It’s been five years since we took that first small step towards preschool homeschool. The girl-previously-known-as-Little-T was just about to turn three (oh my heart!) and Little Sir was still a newborn.
From the time that my husband and I told each other that we would just try it for the preschool years, we’ve kept finding lots of things that we love about homeschooling our preschoolers. Here are ten. The years have been so fast yet so fun and memorable.
1. Hugs, kisses and I love yous throughout the day
I feel so giddy every time my kids stop whatever they are doing, hug me, and say “I love you, mommy” in a singsong voice. And all because I happen to do what they feel like doing – reading a favorite book, preparing a snack, or putting different kinds of paper on the table.
2. Seeing their eyes light up
I can’t count the number of times that I saw my children’s eyes light up from what they know or have just learned.
I won’t forget how T’s eyes glowed when she explained to her brother how babies come out of the mama’s tummy (“Through the birth canal! And the mama’s muscles push the baby out!”) or how Little Sir jumped at the chance to play with a sword when we were learning about Magellan and Lapu-lapu.
3. Learning together
I love it that I get to learn with my kids all the time. I make it a point to follow their interests even if it’s something that I don’t have any idea about.
I research and try to at least be one step ahead of them so I will have something substantial to say. This is how I learned about the stories behind the different constellations and why ducks don’t get wet!
4. Relevant learning
I love it that homeschooling allows us to help our children find relevance in what they are learning.
Chinese New Year became a reason to visit Bahay Tsinoy, a museum in Intramuros featuring the Chinese in Philippine life, while a book about a bird pushed us to go on a bird-watching adventure.
5. Coffee breaks at interesting places
Coffee breaks used to be about idle talk and killing time. Homeschooling my little ones means that I get to take my work-at-home coffee break at the backyard, foot of the stairs (for a picnic) and the nearby playground.
6. Deep conversations about swordfights and pirates
I love talking to my Little Sir. He’s so serious about swords, pirates, and Peter Pan and comes alive in a sound-effects mode when he’s telling his stories.
I will always look back with fondness on our deep conversations about how long Captain Hook’s plank is. It’s longer than Jake the Pirate’s. (Don’t ask me what, why, or how!)
7. Waking up relaxed
Aaah! I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am to wake up slowly and gently and not jump out of bed with my heart pounding. I love it that I don’t have to rush my kids through their morning ritual so we won’t be late somewhere.
Oh and don’t get me started on the horrible, horrible traffic that we get to skip everyday!
8. Lots of cuddle reading time
Preschoolers crave cuddle time. Mix it with reading their favorite books and you have yourself a hit preschool homeschool session!
I love how we are still “doing school” late into the night, reading books and learning from each one.
9. Creative ways of learning
I am quite envious of my kids, as they get to learn beyond textbooks! I love thinking about how they can learn something in a creative way that will make what they’re learning become more meaningful to them.
We’ve sat down to just look around us, listened to music to learn about math and did hands-on experiments to answer random questions.
10. Play the whole day
I consider my children’s playtime to also be learning time. They learn to get along with each other, explore things together, and basically think of ways to entertain themselves. All these while I work in the afternoons.
I love it because knowing, accepting, and being confident that they are learning through play make it easier for me to work at home. No guilty feelings… most of the time!
Your turn. What do you love or look forward to about homeschooling your preschooler?
