• Home
  • About
    • DISCLOSURE POLICY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
  • AMAZON STOREFRONT
  • MY LTK SHOP
  • Contact Us

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

MeatballMom

  • FASHION
  • DECOR
  • HEALTHY LIVING
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ETSY SHOP
  • SHOP
    • MY LTK SHOP
    • ETSY SHOP
    • AMAZON STOREFRONT
    • SHOP MY HOME FAVORITES
      • PANTRY
      • ENTRYWAY CLOSET
      • KITCHEN
      • LIVING ROOM
      • LINEN CLOSET
      • PATIO
      • BEDROOMS
      • BATHROOMS
      • HOME OFFICE
      • GUEST BEDROOM
  • Show Search
Hide Search

How to Homeschool Preschool the laid back way

We began homeschool preschool when my son was three years old.  I also had a one-year-old at home at the time.

The thought of carting two toddlers to and from preschool for the older one was tiring.  Not to mention I’d be working around my younger daughter’s nap times. (or lack of!)

Child-or-baby-play-set-with-empty-book-or-notepad,-toy-wooden-blocks-plastic-constructor-colored-pencils-teddy bear-Back-to-school-education-concept-Kindergarten--or-preschool-background.

 

Many kids in the U.S. attend preschool between ages 3-5, often starting kindergarten by 5 years old.  I even have friends who put their children in a daytime program at 2 years old. 

But because of my situation, I didn’t want to spend a large chunk of my day (and my kids’ day) in the car going to and from preschool if it wasn’t necessary.

I knew if we decided to send the kids to school instead of homeschool in the future, then we’d experience the daily grind and hectic morning schedules soon enough.

We belong to a local moms’ group, and the kids also attend Sunday school at our church.  They are friendly and outgoing, so I feel that they are around other kids enough to socialize.

In addition, preschool isn’t cheap at all, with many preschools charging thousands of dollars per year to attend a few days a week. 

Trying to find ways to save money as a stay-at-home-mom, we decided that this wasn’t an expense that was necessary.  

 

[post contains affiliate links; if you click-through and make a purchase, I may be compensated.]

 

Things to consider about doing homeschool preschool:

preschooler-girl-with-books

  • Is your toddler ready for preschool?  Are they shy or outgoing?  

 

  • Are there other siblings at home or in school? Or are they an only child?

 

  • Schedules: do you have the time to do homeschool preschool with your child? Do the schedules of other family members conflict with homeschool preschool or preschool outside of the home?

 

  • Cost of preschool: consider the expense of sending your child to preschool outside of the home.  Homeschool preschool may be a more economic decision.

 

  • Are you willing/wanting to do homeschool preschool?  Do you have an interest or think you’ll enjoy doing homeschool preschool? 

 

  • Do you and your family travel a lot?  You may want to consider homeschool preschool if you want a more flexible schedule, thereby not having to take your child out of school frequently and missing school time that you’ve already paid for.

 

PIN FOR LATER

Your babies are your babies for such a short time.  Everyone that has kids older than mine says how fast these years go by.  And I want to hold onto these days and this time with my kids for as long as I can. That’s a big reason why I was in no rush to send them to preschool and instead opted to do homeschool preschool the laid-back way.  #preschool, #preschoolathome, #homeschooling, #homeschoolpreschool, #homeschoolingideasfortoddlers, #homeschoolpreschoolroom, #toddlers #toddleractivities

 

Why homeschool preschool can be beneficial:

 

Less stressful schedule:

We travel back and forth to see family since we live far from them, and I like the flexibility of not having to take them out of school.

In addition, being a stay-at- home mom, I wanted to delay having to be up and ready to get out the door so early for as long as I can.  After reading the book “The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Pressure,” I realized that we will probably get even busier as our kids get older. 

Therefore, we want to keep as much calm and simplicity to our days as possible.


 

 

Test run: 

Homeschool preschool gives you a preview or glimpse into the world of  homeschooling. It will allow you to see how your child responds to homeschooling. You may discover your child seems to thrive in a homeschool environment. 

You may also realize how much you enjoy teaching, being creative, and the flexibility of your schedule.

Or you may find that it’s too much for you or your child, or that you just don’t enjoy it.    

 

Saves money: 

Doing preschool at home allows you to save on school tuition, supply fees, application fees, and clothing.  

 

Related Post:  6 Simple Tips to a Cleaner Home while raising Toddlers

 

What you’ll need to homeschool preschool (the laid back way):

If you’re doing homeschool preschool the laid back way, you can pretty much do as much or as little as you want.  

I wanted to make it fun so we talked about “school” ahead of time and got the kids involved and excited by helping to pick out supplies. 

We did our ‘back to school shopping’ when everyone else did. And we  also started ‘our school’ the same as the rest of the kids in our area.  

We spend about 30-40 minutes doing homeschool preschool–enough time to go through our routine but not so long that it feels like a chore.

If my son was enjoying a particular activity, we spent more time on it that day.

