Considering Preschool at Home?

10 Things You Need to Know About Homeschooling a Preschooler

By Jacqueline Rupp

Attending a full or half-day preschool isn't the only option available for your child. Homeschooling is an option that an increasing numbers of families are choosing. For parents new to the idea, considering "home preschooling" can be a bit overwhelming: "How will I keep my child occupied all day?" "Will my child learn what he needs?" "What about socializing?"

For many families home preschooling has proven to be an extremely rewarding experience. Best of all, it may be easier than you think. Here are 10 points to think about that may make your decision easier and the homeschooling process more rewarding.

You might get a little nervous when imagining becoming your child's full-time teacher. But rest assured, the two of you won't be spending your days stuck at a desk.

Barbara Curtis, a former Montessori teacher and author of numerous books including Mommy, Teach Me! (B&H Publishing Group, 2007) and The Mommy Survival Guide (Beacon Hill Press, 2006), also has 12 children and 10 years of homeschooling experience. Curtis says that the actual time spent working on curriculum should only be about two to three hours a day for young children even at the grade school level.

"Homeschooling is efficient," Curtis says. "Because you are working in smaller groups than traditional public schools, you can usually cover all the same curriculum in a lot shorter the time. This will free you up to exploring other types of learning activities and special interests."

"Life is a constant learning experience," explains Diane Flynn Keith, a mom from Redwood City, Calif. Keith is a mother of two and the founder of UniversalPreschool.com, a Web site devoted to supporting parents who are home preschooling. "Once you start, learning, play and work are all integrated. Learning isn't something that takes place separate and apart from the rest of life." Keith says many times children need time to figure things out on their own rather than having an adult direct their learning.

Want to see more?

• Homeschooling the Gifted Child: A Gift of Time and Experience
• Teachable Moments: Encouraging Little Minds and Helping Them Learn
• Preschool Prep Series: The Montessori Method
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