach kids like this is to "play" with them. They tend to do better when they use more of their senses. My son's favorite activity right now is playing with play-doh. They have cookie cutter letters and numbers sets you can get at most craft stores. Line up different molded objects, count them, Then use the cookie cutter to cut out the number you counted. Cut out letters, and as you do it model the name. Kids this age learn by doing, and learn by repetition. If you are willing to get a little messy, finger paint. While he is doing his thing, you spell his name in yours. Erase it and write various letters, letting him know what the letter is that you're writing. Let it seem like play. Don't let him catch on that you are "teaching" him. I had a friend who taught her son math while he was jumping on the trampoline. You just need to figure out what he likes, and you can teach him within that. Count laps he does on his tricycle. Count his fingers, read letter books, write letters and numbers in the driveway with chalk. Involve as much as his body in every experience as you can! Let him see it, touch it, hear it.

Now, I need to confess that my daughter who is 3 1/2, doesn't know her letter sounds yet. She can count to 10 sometimes. She can recognize some letters, and some numbers. By the time my son was her age he knew most of it. Every child is different and learns at their own pace. That is the beauty of homeschooling. We can teach our kids how they learn best, and when they are ready.



Now, having a baby, I found the best thing for my son is to have his "mommy time" when the girls are napping. That way, he gets my undivided attention (usually). Having a 3 month old, if she is on a schedule then you can have the same time every day to focus on him. If the baby isn't, then just have mommy time when she IS sleeping, different times each day. I find that my family does better on more of a "routine," than a schedule... By that I mean that we usually do things in the same order each day, kind of like bedtime routine... bath, vitamins, teeth, book, bed... but not always at the same TIME each day.



I hope this helps. Hang in there... The hyperactivity and strong will doesn't ease up, but as they mature, they are able to make wiser decisions with them.

Susanna - posted on 06/12/2009

I have a 4 yr old girl and she started writing her name about 3 yrs old. I've been reading alphabet books to her since she was a baby. She learned to recognize all the letters first. Then I showed her how to write them and let her try on her own. If he doesn't like books, you can get some foam letters for him to play with during bathtime and tell him what they are and spell little words for him. Also magnetic letters on the fridge are good. Sorry, I haven't had experience with hyper boys, so I don't know exactly what it's like. Hope I've helped.

Susie