How To Homeschool Kindergarten
- Brainz Magazine
- Jul 8, 2024
- 6 min read
Written by Amanda Schenkenberger, Homeschool Coach
Amanda Schenkenberger empowers homeschool moms to calm the chaos and confidently homeschool. Leveraging her experience as a homeschooled individual and mother of four, she helps families build strong bonds and achieve rigorous academics through her Homeschool Family Legacy programs.
That’s a big decision for your family, and I’m sure it wasn’t made lightly. Taking your child’s education into your own hands is a huge responsibility, and it’s natural to feel some pressure. But let me help you take a deep breath and relax: Kindergarten is hard to screw up.
As a homeschool mom of four boys, I'm in my fourth iteration of kindergarten, and I am convinced that, barring any severe, devastating circumstances, you and your child are going to make it through this journey just fine. Your child will likely learn to identify letters, maybe even the whole alphabet and their sounds. And if not, that’s okay—there’s still plenty of time to learn the basics.
Feeling a bit more at ease? Great! Today, I want to share my best tips for homeschooling kindergarten, and they might surprise you. But first, let me tell you a little story.
A tale of two kindergartners
Once upon a time, there was a homeschooled kindergartener who learned to read at three years old. His mother was incredibly proud and patted herself on the back for doing such a fine job. She bragged about her early reader whenever she had the chance and wore it like a badge of honor.
Then came her second child. Unlike his older brother, this child showed no interest in letters or learning from a book at three, four, or even five years old. All he wanted to do was “live naked in the woods” (his words, not mine). His lack of interest in learning was so prevalent that his mother had to bribe him with a ninja suit and nunchucks at five and a half years old just to get him to learn the names of his letters.
Feeling defeated, she decided to let her little wild thing play and be in the woods. And then, something magical happened. At six years old, this wild child picked up a book and began reading aloud. He didn’t stop. Fast forward a few years, and at age nine, he was reading young adult fiction and scoring at collegiate reading levels.
The lesson? It’s really hard to screw up teaching kindergarten. Children learn at their own pace, and as long as we continually offer valuable information in meaningful ways, they will learn.
The real pressure of homeschooling
I’m sure you’ve guessed by now that I’m the mom in the story. It’s funny to look back on those two years of trying to teach kindergarten, only to have my child blossom in his own time. I remember being desperate for my second-born to learn how to read. The interesting thing was, I wasn’t desperate for him—I was desperate for me.
I was worried about how I would look as a homeschool parent of a five-year-old who couldn’t identify his letters. What would people think? “She must be neglectful,” “See, I told you homeschooling is a joke,” or “She’s a bad teacher; she should send him to public school.” When we choose homeschooling, we can feel a lot of pressure to perform through our kids, as if their academic excellence reflects our quality as teachers.
You aren’t qualified
The truth is, I wasn’t concerned about my son’s abilities or intelligence; I was concerned about myself. This journey isn’t about proving anything to others. It’s about providing a loving, flexible learning environment for your child. Most homeschool parents want to provide this, but when push comes to shove, meeting academic markers often takes priority because they are trackable and “feel good” for the parent.
There’s no test that measures a love of learning or the desire to read. In these early years, milestones can mean very little because there is such a vast spectrum of what is considered normal for kindergarteners to understand. That sneaky voice that whispers, “But you’re not a teacher,” can send our confidence into a downward spiral, leading us to frantically shuffle ABC flashcards, buy all the curriculum, bend our screen time rules for educational apps, and try bribery as a means of “helping our child learn” instead of trusting the process.
But here’s the thing: you are qualified for this role as teacher. You’ve already taught your adorable kindergartener how to feed themselves, dress themselves, and let’s not forget, how to use a potty. Learning ABCs, reading, and basic numbers is simply an extension of life skills. You are already teaching. You are already a teacher.
If you hear that annoying little voice, tell it to shush rand remind yourself that it’s really hard to screw up kindergarten. As we delve into some practical tips for homeschooling kindergarten, remember that you are now stepping into the role of Educator. You are qualified because you’ve already taught your child a thing or two. Embrace that with confidence and joy.
Practical tips for how to homeschool kindergarten
1. Focus on the basics
Reading, writing, and numbers are the foundational skills to focus on at this age. There are numerous curricula designed to guide you and your little one through a fun and interactive learning journey that promotes both play and formal learning of letters and numbers. Don’t underestimate the power of play-based learning—it's one of the reasons my second son blossomed into a proficient reader.
