delaney Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 what would it be? I am pulling DS from his preschool and need something that it all inclusive. Anyone have experience with any? The 2 girls want to help "teach" him so I am looking for a kit type thing. TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mystika1 Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 Hi, Have you seen www.letteroftheweek.com I tweaked this for my dd. We had some fun times with it. also, I was thinking of getting this for my second dd as it has some nice ideas. http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=32459{1}1&it=1 I also used Before Five in a Row for some nice read aloud time. I never spend alot of money on curriculum for this age group cause it is so easy to just wing it. If your child is ready to for letter writing practice, I printed pages from Jan bretts site. http://janbrett.com/coloring_alphabet/alphabet_coloring_tracers_main.htm Happy Curriculum Hunting,:001_smile: Penny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TheBugsMom Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 I used Abeka K4 and BJU Footsteps for 4s for preschool programs when dd was younger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissKNG Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 Even though we didn't end up using it, I loved Horizons Preschool by Alpha Omega. It was LOADED with stuff to do - very complete! The TM told you everything to do and it seemed really fun. You don't need the whole media package though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanceXToo Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 I wouldn't buy a preschool curriculum. There are so many easy, simple things you can do with a preschooler without having to buy a curriculum. I'd do simple crafts, read books, go on nature walks, provide educational toys, puzzles, shows, board games and so on, work on fine motor skills (cutting, pasting, gluing, tracing), plenty of outdoor play and exercise, plenty of free time for imaginative play, let them help as much as possible with chores, errands etc (a preschooler can help cook, fold laundry and so on), go on field trips and outings, talk about the weather, the seasons, hygiene, the days of the week, rhymes, opposites, make sure they know their birthdays, work on teaching their addresses and so on and so forth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indygirl Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 (edited) Someone on here mentioned mothergoosetime.com. We ordered it and my boys all love the crafts and music. It comes with everything you need and my three yo is learning a lot. I know I don't need a curriculum but I found that I didn't have much time to work with him. His brothers take quite a bit of my time while I am schooling them. It is nice to have something I can do with ds3 in just a few minutes all day long. I guess I just needed something easy. Edited October 13, 2010 by Indygirl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FriedClams Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 a library card Seriously. Don't get yourself stressed out - a library card and the desire to involve your child in your life - cooking, cleaning, field trips, travel, etc. - are all that's needed. Meet up and play with some friends, do art, make messes, count everything, point out colors, go to the zoo. Read, read, read and then, read. Relax and enjoy being with your kid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveBaby Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 How old is the little guy? If you felt like you really needed something then I would suggest the following books/items: Before Five In a Row - as well as the *booklists* from the other FIAR volumes. Excellent picture books, fingerplays, suggestions for activites etc. "Learning at Home: Preschool and Kindergarten" by Ann Ward - includes daily lessons plans for bible, science, reading, math, p.e., character building, manners, health and lots more. It is out of print, but you can find it on the for sale boards and homeschoolclassifieds for a reasonable price. My Father's World Preschool set - love, love, love these toys and activities! My 3yo daughter loves them! I wouldn't do workbooks at this age, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tabrett Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 We really need to know how old your preschool is and what you want him to learn. It really depends.:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dinsfamily Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 I use Sonlight's P3/4 for my preschoolers. It's mostly a collection of great books to read aloud which is what we do in preschool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truebluexf Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 I wouldn't. I'd take the money and go to a spa for the day! :lol Seriously, just play and have fun! I once thought I needed stuff....realized I just don't! Keep crafts and fun around and that's all they need! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 I would not spend the money on a curriculum - I would go out and buy: crayons, paper, notebooks, and sign up at the public library. Honestly, I do not think a formal preschool curriculum is necessary at all. In many countries preschool age kids are not taught formal academics; they work on fine and gross motor skills, language development, vocabulary, imagination, social skills. I have not seen any data that show any measurable advantage of 9 year old US students over 9 year olds from countries where formal academic instruction begins at age 6 or 7. