Preschool Activities
I loved a recent article in Parenting Magazine called “World Class Fun!” It’s all about a “Do-It-Yourself Preschool.” I have not paid for private preschool for any of my toddlers. Call me selfish, but I am too cheap um, parsimonious to pay for preschool. And still, my children have all excelled academically. I attribute this to a few things: 1. reading together at home, 2. having chores and responsibilities at home, 3. nightly family dinner, where we interact and give the kids a chance to develop socially and verbally. Now, I’m not trying to toot my own horn. And certainly, this is not a one-size-fits-all formula (I’m sorry, are we talking about clothes here?). But I think what some people don’t realize is how much toddlers can learn from watching and doing things with you each day. For instance, who needs special toy blocks to sort when your child can help you unload the dishwasher and sort the silverware into the drawer? Small children can learn colors as you interact with them while helping them dress. “Oh, you’re wearing a red shirt today.” There are all kinds of teaching opportunities throughout a regular day. Just think about it. If you are looking for preschool activities that can’t be found within a regular day, this article is a great resource. It highlights preschool activities within the subjects of Science, Math, Fine Arts, Civics and Language & Literature. Here are a few examples I’ve taken from that article: Science: Ecology “Play forest ranger in the park or at a local nature preserve. Bring binoculars and try to spot three different kinds of birds (download pictures to guide you at Wild-bird-watching.com/birds.html). Turn over a dead log to check out a hidden critter hotel; slugs, snails, millipedes, centipedes, and pill bugs--which, by the way, are crustaceans like lobsters and not insects at all--love the dark warmth of a log shelter. Observe them with a magnifying glass. ‘Homework: Join the National Park Service's junior ranger program at Nps.gov/webrangers. The site features online games for kids that teach about the national parks. Plus, it can help you plan a field trip to the closest one; there's at least one in every state.” Math: Basic Geometry “When you're driving or walking around, encourage your kid to find and point out the passing shapes, from the "circle" car wheels to the "rectangle" house windows. ‘Homework: Let your kid watch Sesame Street's Guess That Shape and Color DVD. (Hey, don't you remember watching videos about photosynthesis and the solar system when you were in school? Plus, you need a break. Teaching toddlers numbers and shapes isn't exactly a raucous funfest.)” Fine Arts: Art Appreciation “Visit the nearest art museum on its free-admission day. Depending on the exhibit, set out on a simple search: Find three paintings with children or animals in them; identify three photos of buildings; or spot a painting with lots of purple or brown or [insert favorite color here]. Buy the postcard versions of your preschooler's favorite works of art so he can start his very own art collection. ‘Homework: Civics: Public Safety “Hurry, hurry, drive that fire truck! Call your engine company and set up an appointment for a firehouse tour (for help finding one nearby, check out Fire-find.com). See where the firefighters cook and sleep when they're on duty, and try on as much equipment as possible. Get some fire-safety tips along the way. ‘Homework: Log on to Firesafety.gov/kids/flash.shtm for online coloring pages and fire-safety games, as well as information about becoming a junior fire marshal.” Language & Literature: Beginning Fiction Workshop
‘Homework: Ask your child to read you a book for a change. Actual reading skills are not required: You'll be surprised how much he remembers and what he can figure out from just the pictures.” So you can see how easy these (free) activities could be implemented into your day. Take a “field trip” once a week or once each month. The best part about these preschool activities is that it’s time you can spend together, your child learning from their most important teacher, YOU! Return from Preschool Activities to Parenting a Toddler
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Teach your kid how to identify the three most common trees in your area by leaf shape and bark texture (get help pinpointing trees at Arborday.org). 
Get out crayons, markers, or paint and challenge your child to make his own art inspired by what he saw at the museum. Upload it to Artsonia.com, where it can be part of an online gallery of children's art.”
“Hit the children's story hour at the library or a bookstore. Afterward, talk about which books you liked and why.
