I feel a little like because I SAH with LO, she's going to miss out on some early education that she would otherwise be doing at daycare. So I'm just wondering what age you guys started structured activities?
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We do a lot of learning through play still, nothing too structured. We let her lead but will suggest things like painting, blocks or puzzles as activities to do with her. I want to start doing theme weeks with her but I have to plan those out a little first.
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We plan on homeschooling, so this is something we've given some thought to, as well. I definitely think you can be pretty relaxed when they are younger than four years old. Reading together and creative play are the most important things you can encourage, as you probably already know.
That said, I like having an organized toolset. It gives structure and helps fill up the day. When our LO is two years old, we'll probably get something like this (the basic kit):
http://www.timberdoodle.com/Preschool_Timberdoodle_Homeschool_Curriculum_p/999-preschool.htm
It's on the expensive side, but I like having everything laid out. I'd probably also get Farmland Math, which is a very gentle spiral program:
http://www.timberdoodle.com/Farmland_Math_Bundle_p/377-010.htm
When she's a bit older and ready to start reading, we'll do AAR:
http://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-reading-pre-reading/
For free resources, you might want to check this out:
http://www.pinterest.com/sandykin3/montessori-preschool-lesson-plans-ideas/
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My own lo isn't here yet but as a nanny my approach has been to make a list of things to work on in general on a daily/weekly basis with the kids I take care of. I do this even with tiny babies but at that point it is more like- read 2x daily, sing songs, play with cause and effect toys etc. Around 12-15 months I start doing a more like "art projects" 2x a week, sensory activities 3x , seasonal books, songs and finger plays daily, free drawing/painting/crafting daily, independant play daily etc. I also make sure to get in a variety of outings, story time, music, swimming, walks, different parks etc to expose them to lots of things. Most of these things are free- like swimming we just go to my gym during open swim and play and sing.
I think just having a loose plan that I can glance at on my phone helps. During nap or when I have a lull I will take a look at my list and note to myself that we have done X and Y but haven't spent much time on Z so we will make sure to squeeze it in. I also jot down ideas that might be good for upcoming weeks or that we need supplies for. I usually take this approach until 3 and then add in a bit more academic stuff.
I kept trying to lesson plan but found I strongly prefer to go where the moment takes us within a general rhythm. Some weeks would zip by and I would realize we did very little and other weeks we would do tons by Wednesday. Over time though things always evened out and all of the kids went off to school very well prepared.
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@illumina: c is not much older than your Lo, but I'm kind of letting her lead for now. Like, she is recently really into putting things into other things and setting things in their places, like putting her cup into the cup holder, so I've been helping her do a little puzzle thing (super basic obviously). And for the longest time she would listen to a book for 12 seconds then take it from me and flip through it herself, but suddenly she's bringing me books and actually watching as I read, so I'm making a point to point to the things in the book more. We go to story time at the library and playgrounds a lot too but that's about it. I look forward to doing more projects and stuff but I think she's still too young.
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