Preschool Education Supplemented at Home (Ages 2 to 5)

I used to teach preschoolers (birth to age 5) in the day care and "Parent's Day Out" settings. I have a degree in Child Development and know a thing or two about enrichment activities for preschoolers. I hope this article will help those of you who have children aged 3 to 5 at home and want to give them a boost in their early education. :o)


For people who are "stay-at-home" parents and are unwilling/unable to send their child to a full-time preschool program, there are options for educational games that cost you little to nothing.

If you have a computer with Internet, you and your child can enjoy the games on websites like these:

• http://pbskids.org/
• http://veggietales.com/ (formerly: bigidea.com This is where my son learned mouse control)
• http://disneyjunior.com/
• http://www.nickjr.com/

Along with this, you can print and use worksheets from sites like:

• http://www.tlsbooks.com/preschoolworksheets.htm
• http://www.shirleys-preschool-activities.com/free-printable-preschool-worksheets.html

During and just after back-to-school time, you can usually find craft supplies for low cost. Items that are good for preschoolers (with supervision) are:

• Crayons
• Manila Paper
• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Play-doh
• Stickers
• Paint
• Chalks

Every time your child creates a project that can be saved or displayed, write the child's name on the top, left-hand corner of the page (this promotes starting something at the top, left like we do when we read). As you write the letters, say them outloud. Another good activity is to have your child trace their name until able to write it alone. This practice writing can also be done with shapes and other letters a few at a time. Don't be to "aggressive" with "teaching" your child; a relaxed and FUN atmosphere is the BEST learning environment for preschool-aged kids.

As you read your child a favorite book, place your child on your left side (to promote left to right reading) and run your finger along the words as you read to let them see the words and become aware of them and what you are doing when you read.

Music and movement are a great way to explore and learn. Basically, anything that makes noise can be a musical instrument. Also, anything that gets your child up and moving around (inside or outside) is great for physical fitness (balls, a kite, swing set, etc.).
Kids at this age need to develop their imaginations. This can easily be done through "Pretend Play" like playing with cars, dolls, animal/character figures, and dress-up clothes (costumes or large clothing can be picked up at yard sales for cheap).

Things that can be manipulated in small hands are very good to develop the hand muscles as well as Math and Science skills. Such items include:

• Blocks of various kinds
• Beads to thread
• Clothes pins to clip
• Measuring spoons and cups (with water and/or beans/rice)
• Finger paints
• Etc.

One thing that I always tell a parent who might state that they do not want a "mess" in their house is that if you can do something inside, you can do it OUTSIDE. :o) Art, reading, manipulatives, and more can ALL be done outdoors to make the learning environment broader and more FUN!!
Happy enrichment and bonding with your child. :o)