I remember being right where you are. It was 2016 and our oldest was 2.5 years old. We knew we couldn't afford any of the local preschoolers and I also wasn't ready for her to be away from me for so many hours a day. I loved playing with her and all of our adventures we'd go on together. I started to dig a little on Instagram and Pinterest and quickly realized it was definitely something we could do together at home; her and I. It became our most precious years together and something I'll never in a million years regret.
I then went on to continue homeschooling her (she is now eleven and still homeschooled) along with our next two children. The preschool years were always something I loved. Before having children, I taught preschool dance and owned a dance studio that was geared mostly to children ages 2-6. That season of their childhood is so incredibly magical to me.
There are a few things that if we were to have another child, I'd make sure to do exactly the same. They're so simple and I know you'll be able to implement these easily into your routine.
Number One: Morning Basket
Each and every morning, all through their early years, our kids would run out of their rooms and head straight to the kitchen table for breakfast and our Morning Basket time. It was like clockwork every morning at 7am. They knew the routine and it was an incredibly comforting way to start our day off together. It was so peaceful. We always had a children's bible, fairytale collection book and children's poetry in our basket. Then I'd add in any fun printables or activities that our children were working on at that specific time. Once we were done reading a bible story, fairy tale and a few fun poems together, I'd spend time with them working on things like learning the alphabet, their numbers, how to tie, working on buttons, sewing, and as they got older - it went into things like learning their math facts, map work, etc. I would theme their Morning Basket to the holidays and it was absolutely magic.
Number Two: Read Alouds
We spent so much time reading together. We easily read 10 books a day together. We'd read everywhere we went and spent so many days at our local library. This seems so incredibly basic and like a no brainer, but picture how much time was spent together between Morning Basket and our read aloud time throughout or day and bedtime together. It was magical. Sometimes I'd read them early chapter books, sometimes it was picture books. We loved that time together, and it's something that is still strong in our homeschool journey. If the kids were fussy, we'd read a book. If someone got hurt, we'd read a book. If it was raining, we'd read a book. If I felt like we were getting a bit bored, we'd read a book. Books filled (and still fill) every inch of our home. I love those memories we have together.
Number Three: Sensory Play
There is something so magical and calming about sensory play, and my number one go-to...easiest thing in the world, is water. I once had a friend ask me what was my number one way to stop tantrums. I said, "throw them into the tub." We still live by this. Anytime someone is cranky, I suggest hopping into the shower or tub for them. There is something so naturally calming about water. Our kids had constant access to sensory play. Did they make messes? Yep. It's just part of having littles. They grow up and you'll miss all the messes. I promise. We loved having a water table out on our patio (we living in apartments for most of their younger years). I'd constantly be filling bins with rice or oats and measuring cups, whisks and spoons. Hand them a bucket of oats, a spoon and a cupcake tin; entertainment for at least 30 minutes.
There is so much more I could tell you, but like the title says, this is Homeschool 101. So much of this still rings true today with an eleven, eight and five-year old! Morning Basket, Read Alouds and Water...that's all you need for an amazing year with your preschooler! Everything else is bonus.
What is your go-to for your preschooler? What kinds of routines and rituals help your day? I'm always here if you need me! You're doing amazing mama, and don't you forget it!
Love, Chelsea
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