If you were sending a homeschool "care package" with curricula for a pre-k'r...

[AimeeM]

My sister and mother have decided to pull my nephew from public pre-k after a disastrous first month. They want to homeschool for pre-k, and while I know many advocate no formal academics at this age, they are concerned because the public pre-k in their state/area was doing very formal, indicating that he would be behind for kindergarten if he doesn't, by the time he enters know how to read, write, and do basic math - the pre k, even in the first month, was already starting to teach these skills. Since they do plan to put him in school for kindergarten, I understand their desire to do formal pre-k at home (besides, we do formal pre-k here, so I'm cool with it on that level too, lol).

 

She would, however, like to keep it fun and enjoyable; one of the final straws for them was hearing the teacher tell a little girl that she would have to sit out of breakfast the next morning and do double handwriting sheets, because she drew a picture on the sheet she was working on :p

 

I'm sending them curriculum, as my mother is currently not working/disabled. So far, I have in the box:

 

Singapore Math Essentials

Bob Books pre-reading books

 

I plan to buy Phonics Pathways as well.

 

What else should I send? I believe they would prefer secular, as my sister's fiance is muslim and she is considering converting (currently she is protestant). My shelves hold largely Catholic curriculum, so I'm willing to buy what is necessary.

 

Oh, and beyond curriculum - what supplies, etc do you recommend? I know we use the heck out of c-rods lately with my 4 year old, and his teddy bear counters, finger paints, etc. I'm not sure how necessary the c-rods are for my mother, though, as becoming used to them may prove confusing if he's entering a kindergarten that doesn't use them (I don't believe my niece used them last year in her public kindergarten?).

[almondbutterandjelly]

Where is Thumbkin? book by Pam Schiller and the accompanying CD.  Good times.

 

Handwriting without Tears.

 

 

[Soror]

BFIAR or FIAR?

[EKS]

HWT and a library card.

[Mergath]

Maybe some base ten blocks?  They're a handy aid for math, but don't require learning a whole new system like the c-rods.

 

I'd probably throw in copies of "What Your Preschooler/Kindergartner Needs to Know."

 

If they're planning to do science, Elemental Science has two preschool programs (Exploring and Intro) that are lots of fun, and cover a decent amount of material.  You do have to buy one addition book for each program, so you'd probably want to pick that up, too.

 

 

[school17777]

mini luk  You can get books for math, phonics, logic to use with a preschooler.

[carriede]

Do they need supplies like printer paper, ink, crayons, pencils, etc?

[Um_2_4]

Get ready, get set ,go for the code. (books a,b,c) and the flashcards to go with it. 

Magnetic letters (good ones, not the weird looking $1 store ones) or tiles

 

some sort of unit blocks (I like MUS blocks or other unit blocks)

MUS primer

or this book: http://www.amazon.com/Teacher-Created-Resources-Practice-Beginners/dp/B000NNPZ2M/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1379445583&sr=8-7&keywords=mathematics+for+beginners (I LOVE this book, but it does have some cut and paste so you need a copier for those pages)

 

A collection of classic fairytales/books like these:

http://www.amazon.com/The-20th-Century-Childrens-Book-Treasury/dp/0679886478/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379445676&sr=8-1&keywords=children%27s+anthology

http://www.amazon.com/Random-House-Book-Fairy-Tales/dp/0394856937/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379445834&sr=1-7&keywords=children%27s+fairy+tale

 

Do they have a computer/internet for him to use?

If they have both: a subscription to abcmouse or starfall?

Or if computer but no internet: jumpstart preK cd? or reader rabbit getting ready to read.

[Farrar]

I second the base 10 blocks, but C-rods are so good...  If you have an old abacus, that's another idea.

 

I also second HWT.

 

You might also send a list of useful links, like to MEP Reception, Progressive Phonics, 1+1+1=1, etc.

 

Science is Simple and Mudpies to Magnets are two other science resources options.  Or you could put in one or two Let's Read and Find Out books to give her the idea.