 

how-to-homeschool-preschool-the-laid-back-way-concept-2 kids-in-chairs-sitting-at-a-table-working-on-puzzles

 

SUPPLIES WE BOUGHT:  

  • Pencil box 
  • Notepad
  • Pencils
  • Ruler
  • Playdough
  • Scissors Skills Workbook
  • Activity Workbook
  • Calendar
  • Flag
  • Pack of Crayons
  • Toddler Chairs

 


 


 

OUR ROUTINE:

  • Said the pledge of allegiance
  • Updated  our wall calendar
  • Did few pages in workbook
  • Did activity/craft like cutting with scissors
  • Read a book
  • Had a snack


 

This was a ‘loose’ routine.  I set this schedule up to have some structure to our school time, but I was flexible with it.  My goal was to introduce the idea of school and to just have fun.  

We tried to stick to this schedule at least a few days a week while my younger child was taking her first nap.  Sometimes this didn’t work out, so we’d fit some time in during the morning or afternoon. 

And on days where he was tired or cranky, or if I had too many other things needing attention on a particular day, we didn’t push it.  

 


 

Helpful Tips for doing Homeschool Preschool the laid-back way: 

 

Have fun:

Homeschool preschool is a fun way to get kids used to school.  Kids are still so young at this age, and there’s no need to force them or push them.

Introducing them to the idea of school while having fun is a non-intimidating approach.  Use your imagination and play with your child while teaching them new things. The more fun you have, the more fun they’ll have.

When we talk about topics, or my son asks a question, we often pull up fun Youtube videos on my phone to explain things further. 

Recently he got a rocket ship tent for his birthday, so I showed him videos of rocket launches and spaceships on my phone while we sat inside his pretend one. 

When he got a seaplane bath toy for Christmas,  we watched a video of a real seaplane taking off and landing on the water.  He finds these learning videos fascinating.   

 

 

Be Creative: 

I wanted it to feel like a real classroom even though “school”  was just one section or area of his bedroom.  Getting an inexpensive flag and making a “school routine” where we stood and said the ‘pledge of allegiance’ before we started each day, was a small touch that helped transform our space.

We did “show and tell” with all family members; just try and think of what kids may actually do in school and mimic this routine at home; take turns being leader while singing a “following the leader song.”

 

Explore your child’s likes & interests:

By doing a variety of activities, you’ll see what your child really enjoys.  I discovered my sons’ love of using scissors and cutting out shapes with this scissor skills book.  He asked to do that every day!

 

Be flexible:

If your child is tired or cranky, or if you have plans one day, then simply skip a day–or even a few days.  Change the time that you do school if a certain time becomes inconvenient.

That is the beauty of doing homeschool preschool.  Preschool at home is meant to be a fun learning experience and enjoyable for both you and your child.

 

happy-girl-at-the-library-holding-books

 

Your babies are your babies for such a short time.  Everyone that has kids older than mine says how fast these years go by.  And I want to hold onto these days and this time with my kids for as long as I can. 

That’s a big reason why I was in no rush to send them to preschool and instead opted to do homeschool preschool the laid-back way.  And I’m so glad we did. 

You’ll figure out what’s best for you and your family.  There is no right or wrong answer—and you know your kids better than anybody else!  

 

Follow me on Instagram to see my day to day life as a stay-at-home-mom with two toddlers!

 

See Related:

  • 10 Things I’ve Learned Having a Second Child
  • When Parents are Away: Info for the caregiver
  • An Open Letter to a Military Mom
  • 11 Ways for Moms to have a Better Day

 


 

 

Tweet
Share
Pin137
Share
137 Shares

Filed Under: KIDS, MOM LIFE Tagged With: homeschool preschool, preschool, preschool at home, toddlers

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sheri Libby says

    July 19, 2019 at 2:13 pm

    Our kid is 3 years. Next year she’ll turn 4 and than she’ll go to school. I try to help teach her some basic things like the alphabet, numbers, colours etc. But it’s so tiring phew

    Reply
    • meatballmom says

      July 20, 2019 at 11:34 am

      Hi Sheri,
      That is great that you do all that with your daughter! It’s a lot of work. . .we wear a lot of hats as moms, don’t we?!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

WELCOME!

Hi! I’m Janine–and I’m SO happy you’re here! I’m a mom who loves affordable style,  easy Seasonal & Holiday decor & recipes, and healthy living.  I enjoy a good cup of coffee,  making the most of time with family, and laughing until my face hurts:)  Life is short — let’s celebrate in style!

PLACES I SHOP

  • Spanx
  • Old Navy
  • Target
  • Amazon
  • Nordstrom
  • Etsy
  • Wayfair

SHOP THE FEED

AMAZON ASSOCIATES DISCLOSURE

MEATBALLMOM is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

TRENDING NOW

Footer

MOTHER’S DAY

PATIO FAVORITES

RECENT FINDS

Copyright © 2023 · Meatball Mom

meatball.mom

Janine Gravino
❤️ With Mother’s Day coming up, I wanted to ❤️ With Mother’s Day coming up, I wanted to share a fun and elegant way to celebrate with your mom or any special woman in your life - hosting a tea party! 

