The Paddock Family is about to embark on a new adventure! Home Preschool! It's going to be a work in progress- a learning journey for ALL of us. And we'd like for you to learn along with us.
The boys turn 3 this September and I can't tell you how many times I've been asked, "So are they starting preschool?!" I swear that lately I've heard it more than I've heard, "Are they twins?!" Yes. THAT much! But here's the thing: Jon and I have no idea how we feel about preschool. Do the boys really need it? Or is it something that is accepted and expected simply because it has become what we're expected to do. Sometimes I wonder if preschool is like the Kardashian's- famous for being famous but no one really knows why!
Here's what we DO know. There isn't a preschool on our radar that is going to teach the boys academically more than they are learning at home with us. We learn all day long- whether its counting the fruit we buy at the farm market or tracing letters in the sand at the beach- we are constantly learning. We also know that the boys socialize quite well for their age. We spend enough time at the park, on play dates, and with cousins and friends' kids for the boys to be learning and practicing age appropriate social skills. They go to gymnastics class once a week where they separate from each other and go their own ways in a structured social setting. Although formal preschool would be wonderful for extra practice, we don't feel the boys need it to learn how to socialize. At least not right now. And lastly, we know that we can't afford preschool. With me staying at home, we don't have much extra. And three hours, three days a week wouldn't be enough for me to go back to work- so the math just isn't going to add up!
So here we are- forging our own path. At first I was nervous to use the word "homeschool" in regards to our upcoming journey. We are not going to sit the boys down at a specific time each and every day and make them learn for a predetermined amount of time. We are not going to use any specific curriculum. We are not sure we will continue to homeschool past preschool. In fact, we're pretty certain we won't. But we are going to start making some of our learning experiences more formal. We are hoping to introduce the boys to some of the structure of the school setting. And we are doing all of this with hopes of fueling the flame that has already been sparked in our boys- their natural love of learning. Who knows how it will unfold? Who knows how it will effect each of us or our family as a whole? I don't know... but follow us to find out! We're planning to share our homeschooling preschool journey in our blog- follow us to laugh or follow us to learn! We hope to post pictures and even videos of our lessons along with some product reviews of some of our favorite learning tools. So sharpen your crayons- The Paddock Family Home Preschool is in session!!!
HomePreSchool
Caleb and Matthew
I would suggest that you look into a preschool co-op of some sort. I completely agree about the academics, and I know they do well socially. I actually think that for many kids, preschool is completely unnecessary. With that said, I think it would benefit the boys to spend some time away from home, away from mom and dad. They need to socialize with other kids AND other adults, out of the watchful eye of their parents, and in a setting where the dynamics are different than what they're used to. This can help further develop their character and social skills, in a positive way. It's all about getting those big brain synapses to fire every which way they can! With a co-op, you will still be highly involved, but the cost will be minimal (if anything), and they will still get the experiences of preschool. Just my opinion!
ReplyDeleteWhy does a 2 year old, going on 3, need to socialize with others AWAY from their parents? Do you have research to back that up?
DeleteI went to school with kids who did NOT go to preschool and those kids were fine when they entered K and 1st grade.