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What to Do When Your Preschooler Doesn’t Want to Do Homeschool Work

Your preschooler is refusing to do a homeschool preschool lesson.

Here are some ideas of how to figure out what is wrong and what to do.

What to Do When Your Preschooler Doesn’t Want to Do Homeschool Work

This article may contain affiliate links to products that may help you when homeschooling preschool.

Introduction

Homeschooling a preschooler isn’t always rainbows and unicorns.

Preschoolers are still little people trying to navigate a big world.

Their actions are a way they use to communicate with you that something isn’t quite right.

Try out the ideas below to get your homeschool preschool lessons back on track.

I’m Not Listening

Each child is different, but there are some behaviors that kids generally exhibit when they are feeling frustrated or confused.

Is your preschooler throwing a tantrum?

Yelling?

Throwing things?

Kicking or biting?

Crossing his arms?

Stomping?

Running away?

These are all signs that your little love bug may be a bit too overwhelmed.

When your little one gets to this stage of frustration, pushing them to continue with homeschool preschool lessons isn’t going to end well.

Most kids have ‘turned off’ their listening ears and are only focused on getting their bodies out of the stressful environment.

What to Do When Your Preschooler Doesn’t Want to Do Homeschool Work

Figure Out Why

There are many reasons why your little one might be acting out.

Hunger, stress, being tired, change in schedule, being bored, or not being developmentally ready for the homeschool preschool lessons are all reasons your preschooler may refuse to do work.

Ditch the Homeschool Preschool Lesson in Favor of Fun

Once your little one has shown you he isn’t ready for his homeschool preschool lessons, there are still many things you can do with him that he will still learn from.

Here are some ideas:

Play Outside

Something about the sun and fresh air help to reset your little one.

Go for a Walk or Puddle Stomp

The exercise will help your preschooler to improve focus and to get his heart pumping.

If there are puddles, let him puddle jump.

Not only good for large motor skills but also great for lightening his mood.

Bake

Who doesn’t love making (and eating) a yummy treat?

Think of all the math and listening skills that are required in baking!

Dance

Turn up the music and start moving your feet.

When he sees you dancing, he is sure to either laugh or join in.

Maybe both.

What to Do When Your Preschooler Doesn’t Want to Do Homeschool Work

Dramatic Play

Taking a step back and taking on a different role is a great way to get your little one to think about something other than his homeschool preschool lessons.

Dramatic play is a perfect way for your little one to try out new things (and new ways of communicating) and to see how it is received by someone else.

Play a Game

Let your little one pick out his favorite game and have some one-on-one time with you in a less stressful environment.

Hide and Seek is a favorite in our house.

Do a Science Experiment

Hands-on and (sometimes) messy activities will lighten most kids’ moods.

Most experiments can be done again and again.

After experimenting once, let him lead the way to show you what he is wondering about and how he wants the experiment to work the next time.

If you need ideas, search our website.

We have many different ones ready for you!

Create a Craft

Let those creative juices flow as your preschooler does a craft.

If you are looking for ideas, we have many different crafts on our website.

What to Do When Your Preschooler Doesn’t Want to Do Homeschool Work

It’s Okay Either Way

Homeschooling a preschooler isn’t always easy.

He may not always want to do your homeschool preschool lessons no matter how fun you make it.

Your little one is learning how to deal with big emotions and he is counting on you to help him.

After taking a few minutes to calm yourself, help your little one to calm down by trying out some of these ideas.

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