For some crazy reason, I decided to try to do some concrete “School” with the Wild Wadester this year. With Haylee in Video School, theoretically I may actually have more time to do things like this with Wade. :)
To be clear, I am definitely more on the side of “playschool” rather than “preschool” since I think teaching preK’ers facts to memorize sometimes just turns into a horse and pony act for moms and dads to show off to their friends and family.
{Anyone still listening?? Did I alienate everyone I know just now?} I’m of the opinion that there will be lots of time ahead for structured learning…. uh, 13+ YEARS of it, so why not just let them be kiddos and do most of their learning through play?
Not that there is anything WRONG with teaching little ones their ABC’s. I just don’t think it should be treated as crucial to their future development or knowledge. Above all, it should be FUN for a PreK-er. NOT some land of drudgery where they are forced to sit still and review flashcards.
BUT… I AM hoping that stretching the Wild One’s brain and keeping him busy will somehow lessen the craziness that seems to daily ooze from his pores. :) I just hope to keep everything flexible and fun… something we’ll do when we can, kind of thing.
I love these Letter of the Week printables for preK from Confessions of a Homeschooler. You can print what you want for free or you can download it all together for $10.
There are so many awesome activities in it that any preschooler would love, BUT… it does require MUCHO printing, cutting, laminating, sorting etc. It would be bookoos of paper and ink, not to mention the time to cut and laminate.
Soooo… in the end I decided to try to find something that was at least already printed and ready.
I found the Big Preschool Workbook on amazon for only $10.
It’s very colorful and interesting and begins with practicing general tracing first, then moving on to tracing and writing actual letters. Wade is already excited about starting it. :)
I also got a Geo Board, Animal Counters, and the M&D Lace and Trace Shapes too.
Another thing I picked up for some school time fun was a double sided dry erase board and some dry erase crayons!
I got mine at Walmart {not in the b2s section, but in the regular office supply area}…. the board was around $2, and I think the crayons were about $3.50.
Apparently they are a new thing, and I thought I would give them a try for Wade since I most definitely would not be setting him loose with MARKERS.
He loves it, and I was really surprised with how well it erases. It comes with a mitt to erase with that you have to press down pretty hard, but it does erase with several swipes back and forth. For stubborn spots, you can wipe pretty easily with just a wet paper towel too.
You’ll notice it says “Washable” pretty prominently.. front and center. However on the back at the very bottom in a teeny little box, it says to avoid using on carpet or painted surfaces, or unfinished wood.
Uh, yeah. Didn’t see that until AFTER I innocently let him color happily on our light tan living room carpet. AAAACK! After much scrubbing I got most of it up fortunately, but I think they should have that warning a little more obvious since I think most people would assume crayons would be okay for carpet. {Believe it or not, he wasn’t actually trying to deliberately color the carpet either. It was mostly transfer from the edge of the marker board and from him stepping on one.}
It did wash up almost effortlessly from the kitchen table which would have been a deal breaker.
:)
I plan to try something else with him too that is quite a bit different. A friend recommended a FREE online preschool she had heard of.
Say WHAT??
It’s Cullen’s ABC’s Free Online Preschool, and it seems pretty neato. When you’ve done all the lessons laid out on the site, you can check out the 500+ lessons on her you tube channel!
I think it will be something Wade will enjoy, and I’m thinking of trying it maybe twice a week.
So I guess maybe they’ll both be in video school, ha ha!
What are you doing for your Tots this year?
Any good tips for keeping the crazy ones from wreaking general havoc??
No Tots here but, eeek!, I love school supplies. :) I've bought so many things that were steals in the past years when they went on sale that I didn't have to buy anything this year. I did anyway though. lol
Love those pictures of Wade! SO cute!! I loved doing preschool with Lydia and Caleb when they were three. I just bought some of those dry erase crayons for Levi, I thought they were really cool too! Thanks for the heads up on where to find a white board, I didn't want to pay $10 for the ones by the dry erase crayons and it was really small as well.
Also, those preschool workbooks (and ones for higher grades) are at Sams. Don't know if you shop there but they are usually about $7-$8.
The online preschool looks so cool! I'm sure Levi would love to watch some of it. Definitely will be checking that out.
Okay this was like the longest comment ever. Sorry!!
I know this is ANOTHER comment, but I was thrilled that your comment box worked for me. First time I have ever been able to comment on one that is embedded. Woo-hoo!! =P
As an early childhood educator, I am WHOLEHEARTEDLY supporting your "playschool" vs. preschool! They learn best through play, of course! ;) I could go on and on and on…. but I won't. ;) I think he'll have fun and as long as you are both still enjoying it, that's all that matters. Another thing that I might stress – is fine motor activities. Super easy and fun for the kiddos! This helps w/ everything from writing to cutting, etc. and is a huge need at this age. (I have found quite a few DIY FM activities on pinterest… plus there are some great books out there as well. All things you probably already have at home.) HAVE FUN! The pics of Wade are sooooooooooo cute!
Meant to mention that those lacing cards are great for fine motor…. (sorry) ;)
I am going to give pre K a try too with Lys. She needs some structure and so I figured since I have one sitting down for school, why not give it a go with number two. We are using "how to teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons." that along with lots of coloring and hands on play I am praying for a good year with her. Jake did the above mentioned book and really liked it!