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Starting Pre-K for the 3rd & 4th time: My Priorities


Mystie
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My third-born child just turned 5 and my fourth-born will be 3 next week. I am in my second round of pre-k now, and although I have a plan, it doesn't resemble a conventional preschool or kindergarten scope and sequence or curriculum.

 

I believe that the best preschool experience for the 5-and-under crowd is simply living alongside their mothers, who talk and correct and hug and love. Plus, of course, as much time outdoors as can be managed. Many moms (including myself) are going to mix in some phonics and numbers time, but I think that is totally discretionary and non-essential until 6 (or even 7, for the brave mothers and the reluctant children).

 

My priorities as I begin this journey again (and this is what I did with the first two and have no regrets):

 

1. Obedience & Attitude

2. Interest & Familiarity

3. Attention

 

I developed these thoughts more in a blog post I wrote today: Homeschooling Preschool & Kindergarten: Philosophy

 

I know this sounds too loosey-goosey or unschooley for many, and maybe scary. I'd love to talk about it with any who are nervous or anxious about doing preschool or kindergarten. It's not worth stressing over. Your preschoolers will thrive if they have a strong, loving connection with you, their mother. It's the best gift you can give your child.

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Thank you for this!

 

I do think that DS is ready for more specific instruction that just normal conversation, but I've also realized that the values you've outlined are MUCH more important at this stage. Not only are they important for family life and character in general, but emphasizing those values now will only help a long term homeschool succeed.

 

Off to read your post!

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I agree with you, to a point. I believe the play you, as a mom, offer in the environment of the home can greatly enrich the child's experience. I don't at all agree with starting formal curriculum, unless the child is truly ready, and even then...There are so many ways to present concepts, and most if not all those concepts can just be part of life!

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