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poke Salad Annie Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 I would not spend the money on a curriculum - I would go out and buy:crayons, paper, notebooks, and sign up at the public library. Honestly, I do not think a formal preschool curriculum is necessary at all. Yep, and I would spend plenty of time reading good books from Ambleside Online's Year 0 list mixed with plenty of creative play and time outdoors. You might want to order a catalog from The Micheal Olaf Company called Child of the World---lots of wonderful ideas to use with a preschooler. Above all, have fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallory Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 I totally agree with preschool NOT being needed, in fact for formal, required academics I fall closer to the "better late" plan than the WTM plan. That said, it looks like the opening poster has several kids, and coming from a similar place where I have highschool, middle school, and elementary kids to teach everyday and still have to keep my 2 and 4yos occupied, the idea of a preschool curriculum takes on a whole different meaning. For me the key is having both something planned so that my littles get quality time with me and there are some activites that my oldest can do with them too. I was finding that I could go to the library and check out 50 books and the only ones my littles would have would be random stuff they picked off the shelves. (... here is my homeschooling mom confession, I hate reading boring picture books). Or I would keep turning on the t.v. or having the kids go outside, which is fine in Sept. and Oct. but won't be all winter. I also didn't want it to become school time, and I was afraid if I spent too much (or even any) money on "preschool" that I would be pushing, instead of enjoying my little ones. So what I have done is make sure I check out some good picture books, by taking lists to the library for the littles just like I do for the bigs. I get books from FIAR, Sonlight, Honey for a Child's Heart, 1000 Good Books List, Ambleside, etc. I don't worry about order or theme, just pick some that look good (and stick with authors we like). Then I have been using letteroftheweek.com for free plans. Again just so we have something to do everyday. They love showing off thier learning poster (and iI almost didn't make one :001_huh:), and I remember to sing and talk about shapes and colors with them as well as some simple crafts. We have also been doing MEP Reception year. I also have a modified workbox system for them. A big three drawer unit that I rotate the things we already have. Right now it has 4 puzzels, C. rods and the Alphabet book, magnet letters, some Kumon workbooks, and a card game (Quick Pix). I do ask the bigs to help them with either the things in the "workbox" or in letteroftheweek when I need help with the littles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrissySC Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 I bought preschool in a box. I will post back when it arrives. I too want a box of everything because I am spoiled with my older children! LOL Link here ... not exactly a preschool curriculum ... lots of supplies for things and basic studies ... here ... http://www.thelearningboxpreschool.com/default.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 I wouldn't buy a preschool curriculum. There are so many easy, simple things you can do with a preschooler without having to buy a curriculum. I'd do simple crafts, read books, go on nature walks, provide educational toys, puzzles, shows, board games and so on, work on fine motor skills (cutting, pasting, gluing, tracing), plenty of outdoor play and exercise, plenty of free time for imaginative play, let them help as much as possible with chores, errands etc (a preschooler can help cook, fold laundry and so on), go on field trips and outings, talk about the weather, the seasons, hygiene, the days of the week, rhymes, opposites, make sure they know their birthdays, work on teaching their addresses and so on and so forth. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delaney Posted October 13, 2010 Author Share Posted October 13, 2010 Seeing that the girls want to help and I REALLY hate gathering art supplies and stuff I found this and ordered the month of October to try on him http://www.ailcurriculum.com/home yes it is expensive per month but after all I am saving $360 per month now so I think I will treat myself and spring for this and supplement with Ambleside suggested readings! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkermamaof4 Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 "Learning at Home: Preschool and Kindergarten" by Ann Ward - includes daily lessons plans for bible, science, reading, math, p.e., character building, manners, health and lots more. It is out of print, but you can find it on the for sale boards and homeschoolclassifieds for a reasonable price. Just fwiw - I bought this and while it is a wonderful curriculum, it required library, much prep, and never got accomplished in my life. It was one of the many things I felt guilty about NOT getting to. I totally believe in knowing your limits. For me, this means not planning on needing the library. That is just how my life is right now. If you are the same, this isn't the one for you. Neither was BFIAR, although I did put a book a week in our file folders this year for my 5 y.o. and have faithfully read that book every day of the week I assigned it for. This has been wonderful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ereks mom Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 I wouldn't buy a preschool curriculum. There are so many easy, simple things you can do with a preschooler without having to buy a curriculum. I'd do simple crafts, read books, go on nature walks, provide educational toys, puzzles, shows, board games and so on, work on fine motor skills (cutting, pasting, gluing, tracing), plenty of outdoor play and exercise, plenty of free time for imaginative play, let them help as much as possible with chores, errands etc (a preschooler can help cook, fold laundry and so on), go on field trips and outings, talk about the weather, the seasons, hygiene, the days of the week, rhymes, opposites, make sure they know their birthdays, work on teaching their addresses and so on and so forth. You can get some really good teacher resource books from Scholastic, Evan-Moor, Teacher Created Materials, Carson-Dellosa, etc. You can even find some good stuff at the Dollar Store or Walmart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