[JudoMom]

Leapfrog Letter Factory.

[mathnerd]

Leapfrog Letter Factory, Miquon Orange book and C Rods were essentials at our house when my child was a preKer. I also used SM Early Bird and not the Essentials version because my child begged me to let him have the EarlyBird books because he fell in love with the colorful animal pictures in those books. 

[abba12]

Critical Thinking Company, particularly Building Thinking Skills Beginning, but a number of their other books might be interesting and fun. The thinking skills may be important if she is in a high early academics area, because it helps with tests.

 

Leapfrog Letter Factory

 

I like Miquon but it might be hard for them to pick up and work with.

 

Kumon workbooks - 

http://www.rainbowresource.com/prodlist.php?subject=3&category=562 

and 

http://www.rainbowresource.com/prodlist.php?subject=3&category=563

 

Pattern Blocks and Attribute blocks?

[Kareni]

Jim Trelease's The Read-Aloud Handbook.

 

Regards,

Kareni

[Mandylubug]

scissors and different papers to work on cutting skills. noodles and yarn to make pasta necklaces to help with hand coordination. At that age, even mine enjoyed playing with aquarium rocks. Filling cups, pouring it out in a pan. Writing their letters in it with their fingers, etc. Anything that can be sensory and be used as a manipulative for learning the alphabet and numbers, etc.

 

I also second HWT workbook, Leapfrog Letter Factory is MARVELOUS!

 

eta: IF in the budget, I would include AAR pre level. It has the activities in the workbook, etc. It is open and go with activities. Phonics Pathways is a GREAT program but I personally think it is boring for a wee one. No activities with it.

[Mom-ninja.]

Lauri puzzles

[Ellie]

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons is especially good for young children.

 

ReadyWriter helps develop fine-motor skills in preparation for actual handwriting.

[FO4UR]

Leapfrog Letter Factory

 

Montessori Sandpaper Letters & Moveable Alphabet

[vonfirmath]

Get ready, get set ,go for the code. (books a,b,c) and the flashcards to go with it. 

Magnetic letters (good ones, not the weird looking $1 store ones) or tiles

 

Toys R Us has a set of Magnetic letters that we like for about $5.50.  Its with the Imaginarium stuff.

 

[twoxcell]

C-rods

Leapfrog Letter Factory and Talking Words Factory

Kumon workbooks. I like R&S ABC series also but that isn't secular.

If they don't have access to a library then some quality picture books.

 

[twoxcell]

C-rods

Leapfrog Letter Factory and Talking Words Factory

Kumon workbooks. I like R&S ABC series also but that isn't secular.

If they don't have access to a library then some quality picture books.

 

[AimeeM]

Is there a traditional, secular math text out there? NOT singapore? I'm sending Singapore Essentials, but I'm afraid that might confuse him going from that, this year, to a traditional public school text next year. They do teach basic arithmetic in pre-k (in his state).

[TechWife]

These books are full of activities: 

 

Activities for Fine Motor Skills Development

Activities for Gross Motor Skills Development

 

We loved Sing, Spell, Read & Write - it was a great mix of games, activities & reading practice. We used the first set of Bob Books to supplement. 

 

 

[Kareni]

Peggy Kaye also has some great books to use with young children.  You can see all of the titles here.

 

(If interested, I'm selling a copy of Games for Reading on the Classified Board here.)

 

Regards,

Kareni

 

 

[twoxcell]

 

Is there a traditional, secular math text out there? NOT singapore? I'm sending Singapore Essentials, but I'm afraid that might confuse him going from that, this year, to a traditional public school text next year. They do teach basic arithmetic in pre-k (in his state).

I don't think he would need a K math program for PreK. I think Kumon workbooks or something like that would be fine. You may also send some Bob Books for beginning Reading.

[AimeeM]

I don't think he would need a K math program for PreK. I think Kumon workbooks or something like that would be fine. You may also send some Bob Books for beginning Reading.

