I can no longer deny that summer is winding down and coming to an end. I noticed our leaves are beginning to change colors and some have fallen off the tree, now scattered across the yard. And well, we are beginning school next week! So yes, summer is almost over. I am excited for the upcoming year especially since we’ll be in our new school room. Admittedly, I am also a bit nervous because we’ll be welcoming a new baby in the middle of the year. Thankfully, I plan to take the month of December off. Hopefully we’ll be able to jump back in after the holidays even if it’s a bit slower paced with less planned.
For reference, Bryson is 4.5 years old.
Preschool Calendar Time
We are going to begin each day with calendar time using the Learning Resources Calendar and Weather Pocket Chart. I really like that it covers most everything in one calendar. Bryson is learning the months, days, seasons, and weather. It has also helped his counting skills because we count to each day so by the end of the month, he counts to 30. We’ve used this calendar for over a year now and I’ve been thrilled with it. We’ll also recite the Pledge of Allegiance during calendar time.
Preschool Learning Foundation
The foundation of our preschool learning will be Raising Rock Stars. We’ll be using the Preschool curriculum with a few pages from the Kindergarten curriculum too. I was drawn to Raising Rock Stars because it has a biblical basis and focuses on a bible verse, shape, color, letter, number, and sight word each week. We’ll continue using printables from Letter of the Week and K4 too.
Bible & Character Training
For our Bible time, we’ll be using the Jesus Storybook Bible, The Rhyme Bible Storybook, and My ABC Bible Verses. I’m still a bit undecided on our character training, but leaning toward We Choose Virtues.
Preschool Math
Numbers are very interesting to Bryson right now, so we’ll work on basic counting skills and learning to write numbers. I have the Summer Link Math & Reading workbook so we’ll be using that as well as Preschool Math Printables. Depending upon his level on interest, we may venture into counting money and telling time.
Reading Readiness Skills
We’ll be picking back up with our All About Reading Pre-reading lessons. I love this curriculum and that there is no planning on my part. It’s totally an open and go program which makes it easy for me keep up with. In addition to AAR, we’ll continue reading books to both Bryson and Bella daily.
Online Preschool Learning
This is something new for us! Bryson has never been allowed to use a computer, but is familiar with the iPhone and tablets so I’m curious to see how he will react to an online learning program. We’ll be using ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy. I have it set up and ready to go for him next week, but I may let him check it out this week because I think he’s going to love it! I’ll have a full review and giveaway after we use it for a while. Until then, you can sign up for a free month at ABCmouse.com and check it out for yourself.
Themed Units
We aren’t leaving themed units behind! I can’t resist theme units and kids love them. Instead of planning these in advance, I’m going to follow Bryson’s lead and see what he’s interested in. He wants to start with a construction machine theme and I’m sure we’ll work on several holiday themes. We’ll use books from the library and from our home library to plan our themes around. You can find theme unit ideas on my Pinterest boards.
Open Ended Play
Of course, we’ll spend a lot of our time playing. I’ve made a list of our open ended toys for playtime so I can rotate those out weekly. Our creative play recipes will be put to good use.
Written down, it looks like a lot, but it really isn’t. I’m hoping to spend 2-3 hours 4 days a week working with Bryson and Bella. Each Thursday, we’ll spend an hour at storytime at our local library and we’ll take field trips as much as we can. Bella has made it clear that she wants her own “schoolwork” so she’ll be included as much as possible.
Here’s to a fantastic school year!
I always enjoy your post some more than others, I really enjoyed this one.
My kids love ABCmouse.com. We signed up in June and they ask everyday to play it and so I try to let them get at least 30-45 a day. I love that Victoria can play it too because they have different age and education levels and it’s not too hard for her.
Sounds like a great school year; well planned out. Have fun!
I am sooo excited for you and your new classroom!! Sounds like you have everything planned really well. The “Raising Rock Stars” sounds like an incredible curriculum. Thank you for sharing all these sources. I will definitely be checking some of these out. Olivia has already asked to be homeschooled – not sure I am brave enough for it. LOL After the baby gets here, just remember that one advantage of homeschooling is taking off when you want/need to, and if the online curriculum works well, that may be a great way to keep Bryson on target. Good luck!
Good luck with your school year! My daughter is starting pre-K at our church next week. I’ve been debating homeschooling her in Kindergarten but I just doubt my own abilities at this point.
Love this!!!! What are your kids ages for this? I have an 3.5 year old, 2 year old and 6 month old so my days are very busy. I really don’t want to send my oldest to preschool but I’m not sure when to begin something as structured as what you’re doing. What are your thoughts?
Go you! I don’t have interest in homeschooling but I definitely love to be active in helping my children learn and these are great! With Gavin we really love School Zone’s products. Their computer programs were so much better than others we tried. They make great workbooks too.