engu Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 Hi,Have you seen www.letteroftheweek.com I tweaked this for my dd. We had some fun times with it. also, I was thinking of getting this for my second dd as it has some nice ideas. http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=32459{1}1&it=1 I also used Before Five in a Row for some nice read aloud time. I never spend alot of money on curriculum for this age group cause it is so easy to just wing it. If your child is ready to for letter writing practice, I printed pages from Jan bretts site. http://janbrett.com/coloring_alphabet/alphabet_coloring_tracers_main.htm Happy Curriculum Hunting,:001_smile: Penny Thanks Penny for the Jan Brett link :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamela H in Texas Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 It really depends on what you want it for. No curriculum can do what a couple hours with mom can. However, if you need him busy when the other kids are or feel that something systematic would be helpful for a short time each day, there are plenty of options. Depending on what you're looking for: 1) FIAR - http://www.fiveinarow.com 2) Rod and Staff's Preschool 3) put together certain subjects you think are necessary such as OPGTR for reading, MUS Primer for math, HWoT for handwriting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy Posted October 14, 2010 Share Posted October 14, 2010 I wouldn't buy a preschool curriculum. :iagree: Except that I love the FIAR curricula. It is just so cozy, fun and easy for me. Depending on the child, I would choose between B4FIAR and FIAR and just do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidbits of Learning Posted October 14, 2010 Share Posted October 14, 2010 If it is something you are wanting your girls to do with him, then I would suggest getting a big jumbo pre-k book and letting them help him when he wants to do it. That way they all feel like they are learning and helping. I have several children and tried to have my dd's help my ds3 and it didn't work out very well. I had a scripted preschool. He would color pages and worksheets all day long with minimal guidance from them, but add in a scripted lesson and well it just wasn't happening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delaney Posted October 14, 2010 Author Share Posted October 14, 2010 If it is something you are wanting your girls to do with him, then I would suggest getting a big jumbo pre-k book and letting them help him when he wants to do it. That way they all feel like they are learning and helping.I have several children and tried to have my dd's help my ds3 and it didn't work out very well. I had a scripted preschool. He would color pages and worksheets all day long with minimal guidance from them, but add in a scripted lesson and well it just wasn't happening. That could be the case too so I only bought one month to try. It may flop but he really wants to do something in the classroom and the crafts looked good and he loves for them to read to him. Crossing fingers.......;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest momk2000 Posted October 14, 2010 Share Posted October 14, 2010 I don't think a formal curriculum is really necessary for preschool. I did purchase the Big Preschool Workbook from Walgreens when dd started asking for worksheets so she could do homework like her big sister. She loved doing dot to dot pages and mazes. It kept her busy while I worked with her sister. I also purchased a few of the Rod and Staff Pre - K workbooks. They have some nice activities and are pretty cheap. We would go to the library and check out a bunch of books to fill the book basket. I wouldn't spend a ton of $$ on Pre-K. You can do a lot with them for very little. She is now doing K and doing really well. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara in WA Posted October 14, 2010 Share Posted October 14, 2010 Ditto the many others who say - no curriculum for preschool. Reading, playing games, having fun together. That's it. Simple. Fun. Meaningful. Free! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rootsnwings Posted October 14, 2010 Share Posted October 14, 2010 We're part of a local preK homeschoolers. We're using the Harvest Time Curriculum from http://www.weefolkart.com and are really LOVING the books, activities & field trips! I love having *something* to point me in the right direction & this was perfect! Oh, and it's FREE! :) can't beat that! We also do a letter of the week page & my 3yo LOVES Starfall.com Baby (17mo) loves kneebouncers.com :) Check out Target's dollar aisle for fun educational type workbooks--I've found crayola's what color? Dot to dots, mazes, phonics flashcards, counting cubes & cylinders...add in some pom-poms, sorting trays from the $ store, some kid size tongs, etc--my kids will play with that stuff all day long!!! Something I didn't realize my 3yo would enjoy so much--memory work! He LOVES learning new poems, nursery rhymes, etc. He just picks up on stuff so fast! It's amazing! Just saying, don't be afraid to try some things with him that you're not sure he's capable of. He'll let you know when it's getting to be too much and just let him play until his interest is piqued again! Most of all, read read read with him!!! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paisley Hedgehog Posted October 14, 2010 Share Posted October 14, 2010 .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty in Pink Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 I think you need a library card. Some art supplies. Writing paper. Fat pencils. