I remember when I was in kindergarten. It was fun! It was a time for me to learn how not to fight with Joe for the toy phone, to hear my teacher read stories beause she made ALL kinds of noises, to learn how to cut with funky scissors, and to play with the playdo but not eat the playdo. Kindergarten was a chance for me to learn how to be at school and have fun.
I remember how important it was for me to play and have fun. It helped to instill in me a love for school and learning. When I started homeschooling my kids I really tried to do the same thing. Play games, read stories, put together puzzles, and interact as a family so they would know how to interact with others and to instill in them a love of learning. So young moms this is what I encourage you to do. First remember it is only kindergarten and you have a lot of years of "paperwork" to do with your kids.
Now with that said I want you to get three maybe even four baskets. One of the baskets fill with books of all kinds; big ones, small ones, wooden ones, soft ones, and maybe even some chapter books with pictures depending on the age of your kids. Another basket fill with puzzles. Now you are going to want to probably put them in gallon size bags so the pieces don't get lost. Again get all kinds; big ones, small ones, wooden ones, magnet ones, and there are some really cool ones that are three dimenstional for families with older kids. And the last basket you fill you are going to want games. Again if you have some games that might have alot of pieces get baggies to help keep things together. Don't hold back on this one either. The only limitation I would give you is to make sure all the games are educational. The fourth basket is optional, my youngest needed extra play toys around to help him sit still during reading time, so I would fill that particular basket with quiet toys he could play with while I read.
Now that you have your baskets full you can get started. You want to find a comfy corner in your house. Somewhere possibly near a couch or an open corner where you can place the baskets and a couple of bean bags. Make it your own, decorate it up with your children's art maybe even add a color mat to the area so your kids know this is their special spot. Set a approximate time, I am a very random person so it is hard for me to have a strict schedule. If you and your child/children like a stricter schedule then you can set that time. When that time comes go to your corner and just play. Get down on their level, read books, play with toys, put together puzzles, and for the most part spend time with your children.
Have fun and play!
I remember how important it was for me to play and have fun. It helped to instill in me a love for school and learning. When I started homeschooling my kids I really tried to do the same thing. Play games, read stories, put together puzzles, and interact as a family so they would know how to interact with others and to instill in them a love of learning. So young moms this is what I encourage you to do. First remember it is only kindergarten and you have a lot of years of "paperwork" to do with your kids.
Now with that said I want you to get three maybe even four baskets. One of the baskets fill with books of all kinds; big ones, small ones, wooden ones, soft ones, and maybe even some chapter books with pictures depending on the age of your kids. Another basket fill with puzzles. Now you are going to want to probably put them in gallon size bags so the pieces don't get lost. Again get all kinds; big ones, small ones, wooden ones, magnet ones, and there are some really cool ones that are three dimenstional for families with older kids. And the last basket you fill you are going to want games. Again if you have some games that might have alot of pieces get baggies to help keep things together. Don't hold back on this one either. The only limitation I would give you is to make sure all the games are educational. The fourth basket is optional, my youngest needed extra play toys around to help him sit still during reading time, so I would fill that particular basket with quiet toys he could play with while I read.
Now that you have your baskets full you can get started. You want to find a comfy corner in your house. Somewhere possibly near a couch or an open corner where you can place the baskets and a couple of bean bags. Make it your own, decorate it up with your children's art maybe even add a color mat to the area so your kids know this is their special spot. Set a approximate time, I am a very random person so it is hard for me to have a strict schedule. If you and your child/children like a stricter schedule then you can set that time. When that time comes go to your corner and just play. Get down on their level, read books, play with toys, put together puzzles, and for the most part spend time with your children.
Have fun and play!