Preschool at home

For those of you who attended the "Help for Mom" class, this is an overview of the class on doing your own preschool:

*Set aside a specific time each day.
*Have a set location for your "class"--ideas for location: linoleum piece painted with shapes for each child to sit on, carpet remnants in different shapes or colors for each child.
*Have a set routine--most kids thrive on routines and knowing what is coming up next (for example, start with 10 min. of show and tell, 10 mintues songs, 10 minutes learning stations, 10 min. lesson).
*Remember their attention span is very short--10 min. max! Keep things really simple and short
*Be flexible--some things will take way longer than you think, others they will be done with before you are done setting up--always have a couple back-up activities.
*Let the kids take their time learning and HAVE FUN with them--the most important thing at this age (and really, any age) is that they learn to love learning.

If anyone is interested in a GREAT starter reading program to contact Tracey Minaker--she has all the details.

And remember to use music--look at your local library for great compilations of kids CD's--there are songs to learn just about anything and its just fun to dance around and get silly.