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehogs4 Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 crayons, books to read aloud, flour, sugar, salt and water for baking cookies, some letters to trace if he feels like it, baggies for collecting leaves and bugs...seriously...i don't think you need a curriculum for preschool...jmo. life is plenty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robsiew Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 Hi,Have you seen www.letteroftheweek.com I used some of this. I didn't buy anything for preschool curriculum wise. In fact, I really didn't do much preschool with them... I would advise to save your money, check out lots of library books and maybe follow something like the above link. You also might check out Enchanted Learning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delaney Posted October 15, 2010 Author Share Posted October 15, 2010 I used some of this. I didn't buy anything for preschool curriculum wise. In fact, I really didn't do much preschool with them... I would advise to save your money, check out lots of library books and maybe follow something like the above link. You also might check out Enchanted Learning. Yes I did get a sub to enchanted learning. I think he will like lapbooks too! I am going to buy BFIAR as well since he loves stories and those his sisters would love to read to him! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom24boys Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 I have been following this thread closely as I want to do something with my almost 3 year old. Just fun stuff. He loves being read to and he knows almost all his letter sounds (due to LeapFrog Letter Factory). He just needs some dedicated mommy time like his brother's are getting. :grouphug: I am very interested in BFIAR, but I heard that many of the books are out of print. Is this true? :confused: Is it hard to get the books that go with it? I figured I would be able to just check something out of the library? Hope the answer helps the op as well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 I am very interested in BFIAR, but I heard that many of the books are out of print. Is this true? :confused: Is it hard to get the books that go with it? I figured I would be able to just check something out of the library? I did not do B4FIAR, but we did almost every book in the first three volumes of FIAR by getting the books at the library through inter-library loan. There was not a single book that I could not get. I ordered two at a time in case one of them was delayed. Of course, whether or not this will work for you will depend on your library system. Before I bought FIAR, I did a test run and ordered a few of the books just to see if I could get them and how long it would take for them to arrive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 Before Five in a Row and Five in a Row. Outstanding. Add in Activities for Fine Motor Skills Development and Activities for Gross Motor Skills Development and you will have provided an extraordinarily good preschool education for your son. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
threeturn Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 In fact I blogged about that just recently here. Just play and have fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaffodilDreams Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 I would go to the library and the park a lot. I'd take frequent walks and talk about what we see. I'd cook with my child. I'd encourage her to get messy and make a lot of art. I'd go to the zoo, the museums, the gardens, etc. I'd give her bins of beans, pasta, or rice and measuring cups and containers. I'd read to my child a LOT! I'd make a big deal out of holidays. I'd answer all of the why, what, where questions that come up no matter how tiring they became. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irishmommy Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 If you like the "themed" type things planned for you, you could just get a subscription to The Mailbox Magazine. You might have to buy the art supplies, but all the ideas are right there for you. They even have an online part in which you can just print out things such as activity cards in color on cardstock. My kids have loved some of the ideas from these magazines. I also LOVE B4FIAR and FIAR. Some of the FIAR titles in vol. one are suitable for pre-school too. My son was very disappointed that we weren't doing FIAR this year. It was the highlight of our day for many school years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mystika1 Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 we did almost every book in the first three volumes of FIAR by getting the books at the library through inter-library loan. There was not a single book that I could not get. I ordered two at a time in case one of them was delayed. Of course, whether or not this will work for you will depend on your library system. . :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadsandLilysMom Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 I have been following this thread closely as I want to do something with my almost 3 year old. Just fun stuff. He loves being read to and he knows almost all his letter sounds (due to LeapFrog Letter Factory). He just needs some dedicated mommy time like his brother's are getting. :grouphug: I am very interested in BFIAR, but I heard that many of the books are out of print. Is this true? :confused: Is it hard to get the books that go with it? I figured I would be able to just check something out of the library? Hope the answer helps the op as well! I have been collecting the BFIR and FIAR Vol 1 titles from Amazon as I have rewards. Only 5 of the titles are out of print for BFIAR. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissKNG Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 Carol's Affordable Curriculum is also cute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen M Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 Depending on your child's age and ability-the MFW (My Father's Word) K is a great curriculum, they have a forum. It focuses on a letter a week with a bible truth associated with it. The writing is minimal. You can find it at MFWbooks.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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