My concern is that they did have him doing beginning arithmetic in the pre-k class - so will they assume he knows these things (previously what I would have considered kindergarten math skills) when he enters kindergarten public school next year? I'm not sure what previous exposure they assume, since it's a state that does offer free pre-k across the board.

[twoxcell]

 

My concern is that they did have him doing beginning arithmetic in the pre-k class - so will they assume he knows these things (previously what I would have considered kindergarten math skills) when he enters kindergarten public school next year? I'm not sure what previous exposure they assume, since it's a state that does offer free pre-k across the board.

What do they consider beginning arithmetic? I can't imagine it is that involved. i.e. Numbers, Counting, Shapes, Patterns, Basic add and Subtract. I would assume they will use a K program when he starts K. It seems a lot of time edu talk from PS makes things sound more involved than they are so parents feel like their kids are doing advanced work. ;) I can't imagine he would have a problem transitioning from SM Essentials to any other K math program in fact it will probably be much of the same.

[twoxcell]

If you have a Costco membership they usually have good deals on Bob Books, Leapfrog DVD's, and nice workbooks. 

[AimeeM]

I do have a Costco membership! It's how I purchased the Leap Frog sets for my son - unfortunately they didn't have any last week. I hope they aren't rotating them out :(

[twoxcell]

 

I do have a Costco membership! It's how I purchased the Leap Frog sets for my son - unfortunately they didn't have any last week. I hope they aren't rotating them out :(

Bummer ours had a bunch last time I was there a couple weeks ago. Maybe they just sold out. They may not restock though until next school year.

[Jackie]

If the main goal is to keep up with a standard pre-k program, then I would focus on fundamental math and reading and writing, plus some problem solving skills.

 

Kumon fine motor skills workbooks or HWT

A good recipe for homemade play dough

If they have Internet access, then the website for Progressive Phonics

The Singapore stuff should be fine. Structured pre-k usually tries for a good concept of numbers 1-100, beginning skip counting, and single-digit adding and subtracting both with manipulatives and written equations. Not all kids get all of this down and they aren't expected to.

Set 1 of the Bob Books (have you looked through the pre-reading books? I used them when DD was younger but wasn't so impressed with them. I will, however, forever remember and love the line "A nest of noodles in not natural for a nightingale.")

Leapfrog Letter Factory

Rush Hour Jr

Blokus or Blokus Jr

A marble run

[RootAnn]

If you have a Costco membership they usually have good deals on Bob Books, Leapfrog DVD's, and nice workbooks. 

 

There are almost always some cheap ($5?) math workbooks for X grade there. Pick up a pre-K & a K one to shove in the box with the Singapore book if you want another option. Amazon sells the Leapfrog trilogy for less than $20. 

[Hunter]

WOW! is sounds like they have some pretty high goals to strive for with a very young child. Goals that are developmentally inappropriate for most children. But, okay. They want to try and meet these goals. This is what I would send.

 

I like Simply Charlotte Mason math, because it requires so little writing, but is very basic unlike the more intimidating conceptual programs. No purchased manipulatives are required. 

http://simplycharlottemason.com/store/mathematics-an-instrument-for-living-teaching/

 

Alpha-Phonics has been used successfully with many little ones. It comes with a CD ROM and is really easy for a parent to listen to and then teach.

http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Phonics-Book-Including-ROM-Version/dp/0941995305

 

I'd call the school to find out what handwriting style they are using. I'd start with all caps first. This is a little guy, and that may be all he can do this year. I wouldn't teach lowercase, unless he can handle it, no matter what the school is doing. Find out what paper the school is using.

 

I like Draw Write Now volume 1, for learning to draw very basic things based on typical folk and fairy stories. Start on things in the BACKGROUNDS like trees and grass and hills and water. Leave the animals and characters for later, or next year.

 

I like Papermate's new thick lead mechanical pencils.

http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Mate-Mechanical-Starter-1868817/dp/B00CS0Q0YK/ref=pd_sim_op_2

 

Crayons, good scissors.