🫖🥮 Check out my latest blog post for all the details on how to throw the perfect tea party - from choosing a theme to setting a beautiful table and serving delicious tea sandwiches and desserts. 

🥪 And if you want to see me in action, I’ll be sharing some of my tips and making tea sandwiches live on Pinterest TV on Monday, May 8 at noon CST. 

🎉 Join me for some tea party fun! 

And if you want  to shop the items I featured in my video and create your own stunning tea party, they’re all listed in my LTK shop. You can find the link in my bio!

https://liketk.it/48sgY
#mothersdaybrunch #teapartyideas #throwtheperfectteaparty #teapartydecor #ltkhome
‘Some-bunny’ wanted to wish YOU a ‘Hoppy’ ‘Some-bunny’ wanted to wish YOU a ‘Hoppy’ Easter! Have a great weekend! 🐰🧁

#liketkit #LTKSeasonal #LTKhome #LTKunder50
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/46hm2
.
.
.
.
.
.
#easter #eastersunday #happyeaster #hoppyeaster #hoppyeaster🐰 #bunnycupcakes #eastercupcakes #easterdessert #easter2023
BUNNY CUPCAKES Here’s an EASY last minute desse BUNNY CUPCAKES

Here’s an EASY last minute dessert idea for Easter. These bunny cupcakes are so much fun and super easy to make!

First bake your cupcakes and ice them. I used boxed cake mix and iced them as I normally would. 

Next gently roll the cupcake icing in coconut flakes to look like bunny fur. 

Cut a large marshmallow in half on the diagonal and dip the sticky sides in pink sugar sprinkles. 

Place marshmallow “ears” on top of the cupcake. Bunny cupcake complete! 

Enjoy! 

Save this post for later and follow for more easy Holiday ideas! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#bunnycupcakes #eastercupcakes #cupcakes #easterdessert #easydessert #easterfood #easterideas #easterideasforkids #cupcakeideas #cupcakedecoratingvideo
3 INGREDIENT FRUIT DIP 🍉 My mom made this frui 3 INGREDIENT FRUIT DIP

🍉 My mom made this fruit dip for SO many of our Easter and Spring parties growing up. 

🍍 It was a childhood favorite and still one I love to this day! 

🍈 It’s so easy to throw together - 3 simple ingredients and so tasty!

🍓 Pair with your favorite fruit like strawberries, melons or pineapple — and enjoy!! It would be perfect this weekend for Easter or for any of your Spring and Summer gatherings or days by the pool! 

So make sure to save this post for later and follow along for more Seasonal & Holiday ideas! 

FRUIT DIP

Ingredients: (I’d double this if entertaining a larger group)

* 7 oz. marshmallow fluff
* 8 oz. cream cheese
* 1tsp vanilla
​

Directions:

* Whip until fluffy (I use a hand mixer) That’s it! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#fruitdip #appetizerideas #appetizerrecipe #easyrecipesathome #easyrecipe #threeingredients #3ingredientrecipe #3ingredients #easterrecipes #easterideas #easterdessert #easydessert #dessertrecipe #nobakedessert
3 Carrot Themed Easter Ideas: Here are some last 3 Carrot Themed Easter Ideas:

Here are some last minute EASY Easter Ideas: 

1) Orange napkins wrapped around green cutlery to create the look of carrots when entertaining. You can secure with cooking twine and display in an empty terracotta pot for a festive touch, or on my favorite bunny cake stand!

2) Carrot shaped treat bags: fill cone shaped bags with cheese balls or goldfish crackers; secure with a twist tie and tie a green ribbon around the top. The treat looks orange like a carrot and makes a fun snack or party favor!

3) Mini pepper ‘carrots’: I buy bags of mini peppers and use the orange ones for this appetizer or snack. Slice peppers in half lengthwise and fill each pepper half with cream cheese or  ranch dip. (I use the ranch packets and substitute plain yogurt for the sour cream.) Finally, place a sprig of dill at the wider end to make the mini pepper look like a carrot. These are a cute and tasty appetizer or snack!

Save this post for later and follow along for more Seasonal and Holiday Ideas!

I made all of these Easter ideas LIVE on Pinterest a few weeks ago; the episode is saved on my pinterest profile if you want to watch the replay!

https://liketk.it/467mK
.
.
.
.
#easterideas #easterappetizer #easyappetizers #easysnack #easterentertaining #carrots🥕 #easterfood #easterdecor #ltkfamily #ltkhome #ltkseasonal
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! May your day be fille Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 

May your day be filled with Luck, Laughter, and Love! 🍀

We are wrapping up a great Spring Break week with the kids - many memories made especially with my mom visiting:) 

Mom even made an appearance on my St. Patrick’s Day Livestream episode on Pinterest TV last week after she arrived. The viewers loved ‘Meatball Mimi’! 

We are off to watch some Irish Dancers today and I hope you enjoy your day and weekend too.  Cheers!
.
.
.
.
.
#stpatricksday #stpattysday #stpatricksday☘️ #stpattysday🍀 #thatmomlife #justmomlife #momlifebalance #momsoflittles #momlife #momlifestyle #momcontentcreator