At home pre-school curricilum?

Question

My daughter is 3 and 1/2. I'd like to start working on some things now, like basics of reading and writing. Does anyone know of a good staring point for me? She already knows her alphabet and phonics, rhyming, etc.

Answer 1

My daughter is using activity books through Christian Light Publications. She also knows her phonics and numbers, money and learning time, but she needed help with her fine motor skills in order to start to form letters. These books are great for that, starting out very basic with drawing a straight line and progress to circles and using an x to cross things out. We are using a set of four books(ABOUT THREE, BIGGER STEPS, COLOR,COUNT AND CUT, AND DOING MY BEST) After we finish with these books we might start with Lifepacs through AlphaOmega.

Answer 2

I plan to use the Calvert program with my son next year. He's almost 31/2 and knows many of the things your daughter knows. Some of Calvert pre-K will probably be a review for her, but they do introduce some basics of writing (I think they learn to count and write the numbers from 1-10). They have some "extras" you can buy too, like a music program called Melody Lane. I've heard nothing but good things about the music supplement.

Visit Calvert online. They have sample lessons, and they offer a breakdown of everything their program covers. They also have a wonderful message board where you can ask questions about the pre-K program.

Answer 3

My daughter is also three years old and she loves to do 'school'. One of my girlfriends has been homeschooling all her kids for many years and she strongly suggests the following link I'll post below for kids to start off with. This is a Christian cirriculum, which I don't know if that's what you were looking for, but I thought I'd suggest it if you were. :) I think the reviewers notes on the webpage says it all, as my girlfriend agrees with everything she said about the cirriculum. I have not purchased this yet, as we are preparing for another little one, but you have reminded me that I need to get this. So I'll be ordering this today, actually. ;)

Someone also mentioned the Letter of the Week website, which I also recommend! I use this with my daughter now and she loves it! I know several other moms who use it, too, and have always spoken highly of it. With this cirriculum, I purchased a bulletin board (like the ones you see in the school classroom) and my daughter and I decorate it with different themes that we often times get from this webpage. We also have a section that is 'Letter of the Week' and we change it each week, while focusing that week on different things that begin with that specific letter. We also do this with numbers and shapes. My daughter LOVES the bulletin board and I love decorating it with her. I do it with simple items or I purchase different bulletin board items from a local store for teachers. We get creative where we've used newspaper for one theme background and recently used fall leaves from in the yard as a background. I know you asked for a cirriculum, but I use this bulletin board with the things I teach her and she just loves it! Just thought I'd suggest it. :)

Good luck finding what works for you and your daughter!!

Answer 4

You have two or three options: Enroll her in public pre-school (not recommended), buy some pre-school books at Wal-Mart, from the internet, or a store that specializes in homeschooling supplies, or you can enroll her in an at-home pre-school course. If you do the latter of the three I would suggest using Calvert. They can be found on the web and are the best correspondence school I have found.

Answer 5

I recommend going on field trips to local community spots such as the library, park, nature preserve, etc. In addition, the public library can be an excellent resource on books and learning material without it costing money because it is borrowed. I have included free curriculum or activity links within the resource list below under sources.

Answer 6

I'd recommend "Montessori Read and Write" by Lynne Lawrence. Totally age-appropriate and fun activities.

Answer 7

K Mart and Wal-Mart have some great little work books, flash cards, games... for little kids! I started my youngest home schooler on those, and he's 7, and is now reading. These products are great, and inexpensive. God speed to you both!

Answer 8

Abeka has some materials for 3 year olds and up. Check out their website.

Answer 9

Check out http://homeschoolingbooks.com They have a good selection for all ages. We used some of their curriculum with our four kids and now our grandson.