By Kathy Green
Compulsory school attendance doesn’t begin until the date of the 6th birthday in Maine. For parents who are homeschooling, that date marks the beginning of the required annual notification and assessment process. But many parents are homeschooling children well before that date. In fact, some parents make the decision to homeschool before their child is born!
Homeschooling from birth to age 6 looks a lot different than homeschooling for school-aged children. During these early years, it’s often more about nurturing, awakening curiosity, and building foundational skills through play and everyday experiences than following a formal curriculum.
Here’s what you’ll want to incorporate in your routine to successfully prepare for the more formal learning that will come later:
* Play-Based Learning: Young children learn best through play! In fact, they are designed that way. “Play is the work of childhood,” said Italian educator, Maria Montessori. Activities like building with blocks, pretend play, and outdoor exploration foster cognitive and social development.
* Flexible Routine: We all thrive on routines! Rather than a strict schedule, establish a gentle rhythm to your day that includes story time, arts and crafts, outdoor play, occasional field trips, and healthy snack breaks.
* Daily Living: Everyday moments—cooking, cleaning, shopping—are all valuable learning opportunities. Children love to be involved in what you are doing. Things like counting apples at the market, identifying the colors all around, and helping with recipes teach math and literacy naturally.
* Reading Aloud: Reading to children daily stimulates the imagination, builds vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for books. Picture books, poems, and simple stories are ideal. Trips to the library to choose what to read next build excitement for your read aloud time!
* Creative Expression: Art, music, and movement help children express themselves and develop fine motor skills. Think finger painting, dancing, and singing favorite songs.
Curriculum & Resources
* Minimal Resources Needed: A few free or low-cost resources like paper and printable worksheets, educational videos, arts and crafts supplies, and library books will serve you well.
* Focus Areas: Keep it simple! Basic literacy (letters, sounds), numeracy (counting, shapes), motor skills, and social-emotional development are common goals for the early years.
Getting Started
* Start Small: Add a few short, engaging activities to your regular routine and build from there. Preschool at home doesn’t need to mimic traditional school. In fact, it should fit naturally into your own lifestyle!
* Observe & Adapt: Watch how your child learns and adjust your approach as needed. Some kids love arts and crafts; others thrive with movement or music. Some kids need to be outdoors... a lot! If you are meeting with conflict and tears, it may be time to step back, simplify, or even change up what you are doing!
* Connect with Others: Join HOME and local or online homeschool groups for support, ideas, and playdates. You were meant for community!
If you need more guidance, please feel free to reach out to HOME. We are here to walk this journey with you! Check out our early learner resources, too!