How do you make homeschool preschool days count?
It may pleasantly surprise you what is expected when it comes to required days.
This article may contain affiliate links to products that may help you when homeschooling preschool.
Is Preschool Required?
Preschool isn’t a requirement in the United States.
Some parents give their kids a head start on learning (and school routine) by starting some lessons during the preschool years.
When they turn six, most states require kids to start formalized learning (whether homeschooled, private, or public school).
Check your state laws to see what age learning needs to be reported.
In most cases, you don’t need to create a homeschool portfolio for preschool, but, again, check with your state’s laws.
This article may contain affiliate links to products that may help you when homeschooling preschool.
Common Questions about Homeschool Preschool Days
How Many Days Do Elementary School Kids Need Each Year?
There are different homeschooling regulations depending on the state you live in.
For most states, 180 days or 900 hours are required for the homeschool year to count.
Parents usually use homeschool attendance sheets to keep track of their school days and submit them with their portfolios.
Can I Homeschool Preschool Only a Few Days A Week?
Because preschool isn’t required (or reported), homeschool preschool days can be structured in whatever way works for you and your family.
Half-day, full-day, and interest-led; all of them help your preschooler learn.
You can even try homeschooling year-round if that appeals to you!
What Counts Towards Homeschooling Preschool?
Great News!
Preschoolers learn best through PLAY.
Preschool is all about learning to navigate this big beautiful world and their bodies.
Letting your little ones interact with the world (going to the library, grocery shopping, even finding the bathroom at a restaurant) counts towards your homeschool preschool days.
Learning comes naturally to little ones—no need to stress.
Why Bother Homeschooling Preschool Then?
There are many benefits to homeschool preschool.
Days Have Structure
When starting to homeschool preschool, days can quickly turn uneventful without structure.
By having a routine, homeschooling parents can utilize the time to help their preschoolers develop lifelong skills.
Set the Foundation
The skills learned during the homeschool preschool days set the foundation for what will come.
Kids can’t add, subtract, read, or write without knowing numbers, letters, colors, or patterns.
The list goes on and on of how people use these foundational skills.
Communication
Throughout homeschool preschool days, kids can engage in meaningful conversations.
There are many ways to increase communication and vocabulary for preschoolers.
New words are sure to come up from reading together to engaging in dramatic play.
Love for Learning
By setting up science experiments, dramatic play areas, or a craft, kids will be eager to learn and participate.
Homeschooling preschool allows you to tailor these experiences for your little learners.
The result?
A love for learning.
Practice Problem Solving
Whether it be set tasks given by you or problems that come up through free play, having problems isn’t always a bad thing.
Kids learn to problem solve by doing it over and over (like most things).
Allow little ones to solve problems independently but be there to help if needed.
What Will I Do All Day with My Preschooler?
Storytime, pattern making, counting, and playing are only a few things you can do with your preschooler during your homeschool preschool days.
We have many different crafts, activities, and even homeschooling preschool schedules to help guide you.
Homeschooling in Preschool
Although homeschooling preschool isn’t mandatory, that doesn’t mean you can’t (or shouldn’t) do it.
There may be no legal requirements, but there are many benefits to homeschool preschool days.