“Q: A lot of people are anti – schooling for preschool age, but by 4yr. old is asking to play school, and wants to do “home work” like his cousins. A friend was generous enough to give me a preschool activity book. I’ve tried to stay away from “instructing” him by counting cars and sorting colors of marbles, but when he’s playing, he gets frustrated with me when I suggest counting or sorting in the situation. But then later he’ll say, “I want to have school” and pull out that activity book and work/play in it for quite a while. I guess my question is, how do you teach by play, if they want playtime and learning time separate? (Which sounds awful when I hear it like that) I don’t want that to be how he feels about education. Help please. Tiffany”
Before we get started addressing your particular situation, I think we need to first define preschool. The National Center for Education Statistics describes preschool as “A beginning group or class enrolling children younger than 5 years of age and organized to provide educational experiences under professionally qualified teachers in cooperation with parents during the year or years immediately preceding kindergarten”. As homeschoolers we can draw a strike through the qualified teachers and group parts, so that leaves us with simply providing educational experiences. The main focus of most preschools is to focus on personal, social and emotional development, teachers a child to communicate and listen. Preschool also teaches basic information about the world, and works on mathematical and reading awareness. Awareness is the first step to mastery.
In this case, mom is correct. Learning should be fun, especially for a preschool aged child. There is a good reason why many don’t believe in Early Childhood education. It sucks the fun out of childhood. I believe that starting too much structure too soon will burn a child out at a young age, and by high school they will want nothing to do with school. (I have seen examples like this in my own family.
Still, you have to consider each child on an individual basis. This child has a structured personality. He likes to have everything in its place. (Chances are you will never have to make him clean his room). In addition, he most likely has a different idea of what is fun than you. For him, ‘having school’ is fun. Play along. When he gives the signal, drag out your chalkboard, put a pair of spectacles on the tip of your nose, take out a long pointer stick, and have him count and do his alphabet to his hearts content. Chances are this will last only 30 minutes (which is all a preschooler needs) and it will be playtime again.
You would be amazed how much children actually learn when we think they are just playing. There are so many examples in my head right now, that I could burst. Yes, I feel a new series of articles coming on! In the meanwhile, take a look at these articles about homeschooling preschoolers, and these too, and don’t forget to have some fun yourself watching your child grow and learn.
*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.
*Words a homeschooler Should Know