Preschool?

[Destinye]

DD is 4.5 and really wants to learn, she is reading and writing and knows most of the States (from collecting State Quarters) and we are planning to do a homeschool program called Pi which is through a local school system, she can't start until next September though. Are there any fun and easy on-line curriculum we could do in the meantime? I am not sure I can homeschool either and want to get into some kind of routine sooner rather than later. Thanks!

[heket]

Have you looked at www.letteroftheweek.com or www.starfall.com? Those would address language arts and I'm sure you could branch into nature studies or math quite easily with them.

[lovinlife1219]

Originally Posted by heket

Have you looked at www.letteroftheweek.com or www.starfall.com? Those would address language arts and I'm sure you could branch into nature studies or math quite easily with them.

I would suggest starfall and letteroftheweek also. You can't beat free either!!

[Destinye]

We do starfall a lot, but I really want something for more general things, she does like starfall and I am sure its helped her to learn to read but am thinking more science and geography )for her age) not really sure what preschoolers are supposed to learn!

[jplain]

Exploring the natural world (bugs, plants, rocks, dirt, seasons, weather) provides plenty of "science" for young children. Go on nature walks, hang a bird feeder, plant bulbs and watch them come up in Spring!

But I also know of a couple books which contain fun science experiment ideas for preschoolers:

ABC Science Experiments by Harry Milgrom and Donald Crews
this is out of print, so check your library and interlibrary loan programs, or Google for a used copy.

Apples, Bubbles, and Crystals
again, check your library and interlibrary loan, but this book is inexpensive

As for geography, I'd suggest having wall maps and a globe around. You'll find plenty of opportunities to talk about geography as it comes up in everyday life. You can talk about where polar bears live, where elephants live, where Grandma lives, etc.

[milehighmonkeys]

We just did a trial of Brainpop. DD really enjoyed the videos and taking the quizzes (I let her take the ungraded versions). We've also checked out videos from the library like Bill Nye the Science Guy and Magic School Bus. We don't use a formal curriculum at this point. Occasionally, DD will like to do a workbook as well. You can get them at Costco, Sam's, Dollar Tree, or the bookstore.

It sounds like you've been homeschooling all along. You just didn't call it that. Homeschooling does not need to be rigid or follow a set curriculum. It seems like whatever you've been doing to this point is working. Maybe you could use this year as a trial to homeschooling without the pressure of having to report to anyone.

[Destinye]

Thanks! She does like the Magic School Bus series and we do a lot of Nature things (we live in the country) and going to the zoo, plus I am a vet so she knows useful things (not so much!) like dog and cat breeds! I guess I am worried there are gaps (like err crafts and art! But she does do a Montessori preschool once or twice a week when I see clients so gets that there too). I guess since she likes geography and science she has been learning all along though, math I have not done too much with tho.

[Destinye]

I have a couple of workbooks for her and I think I need to be more consistent with doing them! Its hard to juggle everything and need to be a little more organized I think!