How to Teach Your Child Preschool at Home

A parent can be her child's best teacher.

Learning begins the moment your child is born. Your baby takes in the world around him and begins to understand how things work. Parents can assist children in learning by teaching basic concepts, such as letters, numbers, colors and basic reading skills at home. Taking the time to teach your preschooler these concepts at home can give him an advantage when he does start to attend school. Teaching your child at home allows you the freedom to choose lessons, give your child one-to-one attention, and bond with him during the day.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Crayons or washable markers
• Flashcards
• Picture books
• Blocks
• Toys

Instructions

1. Choose a time during the day when your child is well-rested and eager to learn. An ideal time to teach your child preschool would be after lunch or a nap. Teach your child around the same time each day to develop a routine and consistency.

2. Set up an area of your home where learning will take place. This should be a quiet area free of distractions, like television and toys. Lay a blanket on the floor or purchase a small desk for your child to sit at. Turn off the television and phone ringer to prevent any interruptions or distractions.

3. Pick one topic to focus on during each lesson. It will be easier for your child to learn if you stick with one particular skill set, for example letters, numbers or colors, and keep with it until he develops proficiency. Teach the same topic every day and limit lesson time to about 30 minutes.

4. Use flashcards or picture books depicting the letter, number or color you wish to teach. You can also draw or write the object on blank paper. Show your child the object and tell him what it is. For example, show him a flashcard with the number 1 on it while saying, "This is the number 1."

5. Have your child repeat the number, letter or color back to you. If he will not say the name of the object, you repeat its name until he does. For older children who have demonstrated dexterity with a crayon or marker, you can also help them write the number or letter on a blank piece of paper while saying its name.

6. Praise your child for his effort and answers. Children learn much better through positive reinforcement and will be more likely to try again after a mistake if you acknowledge a job well done.

7. Give your child time for free play or fun time after a lesson is complete. Free play with blocks or other toys can help your child develop needed cognitive skills beyond the ABC's and 123's.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient with your child. Learning takes time and every child learns at his own pace.

• Your child may not respond well to you as a teacher. If this is the case, you may want to consider having another family member teach him the lessons or look into a day or two of preschool each week.

• Add new concepts as your child masters each one.

• Allow your child to watch occasional educational programming on television, but sit with him and explain the concepts.

• Read a book to your child each day. Allow your child to pick his favorite and help him sound out words or point out pictures as you read to him.

References

• "What To Expect The Toddler Years; Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg, and Sandee Hathaway, BSN; 2003

Resources

• Nick Jr: Preschool Kids Games, Preschool Activities and Lesson Plans