Remember to celebrate the wonders of nature with your child. Watch the weather, pick up rolly pollies, and jump in puddles. Feel the cool breeze on your skin, listen to the waves crashing on the shore, and smell the rich scents of summer as the wind rustles through the fields and trees. Be in the moment. Being present is a gift, so give it to one another.
2. Follow their interests
Lean into your child's natural curiosity with enthusiasm and dedication. Value their questions and interests, and you’ll help them develop a lifelong love of learning. Remember, these interests might last six months or six minutes, but by slowing down and showing that curiosity is worth the time and effort, you’re nurturing a fundamental trait for their growth.
Exploration in the pursuit of knowledge has led to some of the greatest advancements in history. Think of the discovery of the Americas, Galileo’s telescope, and the development of the scientific method by Francis Bacon and René Descartes. These breakthroughs were born from curiosity and a relentless desire to explore.
So, visit the library, explore different topics, go to museums, and let their interests guide your lessons. By doing this, you're not only teaching them facts but also how to be curious, to question, and to explore the world around them.
3. Keep it flexible
Young children thrive on a flexible schedule that allows plenty of time for exploration and play. Rather than adhering to rigid timetables, think of your day in terms of rhythms and routines.
Establish a consistent flow of activities that provide structure without the pressure of exact times.
For instance, start with a morning routine that includes breakfast, reading, and outdoor play, followed by focused learning in the late morning. Afternoons can be reserved for creative projects, science experiments, or nature walks. This approach allows you to adapt to your child’s needs and interests, making learning more enjoyable and reinforcing the idea that their curiosity is valued. If you need help creating a schedule like this, I have a free training just for you! Register for Whiny & Resistant: How to Reduce Pushback in Young Learners by clicking here.
Embrace the fluidity that homeschooling offers by paying attention to when your child is most engaged and eager to learn. Incorporate plenty of unstructured playtime, which is crucial for their development, and use everyday moments as learning opportunities.
Cooking together can become a lesson in measurements, while a walk in the park can spark discussions about nature. This flexibility not only helps ensure your child remains engaged and teaches them that learning happens everywhere, it also avoids frustration and creates a more dynamic and enriching learning environment. Balancing routine with spontaneity fosters a love of learning that can last a lifetime.
4. Enjoy the journey
Remember, learning how to homeschool kindergarten is just the beginning. Celebrate the small victories and cherish this special time of discovery and learning together. By making learning meaningful and creating positive, connected learning memories, you are laying the foundation for a lifetime love of learning. Take joy in the little moments—whether it's your child finally grasping a new concept or simply enjoying a story together. These experiences are not only educational but also emotionally enriching, strengthening your bond and making education a joyous part of your family's life.
I recently asked my children what made them love reading and learning, and they unanimously said, “Because I did it with you.” Cue the waterworks.
So, learn together. Enjoy each other. Embrace the process. Watch your child flourish in this nurturing learning environment and remember, it’s hard to screw up kindergarten.
Ready to get started?
As a mom of four boys and a homeschool coach with over 20 years of experience, I truly understand the ups and downs of this journey. I’ve walked this path myself, facing the same challenges and celebrating the same victories. My passion is to help you create a nurturing environment where your children can thrive and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Imagine a homeschooling experience where every day is filled with joy and discovery. With the Easy Button Christian Homeschool Program, designed for children K-5, we can make homeschooling effortless and enjoyable. This program is crafted to help you nurture lifelong learners, engaged readers, and happy homeschoolers with a simple, proven system. It’s not just about teaching; it’s about building a solid foundation of love for learning that will last a lifetime.
Ready to get started? Let’s chat! Schedule your free homeschool consultation today, and together, we’ll create a personalized plan to make homeschooling seamless and enriching for your family.
Let’s build a homeschooling environment where every moment is an opportunity for growth and connection, where learning is a joyful part of your family’s life. Together, we can make this homeschooling journey not just successful, but truly fulfilling for you and your child.
Read more from Amanda Schenkenberger
Amanda Schenkenberger, Homeschool Coach
Amanda Schenkenberger is a dedicated homeschool coach and mother of four boys, leveraging her personal experience as a former homeschooled individual to empower other moms. Through her Homeschool Family Legacy programs, Amanda helps families transform chaos into confidence, fostering strong bonds and academic excellence. With a focus on creating supportive schedules and nurturing joyful connections, she guides moms in educating curious minds and cultivating courageous spirits. Amanda's mission is to help families experience freedom and fun without compromising their children's futures. Join her community and discover the transformative power of confident homeschooling.
References:
