Unlocking the Doors: The Preschool Years
Link to purchaseCornell Notes
Main Notes
- Preparation for reading, writing, and math starts at birth and continues through age 5
- Start with 10 minutes a day for each subject, gradually increase to 30 minutes by age 5
- Immerse child in language from birth: talk constantly, read aloud, limit TV
- Teach alphabet and letter sounds through songs, charts, and everyday activities
- Begin phonics instruction around age 4-5 using systematic approach
- Separate reading and writing instruction for young children
- Introduce math concepts through daily activities, games, and manipulatives
- Focus on informal teaching and preparation for first-grade work
- Reading instruction: use phonics-based approach, start with letter sounds, progress to blending
- Writing instruction: begin with proper pencil grip, counterclockwise circles, progress to letter formation
- Math instruction: count objects, play number games, introduce basic operations through daily activities
- Use age-appropriate resources like alphabet books, beginning readers, and math story books
- Incorporate science activities through simple experiments and observations
Cue Column
- How early should education begin?
- What's the recommended daily learning time for preschoolers?
- How can parents create a language-rich environment?
- When and how should alphabet instruction begin?
- What's the best approach to teaching reading?
- Should reading and writing be taught together?
- How can math be integrated into daily life?
- What's the goal of preschool education at home?
- What are the key steps in teaching reading?
- How should writing be introduced to young children?
- What math concepts should be covered in preschool?
- What resources are recommended for preschool learning?
- How can science be incorporated into preschool education?
Summary
The preschool years, from birth to age 5, are crucial for laying the foundation of a classical education. The chapter emphasizes the importance of creating a language-rich environment, with a focus on reading aloud, limiting TV time, and engaging in constant conversation with the child. It recommends a systematic approach to teaching reading through phonics, starting around age 4-5, while keeping reading and writing instruction separate initially.
For math, the chapter suggests integrating basic concepts into daily life through counting, games, and manipulatives. The overall approach is one of informal teaching, preparing the child for more formal first-grade work. The goal is to have the child reading fluently by the start of first grade, with a solid grasp of basic math concepts.
The chapter provides specific strategies for teaching reading, writing, and math, along with recommended resources such as phonics programs, beginning readers, and math story books. It also touches on incorporating simple science activities into the preschool curriculum.
The authors stress the simplicity of teaching reading and encourage parents to take on this task without feeling intimidated. They advocate for a balanced approach that includes both structured learning time and plenty of play and exploration.
Action Items
- Limit TV to 30 minutes per day for children under 5
- Talk frequently to child in complete sentences about daily activities
- Read books aloud daily, including picture books and longer books without pictures
- Ask questions about stories after reading them
- Record yourself reading books and stories for child to listen to
- Sing the alphabet song frequently
- Use alphabet charts or stencils on walls
- Read alphabet rhymes and books
- Start with consonant sounds
- Teach short vowel sounds
- Use games and activities to reinforce letter-sound connections
- Use a systematic phonics primer
- Practice reading for 5-15 minutes daily
- Read simple books together, helping child sound out words
- Use a beginning writing workbook when child has muscle coordination
- Teach proper letter formation using continuous stroke method
- Practice writing for 10 minutes, 3-5 times per week
- Count objects frequently
- Practice addition and subtraction in everyday contexts
- Introduce fractions through cooking and food
- Play number-based games like Uno
- Use math manipulatives for hands-on learning
- Do simple science experiments 1-2 times per week
- Read science-themed picture books
- Offer art activities like cutting, pasting, and coloring
- Play educational games
- Use activity guides for additional learning ideas
Resources
books
Handwriting Without Tears program
By: Jan Z. Olsen
Zaner-Bloser Handwriting series
By: Zaner-Bloser