Starting the homeschool journey with young children can feel both exciting and overwhelming. If you’re like I was in the beginning, you scoured the internet and read countless articles, heard very conflicting advice and now you’re wondering: Where do I even begin?
The good news is that homeschooling preschool and kindergarten-age children is far more flexible and fun than you might think. Here’s my best advice to help you kick off this beautiful learning adventure in a way that feels right for you and your family. Plus I’ve included some tried and true ways for you to take the lead starting today!
When it comes to homeschooling little ones, remember: playing is learning! At this age, there’s no need to rush into a rigid curriculum or feel pressure to replicate a traditional classroom. Instead, focus on creating an environment that encourages their natural curiosity, supports exploration, and is full of playtime.
When I first started teaching Ellie at home, I was so excited, a little to excited. I bought every workbook off the shelf at Barnes and Noble. And wow what a waste of money that was! All she kept wanting to do was wander off to play with her toys, and I quickly realized I was pushing too much too soon. One day, while we were building a tower with blocks, I casually asked her to count how many blocks we had. She counted every single one, without any prompting! That’s when I realized that play-based learning was just as powerful as any structured lesson.
Take Action: Start by introducing learning through play. Incorporate counting, letter recognition, and problem-solving into everyday activities like building blocks, playing with toy cars, or baking together. Let your child lead the way, and see what they gravitate towards.
One of the most common concerns I hear is, “How do I structure my day?” My advice: Don’t! The key is to keep it flexible but consistent. Young children thrive on routine, but that doesn’t mean your day has to be structured like a 9-5 job.
When James was in kindergarten, I tried setting up a strict schedule—math at 9 AM, reading at 10, and so on. It just didn’t work. He would lose focus quickly, get lost daydreaming and we’d both end up frustrated. I switched to a more flexible routine—morning reading on the couch while he snuggled with his blanket, followed by a short activity, then outdoor play. The moment I stopped watching the clock so closely, our days became much smoother, and learning felt more natural.
Take Action: Create a daily rhythm that fits your family’s style. Keep lessons short and focused, around 15-20 minutes, and allow plenty of breaks for free play or outdoor time. Find a balance between structure and flexibility that works for both you and your child.
At this age, children learn best by doing. Incorporate as many hands-on activities as possible. You can use sensory bins to practice counting, shape letters with playdough, or go on nature scavenger hunts to learn about the world around them.
One of the first hands-on experiences I set up for Ellie was a sensory bin with rice and small toy animals hidden inside. We practiced counting how many animals she could find. I’ll never forget how excited she got each time she pulled out a toy and counted out loud. I wasn’t teaching math in the traditional sense, but through this simple activity, she was learning how to count and recognize numbers while having a blast. I never would have known how much of an impact this simple activity could have on her learning experience.
Take Action: Try creating your own sensory bin or hands-on project. Use items like rice, beans, or pasta, and hide small toys or objects for your child to find and count. Incorporate playdough, nature walks, or puzzles to bring learning to life through touch and exploration.
Homeschooling isn’t just about academics. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to teach your child important life skills. Involve them in everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and organizing. Measuring ingredients while baking or sorting laundry by color counts as learning too!
I remember one afternoon, I was baking with James when he was around five. We were making banana bread, and I handed him the measuring cups. I turned it into a mini math lesson by asking, “How many scoops do we need?” He was so proud as he measured out exactly how much we needed of the flour and sugar. It didn’t feel like schoolwork, but in that moment, he was learning math, patience, and independence all at once.
Take Action: Bring your child into everyday tasks. Let them help with cooking, sorting laundry, or organizing toys. Ask them questions while doing these activities—“How many spoons do we need?” or “Can you find all the red socks?”—to gently reinforce concepts like counting, sorting, and measuring.
One of the beautiful aspects of homeschooling is the ability to follow your child’s interests. If your little one is obsessed with dinosaurs, turn that into a learning opportunity! Read dinosaur books, count toy dinos, and even create dinosaur crafts. Let their curiosity be your guide, and watch how excited they become about learning.
James went through a very long space phase when he was younger. Everything was about planets, stars, and rockets. I leaned into it—found space-themed books, created a simple solar system model with paper plates, and even did a rocket counting activity where we “launched” paper rockets by counting backwards from 10. He loved it, and he absorbed so much more than he would have from a traditional lesson plan.
Take Action: Pay attention to what excites your child and use that as the foundation for your lessons. Whether they love animals, cars, or superheroes, find ways to integrate those interests into your daily activities. The more they enjoy what they’re learning, the easier it will be to keep them engaged.
At the preschool and kindergarten stage, there’s no need to stress about formal assessments or grade levels. Children develop at their own pace, and homeschooling allows you to honor that. Focus on progress rather than perfection.
I remember worrying that Clara wasn’t picking up reading as quickly as her siblings did. I started doubting myself, wondering if I was doing something wrong. But then I took a step back and looked at all the progress she had made—she knew her letters, loved engaging in storytime, and was beginning to recognize sight words. She wasn’t behind, she was learning at her own pace. And that was perfectly fine.
Take Action: Instead of focusing on formal testing or worrying about grade levels, observe your child’s daily progress. Celebrate their small victories—whether it’s recognizing a new letter, counting to a higher number, or finishing an activity on their own. Trust that they’re learning, even if it’s not always super obvious.
Homeschooling can feel lonely, especially if you’re just starting out. I highly recommend finding a local homeschool group or connecting with other parents online. These communities can provide support, ideas, and resources. Plus, it’s a great way for your little ones to make friends!
When I first began homeschooling Ellie, I felt so isolated. I didn’t know anyone else who was homeschooling, and I was constantly second-guessing myself. Then I joined a local homeschool co-op, and let me tell you, it was a total game-changer. I met other moms who were just like me. Going through the same challenges, finding what works and doesn’t work. Having someone to talk to about all it made my plate seem not as full and a neat bonus was that Ellie made new friends too. It gave us both the community we needed to feel supported and encouraged.
Take Action: Look for local homeschool groups or online communities. Join a co-op, attend park meetups, or participate in library story hours. It’s a great way to connect with other families and give your child the positive social interactions they need.
Last but not least: enjoy this wonderful time together. Homeschooling allows you to spend quality time with your child during their most formative years. They won’t ever be this little again! You’ll get to witness their “aha” moments firsthand, and the bond you build through learning will be absolutely priceless.
Some of my favorite memories are those simple moments of discovery—when James finally wrote his name on his own, or when Clara counted all the way to 10 without skipping a single number. It wasn’t just about the milestone itself, but the look of pride on their faces when they realized what they had accomplished. Those are the moments I hold most dear to my heart.
Take Action: Slow down and enjoy the journey. Take photos, keep a journal, and just savor the small moments when your child learns something new. The memories you create together through homeschooling will truly last a lifetime.
Homeschooling your preschooler or kindergartener doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. With a little flexibility, some hands-on activities, and a whole lot of patience, you can create a learning experience that’s both fun and meaningful for your little ones.
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