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

Simply Charlotte Mason Podcast

4 Jun 201940:00

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe Simply Charlotte Mason Podcast discusses the importance of informal learning for preschoolers. Host Sonya Shafer and guests Jenn Faas and Laura Pitney share insights on nurturing habits, routines, and creativity without formal lessons. They emphasize the value of exploration, sensory experiences, and engaging children in everyday activities to lay a strong foundation for future learning.

Takeaways

🌟 The primary job of a preschool child is to explore and make sense of the world around them, forming crucial brain connections for future learning.
🌱 Charlotte Mason advocated for six years of 'quiet growing time' before starting formal lessons, emphasizing the importance of a child's natural development.
👂 The podcast hosts, all experienced homeschoolers, share personal experiences and tips on managing and educating preschool children at home.
🏠 Creating a home environment that fosters good habits and routines is essential, even if it means informal play and games that teach obedience and direction.
📅 Establishing daily 'anchors' like snack times can provide structure and reset moments in the day, which is especially important with young children.
🔄 Routine is different from a strict schedule; it's about having a flow to the day without being tied to a clock, which can be too rigid for preschoolers.
🧩 Being prepared with a variety of activities is key, as is making a list of possible activities that children can choose from to give them a sense of agency.
⏱ Using visual timers helps children understand the concept of time and can be a useful tool for managing activities and transitions.
👨‍👧‍👦 Including preschoolers in age-appropriate chores around the house is a great way to teach responsibility and keep them engaged in daily life.
🎨 Encouraging creativity through open-ended crafts, rather than pre-made kits, allows children to explore their imagination and develop fine motor skills.
🌳 Taking children outdoors for exploration and play is beneficial for their development and can also provide a welcome change of scenery for parents.

Q & A

What is the main focus of preschool education according to the Simply Charlotte Mason Podcast?
-The main focus of preschool education, as discussed in the podcast, is to allow children to explore their surroundings and make sense of the world around them through the use of their five senses. This helps in forming crucial connections in their brain, preparing them for later challenges like formal school work.
What does Charlotte Mason encourage for young children before starting formal lessons?
-Charlotte Mason encourages giving young children a full six years of quiet growing time before starting formal lessons, emphasizing the importance of exploration and sensory experiences over formal education during the preschool years.
What is the significance of the quote 'the days are long, but the years are short' in the context of preschool education?
-The quote serves as a reminder for parents to stay motivated and invested in their preschoolers' development, acknowledging that while days with young children might feel long, the years pass quickly, and the early years are crucial for laying a strong foundation.
How can habits be taught to preschool children through games and activities?
-Habits can be taught to preschool children through games that emphasize direction and obedience, such as playing games that require following instructions and engaging in activities that reinforce good habits in a fun and interactive way.
Why is having a routine important for preschoolers, and how is it different from having a strict schedule?
-Having a routine is important for preschoolers as it provides consistency and predictability, which helps them feel secure. A routine is more about the sequence of activities throughout the day, whereas a strict schedule is tied to specific times, which can be more challenging to maintain with young children.
What are some practical ways to involve preschoolers in daily chores and activities?
-Preschoolers can be involved in daily chores by assigning them age-appropriate tasks such as folding socks, restocking toilet paper, or helping with simple kitchen tasks. This not only keeps them engaged but also teaches them responsibility and valuable life skills.
How can parents create a sense of choice and autonomy for preschoolers in their activities?
-Parents can create a sense of choice for preschoolers by allowing them to pick from a list of activities or by giving them options within a task. This helps children feel more in control and committed to the activities they choose.
What is the purpose of using a visual timer with preschoolers, and how can it help them?
-A visual timer helps preschoolers understand the concept of time by showing them how much time they have left for an activity. It provides a visual representation of time passing, which can help them feel more in control and prepared for transitions between activities.
Why is it beneficial for preschoolers to engage in outdoor activities and outings?
-Engaging in outdoor activities and outings is beneficial for preschoolers as it provides a change of scenery, stimulates their senses, and encourages exploration and learning through interaction with the natural environment. It also helps in developing motor skills and a love for nature.
How can parents lay the foundation for literacy and numeracy skills informally during the preschool years?
-Parents can lay the foundation for literacy and numeracy skills by reading ABC books, engaging in nursery rhymes, counting objects during daily activities, and playing educational games. These informal methods help children develop an interest in letters, numbers, and language in a fun and natural way.
What advice would the podcast hosts give to a new parent of a preschooler regarding their approach to education?
-The podcast hosts would advise new parents to love their children fully, see them as individuals, and invest in building a strong relationship with them. They also suggest starting with one or two habits or activities, such as going on outings or creating a craft box, and gradually building more habits as the child grows.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Preschool Exploration and Habit Formation

