Jul 21 2006
Plans For Lil Man- “Preschool”
Our plans for the lil guy this year are pretty mellow. I don't believe in overly organized preschooling but since little man wanted to "play school" too then we've gotten a few things together for him as well so he can feel included.
Social Studies/Us & World History/Geography- I suppose you could count the Magic Treehouse books that I read him every night in this right? lol. Other than those books, looking at postcards as they come in, and answering his questions as he asks about places ("Mommy where is Madagascar? Do they have lemurs?") we're not too worried about this right now. Lil Man does want to learn his address and phone number this year so we'll teach him that.
Reading/Vocabulary/Language Arts/Literature- Again, not really going to worry a whole lot about this. I have a feeling Lil Man is probably going to start reading this year because of all the interest he has shown in it. He knows that writing forms words and pretends to read to himself as well as pointing to words and asking what they are. So we'll just see what develops. He has been learning to write his name so we'll continue with that, he knows it on sight, and also knows it if you spell it out verbally. Lil Man also wants to learn how to write his letters this year so we have some workbooks that are fun and he can use. I've also printed up some fun worksheets that have letter tracing on them that he is loving thus far. He'll participate in our weekly Tea Time (because he absolutely loves the idea of it and loves being read to) and he has a "journal" that he draws pictures in.
Science- Obviously we don't have plans for Science with this. He'll participate in the experiments we do, learn about wildlife through the stories his siblings love to tell, and keep a sketchbook for our Nature Walks as well. In keeping with his love of dinosaurs he has been teaching himself what each of the periods were (Triassic, Jurassic, Cretascious, etc) and which dinosaurs lived in each era. It's amazing how well he retains those facts! If I had a memory like him I'd be so awesome! lol I also want to do a few preschool oriented experiments just for him since he loves learning new things so much.
Math- Lil Man has been learning how to count so we'll continue with that, shape sorting, more and less, grouping, and several other things that are normal for his age bracket. He has expressed a want to learn how to add so we may work with him a little at a time as he shows interest. He has a few workbooks for this as well that he has picked out. I have also made several File Folder Games for him to use that have shapes, numbers, and addition.
Foreign Languages- Since we're going to be doing Latin and Spanish on our Learning Wall then I figure that is plenty for the Lil Man too. He loves learning new Spanish words on his own (thanks to Dora and Diego. lol) so I will let him learn with the rest of us and also find fun words for him each week to learn on his own. Latin- if he picks up on it and learns then great. If not then it's no big deal. We’ll be using the Rosetta Stone programs for language, making a game out of finding new words to post on our wall each week, using flash cards, and playing games that involve each of the languages.
Religious Studies- We are starting with Buddhism and then moving on from there. Lil Man loves learning about Buddhism with me and the stories that I read to him so we will continue with that and continue teaching him about kindness. As the older children explore other religions I will probably make an effort to find some age appropriate stories for Lil Man from those religions. That way he can still participate but he's not overwelmed with information and confused. We will have discussions about the religions, visit the houses of worship of several, learn about and partake in some of their ceremonies (not sacred ones), and talk to people who live these religions everyday. I have a strong belief in letting my children find their own religious paths and my hope is that during our studies they will find their spiritual “home” and continue learning about it.
Art- We will be making Art Trading Cards but only for ourselves unless some of the local homeschoolers get into doing it too. I am using the book “Discovering Great Artists” this year and plan having the kids make an Art Card using each Artist’s medium and style. I have several canvases that I’m going to allow them to do their own artwork on and use to decorate our home. I figure the best artists I will ever know are my own children. I can’t wait to see what they come up with.
We will also be making trips to the Art Museum here in town and any art shows that may come up. There are a ton of crafts we didn’t get to do last year so this year we are pulling them all out and doing whichever ones tickle our fancy! We are all starting Nature Sketchbooks this year and will be using them both for Science and Art as well. The kids have been told that it doesn’t matter how well they sketch only that they do it and use their imagination and heart for it.
Music- Lil Man loves music, loves dancing, and loves singing. Oddly enough his favorite music is the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack. lol. He will listen to music from our weekly Composer/Musician with the rest of us and we'll also be sure to have music, games, and DVDs that he can sing and dance along with. He's a clean canvas just like Sis is so I know he'll be open to just about anything.
Physical Education- We will pretty much continue the way we have been going. That means Lil Man will keep going to our homeschool group once a week and running, climbing, and just being himself. He also takes a nightly walk with me around the block that he completely loves. Hopefully he will be able to join a Rhythm & Movement class this year and has shown an interest in karate when he turns four.
Socialization- For all those who think Homeschooled children are un/undersocialized. As I said, we attend homeschool park day once a week where there are always at least three of four other kids around Lil Man's age, he has occasional playdates with friends, he will be joining a paid activity this year (as I said above), and is the friendliest kid I know. At almost four I don't believe he needs to be overscheduled. It doesn't leave much time for play and being a kid. So for now I feel this is plenty for him and he's very happy with things.