 

A field Guide to the Familiar

http://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Familiar-Learning-Observe/dp/0874518652/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379552603&sr=8-1&keywords=a+field+guide+the+familiar

 

15 minutes outside

http://www.amazon.com/Fifteen-Minutes-Outside-House-Connect/dp/1402254369/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379552658&sr=8-1&keywords=15+minutes+outside

 

Jumbo book of music, is very mom friendly

http://www.amazon.com/The-Jumbo-Book-Music-Books/dp/1550747231/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379552694&sr=8-1&keywords=jumbo+book+of+music

 

And maybe something for geography, with pictures of children around the world.

[freeindeed]

Agreeing with a PP about BFIAR or FIAR. Another option is Oak Meadow Preschool.

[AimeeM]

WOW! is sounds like they have some pretty high goals to strive for with a very young child. Goals that are developmentally inappropriate for most children. But, okay. They want to try and meet these goals. This is what I would send.

 

I like Simply Charlotte Mason math, because it requires so little writing, but is very basic unlike the more intimidating conceptual programs. No purchased manipulatives are required. 

http://simplycharlottemason.com/store/mathematics-an-instrument-for-living-teaching/

 

Alpha-Phonics has been used successfully with many little ones. It comes with a CD ROM and is really easy for a parent to listen to and then teach.

http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Phonics-Book-Including-ROM-Version/dp/0941995305

 

I'd call the school to find out what handwriting style they are using. I'd start with all caps first. This is a little guy, and that may be all he can do this year. I wouldn't teach lowercase, unless he can handle it, no matter what the school is doing. Find out what paper the school is using.

 

I like Draw Write Now volume 1, for learning to draw very basic things based on typical folk and fairy stories. Start on things in the BACKGROUNDS like trees and grass and hills and water. Leave the animals and characters for later, or next year.

 

I like Papermate's new thick lead mechanical pencils.

http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Mate-Mechanical-Starter-1868817/dp/B00CS0Q0YK/ref=pd_sim_op_2

 

Crayons, good scissors.

 

A field Guide to the Familiar

http://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Familiar-Learning-Observe/dp/0874518652/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379552603&sr=8-1&keywords=a+field+guide+the+familiar

 

15 minutes outside

http://www.amazon.com/Fifteen-Minutes-Outside-House-Connect/dp/1402254369/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379552658&sr=8-1&keywords=15+minutes+outside

 

Jumbo book of music, is very mom friendly

http://www.amazon.com/The-Jumbo-Book-Music-Books/dp/1550747231/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379552694&sr=8-1&keywords=jumbo+book+of+music

 

And maybe something for geography, with pictures of children around the world.

I agree that it's developmentally inappropriate, unless he's just itching for it, lol - but I also understand my mother and sister wanting him to not be behind in kinder. Frankly, I wish they would decide to just keep him home for at least a couple years. He's also a very YOUNG 4 year old; he didn't turn 4 until AFTER school started this year.

[AimeeM]

Agreeing with a PP about BFIAR or FIAR. Another option is Oak Meadow Preschool.

I didn't think OM pre-k taught phonics and math... I thought it was specifically delayed? I might be wrong. I haven't looked at the early years.

[Arcadia]

My concern is that they did have him doing beginning arithmetic in the pre-k class - so will they assume he knows these things (previously what I would have considered kindergarten math skills) when he enters kindergarten public school next year? I'm not sure what previous exposure they assume, since it's a state that does offer free pre-k across the board.

Does that state has guidelines/standards for pre-K math and language arts. California has a preK standard as the Headstart programs were inconsistent.

 

Saxon K (school version) is commonly used in preK here for math.

 

ETA:

E.g.

California's framework for teachers for preschool. Math is in volume 1

http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/re/psframework.asp#psframevol1

California's foundations for preschool with expectations split into 48 months and 60 months old children.

http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/re/psfoundations.asp