The podcast episode begins with a discussion on the importance of exploration for preschoolers and the role of habit formation in their early development. Sonya Shafer, along with Jenn Faas and Laura Pitney, emphasize that young children should be given time to grow and explore before formal lessons begin. They share their experiences with preschool children in their homes, highlighting the significance of routines and habits over strict schedules. The conversation touches on the value of informal play and family involvement in nurturing good habits in young children.

05:02

📚 Establishing Routines and Preparing for Activities

This paragraph focuses on the practical aspects of managing preschoolers' daily routines. The hosts discuss the importance of having a flow to the day, rather than a strict schedule, and the value of being prepared with activities that children can engage in. They share strategies for involving children in household chores and activities, such as using bins of toys and visual timers to manage time. The conversation also highlights the benefits of giving children choices in their activities to foster a sense of responsibility and commitment.

10:02

👶 Including Preschoolers in Daily Chores and Activities

The discussion continues with ideas on how to involve preschoolers in everyday tasks and chores. The hosts share personal anecdotes on how they incorporated their young children into activities like laundry folding and kitchen tasks. They emphasize the importance of finding ways to include children in age-appropriate chores, which not only keeps them engaged but also teaches them valuable life skills. The conversation also touches on the benefits of outdoor activities and how they can be incorporated into a preschooler's routine.

15:05

🏡 Managing Time and Space with Preschoolers

In this segment, the hosts delve into strategies for managing time and space when preschoolers are around. They discuss the challenges of keeping children occupied and the importance of having a plan for when they need some space. Ideas such as trading off childcare with friends, seeking out activities that can be done outside the home, and using outdoor spaces for play are shared. The conversation highlights the need for a balance between structured activities and free play.

20:05

🌳 Outdoor Learning and Creative Play

The hosts explore the benefits of outdoor learning and creative play for preschoolers. They share personal experiences of engaging their children in nature walks, observing changes in their yard, and using simple materials for creative activities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of informal learning through exploration and play, such as using matchbox cars and reading books outdoors. The hosts also discuss the value of incorporating music, poetry, and crafts into a preschooler's daily routine.

25:09

🎨 Encouraging Creativity and Outdoor Play

This paragraph focuses on the importance of creativity and outdoor play in a preschooler's development. The hosts discuss strategies for setting up creative spaces both indoors and outdoors, such as craft boxes and outdoor play areas. They share ideas on how to encourage children to engage in imaginative play with simple materials like boxes and discuss the benefits of allowing children to explore and create freely. The conversation also touches on the value of including older siblings in play activities with younger children.

30:09

🐒 Balancing Outings and Informal Learning

The hosts discuss the importance of balancing structured outings with informal learning opportunities for preschoolers. They share anecdotes about spontaneous trips to the zoo and the benefits of planning outings in advance. The conversation covers ideas for economical outings, such as free museum days and using passes as gifts. The hosts also emphasize the value of social interaction and the importance of finding a balance between planned activities and spontaneous adventures.

35:12

📚 Laying the Foundation for Learning

In the final paragraph, the hosts address the common concern about preschoolers learning ABCs and 123s. They discuss informal ways to introduce letters and numbers to children, such as through play and everyday activities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of not pushing formal schooling too early and instead focusing on building a strong foundation through reading, nursery rhymes, and simple games. The hosts also share their thoughts on the pressure from others to start formal education early and the importance of trusting the process.

🙏 Advice for New Preschool Parents

The episode concludes with advice for new parents of preschoolers. The hosts encourage new moms to love their children fully, invest time in building relationships, and not feel pressured to start formal education. They suggest starting with small steps, such as forming one habit at a time, and finding support from like-minded moms. The conversation highlights the importance of grace and patience in parenting, and the value of community and support networks.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Preschool

Preschool refers to an early childhood education program designed for children before they enter primary school, typically for children aged 3 to 5. In the video, the theme revolves around the idea of what preschool should look like according to the Charlotte Mason approach, emphasizing exploration, sensory learning, and the development of crucial brain connections without the pressure of formal schooling.

