What Should I Do with My Preschooler? Charlotte Mason preschool ideas!

If you're not supposed to do formal lessons, what should you do with preschool and kindergarten children? Sonya Shafer, Laura Pitney, and Jenn Faas discuss several ideas in this mega-episode of the Simply Charlotte Mason podcast.
// FOR MORE
Our Preschool Life
ourpreschool.life
Delightful Reading Kits
simplycharlottemason.com/stor...
// FOLLOW
Instagram: / simplycharlottemason
Facebook News: / simplycm
SCM Facebook Group: / 1445273695729787
Pinterest: / simplycm
Twitter: / simplycm
SCM Forum: simplycharlottemason.com/scmf...
Subscribe
Listen to the audio version of the podcast
simplycharlottemason.com/blog...
Read the blog post version of the podcast
simplycharlottemason.com/blog...
Upcoming Events
simplycharlottemason.com/even...
Contact
Simply Charlotte Mason
930 New Hope Road #11-892
Lawrenceville, GA 30045
simplycharlottemason.com/cont...

[@rebaseymour1810]

Great suggestions. For my preschooler, I had set days for an activity. Make & Bake Monday, To Town Tuesday (An outing or play date like Zoo, Children’s Museum, Library or Pool), Walk Wednesday (Early Nature Study & Observation) Tinker Thursday (I would play what they wanted to play - I really struggled playing pet shop, dolls and tea time. I could do it once a week though) & Fun Friday (Seasonal - Crafts or Park & Ice Cream) Early Mornings equaled Mommy & Me...so they’d have their “love tanks” filled using the routine above and I could accomplish a task in the late morning. Afternoons were “stories & snuggles” and naps... Late afternoons was called free play. No mommies allowed. It was so I could accomplish a few tasks and they learned to entertain and learn by themselves (future independent studies and personal interest) Evenings were family time and responsibilities.

[@Ffiisscchhssoonngg]

As a mom of two boys 3 & 2 I feel so blessed to have discovered Charlotte Mason along the way. I am quickly falling in love with her method and adore this channel. I want this for my boys, it is beautiful.🥰

[@GGlovescj]

You made me cry with that quote “ the days are long but the years are short “ it hit home for me . I have a newborn with colic and it’s been difficult enjoying teaching lately . It’s been more of struggle than a joy of what it used to be . Thank you so much for reminding me why I homeschooled . I always tell everyone, that asks why I homeschool “ the reason I decided to homeschool is because I don’t want to miss a thing , a moment a smile a laugh , I want to remember them all and I want to enjoy my children . I don’t want to be an old lady living with regret that I allowed someone else to see and live those moments “

[@StorybookHouse]

At the start of each season, I take the library events pamphlet and add everything I might be interested in doing with my 4 children (ages 7, 4, 3, 3) to my calendar. I also add other free or super cheap events from other venues (church activities, parks events, wading pool, community activities, Keepers of the Faith, museum promotiins, botanical garden promotions, ethnic festivals, other things listed on city websites). Then, every day we have the option of doing those events, or not. Depending on the flow of the day and mood of the little ones that day. But we always have options so we don't go stir crazy.

[@jennyb.6847]

This is SO helpful, and I just love being a part of the chat with you ladies...you are so uplifting and sweetly encouraging. Thank you!

[@alishaberrey5114]

This is so encouraging and freeing! CM has really lifted the burden I feel to start formal academics. We planted a garden this summer and my children have really excelled. We also walk around our neighborhood and we have learned about all kinds of plants that grow here. We have Chinese tallow and plan to make candles from its berries come fall.

[@jmsilhavy]

Thank you for this. I really needed to hear these things today. I have a 16 yo I homeschool, but I also have a 3yo. It's been so long and with me having a background in teaching pre-K in public school I have a unwanted push from friends and an inner critic who feels my little one should be doing so much more. This video solidified that what I was doing is great! I love being able to teach him in the moment by doing fun activities such as nature walks, crafts, baking, and visits to the library, museums or zoos. Thank you so much, you calmed my heart.

[@amandazielinski3247]

I needed this reminder!!! I have many little people still and they can certainly become overwhelming! My children are 10, 8, nearly 7, 5, 4, 3 and 2 (only one of them is a girl). I find it difficult to teach chores sometimes with so many hands wanting to help!

[@amandalashley3819]

I planned on doing all play based learning activities for my preschoolers with the very occasional workbook page thrown in. Turns out my preschoolers are workbook junkies and want to do several pages every day😂 I'm following their lead on this, if they get tired of workbooks I won't push it on them. But it's been a great way for us to get some one on one.

[@nicoletaincze7614]

Ohh, this was God to find this Channel!!! 😍😍😍😍

[@rebaseymour1810]

😂I’m laughing so hard. Yes, I’m a timer junky too. I have 1 per room in our house and 3 in our kitchen. It’s particularly helpful for a not so favorite task and knowing they only have to do something they don’t like for 5, 10 or 15 minutes. It’s created sanity, rhythm, routines and schedules.

[@ceciled6527]

One of the best videos. So helpful thank you.

[@kimpozo3514]

I'm going to start craft box this week for grandkids. Thnks for sharing

[@gabrielamcb9157]

Truly a blessing all this ideas and advice ❤

[@lapetitefleur7844]

Mes idées d’activité :

[@elizabethkenyon1263]

Thanks for the reminder. This was all very natural with my first 2 boys, but then homeschool happened. Now I'm on my 3rd preschool kid and I keep thinking I need something for her for school. No, she's fine.

[@elizabethbenozer6237]

Good overall advice. My one big pointer would be to see your young children as capable. Each family will do what feels right for them but in our home we don’t have any plastic dishes or cups. We have a 4 and 1.5 year old and they understand what it means to handle glass and the consequences when you aren’t careful. Our 4 year old has been using a knife since he was 2 and has never cut himself. He chops up vegetables for salad, soup, makes himself sandwiches. It’s important to see your children as capable. Supervise them but take healthy risks too. The more capable that you realize they are the more involved they can be and the more opportunities for them to explore. The other thing I cannot relate to in this video is the comment that the days are so long. I blink my eye and the whole day has passed. We do have a farm which keeps us very busy and live in the country so there are an overwhelming number of opportunities for exploration which I imagine would be more difficult in the city.

[@anaf.848]

This video was a gift to listen to. I feel such a weight just lifting right off my shoulders. Thank you.

[@lauriemogianesi3571]

Thank you for the insight and tips.

[@anamikasharma537]

So many great ideas. Thanks