💡Charlotte Mason

Charlotte Mason was a British educator whose educational philosophy emphasized the importance of the natural world, living books, and the cultivation of habits. In the script, her approach is discussed as a guide for nurturing preschool children, focusing on a 'quiet growing time' before the start of formal lessons.

💡Sensory Exploration

Sensory exploration is the process of learning and understanding the world through the use of one's five senses. The video script mentions this concept as a fundamental job for preschool children, which helps them form crucial neural connections that prepare them for future learning challenges.

💡Habits

Habits, in the context of the video, refer to the routine behaviors and practices that are instilled in children from an early age. The script discusses the importance of developing good habits in preschool children, such as obedience and participation in games, which serve as a foundation for their later life.

💡Routine

Routine in the video script denotes a sequence of activities that are performed regularly, providing a sense of order and predictability in a child's day. It is distinguished from a strict schedule and is seen as a way to maintain consistency without the inflexibility of set times.

💡Consistency

Consistency is the principle of maintaining a regular pattern of activities or behaviors. In the script, it is highlighted as a key aspect of establishing routines and habits for preschool children, which helps them feel secure and understand what to expect next in their day.

💡Visual Timer

A visual timer is a tool used to help children understand the concept of time by showing a visible countdown, often through color changes. In the script, it is mentioned as a homeschool tool that assists young children in grasping time management and knowing when an activity is about to end.

💡Informal Learning

Informal learning occurs outside of structured educational settings and is self-directed or part of everyday life. The video script discusses various ways to facilitate informal learning for preschool children, such as through play, exploration, and interaction with their environment, rather than through formal lessons.

💡Nature Study

Nature study is an educational method that involves the observation and study of the natural world. The script touches on the idea of incorporating nature into a preschooler's life by going outside and observing changes in the environment, which lays the groundwork for a deeper understanding of science and the world.

💡Craft Box

A craft box is a collection of art supplies and materials that children can use for creative expression. In the video, the concept of a craft box is introduced as a way to encourage preschool children to engage in open-ended creative activities, using items like paper tubes and scissors, rather than following strict craft kits.

💡Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes are traditional poems or songs for children, often with a simple, catchy rhythm and rhyme scheme. The script mentions nursery rhymes as a foundational tool for language development, helping children hear the difference in word sounds, which is essential for later reading skills.

💡Outings

Outings refer to leaving the home to engage in activities outside, such as visiting the library, park, or zoo. The video script discusses the benefits of regular outings for preschool children, which provide a change of scenery, social interaction, and learning opportunities in a relaxed, informal context.

Highlights

The importance of preschool children exploring their surroundings and making sense of the world to form crucial brain connections for future challenges.

Charlotte Mason's encouragement to allow children a full six years of quiet growing time before starting formal lessons.

The significance of establishing a routine rather than a strict schedule for young children to maintain consistency and flexibility.

Using games to teach children important habits and obedience in a playful manner.

The value of having 'anchors' in the day, such as snack times, to provide structure and reset moments in the daily routine.

The concept of 'flow' in the daily schedule, where children understand what comes next without a rigid timetable.

The necessity of being prepared with activities that children can engage in, especially during moments of meltdown or unproductivity.

Involving children in household chores as a way to teach responsibility and keep them occupied.

The use of visual timers to help children understand and manage time during activities.

The benefits of including preschoolers in age-appropriate chores to develop motor skills and listening abilities.

Finding creative ways to engage children in outdoor activities to stimulate their curiosity and love for nature.

The idea of trading off childcare with other parents to allow for adult conversations and personal breathing time.

Utilizing public resources like libraries and parks for educational outings and to break the monotony of home.

The importance of not rushing formal schooling and allowing children to develop naturally through play and exploration.

Incorporating music, poetry, and creative play into children's daily lives as informal learning opportunities.

The role of parents in cultivating a love for learning and providing a rich environment for exploration and discovery.

The advice for new parents to trust the process, seek support from like-minded individuals, and focus on building a strong relationship with their child.

Transcripts

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Related Tags

Preschool Education Charlotte Mason Homeschooling Child Development Parenting Tips Sensory Exploration Habit Formation Play-based Learning Early Childhood Educational Podcast