What to Do When Your Preschool Curriculum Isn’t Working
When the curriculum is not working, it can be frustrating (to say the least). Here are some tips to help you get back homeschooling preschool.
First Things First
Not all curriculums will work for your preschooler. There. I said it.
Keep your chin up, Mama.
How well a curriculum works does not indicate how you are as a teacher or how well your little one is at being a homeschooler.
When the curriculum is not working, some things need to be tweaked.
Here are some things to do when your curriculum is not working.
Things to Do When Your Curriculum Is Not Working
Assess and Reflect
If you have identified that your curriculum is not working, you are already starting to assess and reflect!
Take note of when your little one starts to give you pushback on doing schoolwork. These areas may be the part that they don’t like.
As you reflect, discuss with your preschooler what they like and don’t like about the curriculum.
Are the lessons too involved or too long?
Is your little one sitting for an extended period?
Is there too much to prepare before starting the lessons?
Having a list of pressure points will help you find a curriculum that is a better fit.
Adjust Your Expectations
Preschoolers can only sit for however old they are, that number in minutes. So, if your little one is three, they can be expected to sit still for three minutes.
Even then, some struggle to stay sitting.
Let your little one get up and move about.
If your curriculum isn’t already hands-on and includes movement, try adding some of these things.
Incorporate Play Based Learning
Play-based learning is a research-backed practice for preschoolers. Kids learn and retain best through play.
PLAY IS IMPORTANT
When we say “play-based learning,” we mean letting your preschooler choose what and how to play it. Encourage them to continue to play. Let them explore, inquire, and problem-solve in the world around them.
The good news: No extra work or preparations are needed from you!
Try a New Routine
The problem may not be the curriculum itself. It may be the time you are trying to use it. Finding the sweet spot when your little one likes to homeschool preschool can be tricky.
Some kids like doing school in the morning, others prefer to do it after rest time.
If you can, try doing your schoolwork at a different time of the day to see if it makes any difference.
We love doing our preschool work after playing outside for a bit. The kids come inside having used some of their energy and are ready for a snack and to get to work.
Utilize Resources
Set your curriculum aside and try using some other resources. Books, apps, educational shows, and free printables can all help your little one continue to learn and grow while you are problem-solving if the curriculum is the issue.
Focus on Interests
Who could resist lessons about their favorite things? Preschool lessons can be tailored to nearly any interest.
Use the toys that match that interest (like toy trucks) to bring lessons alive.
You can also tailor-make lessons to learn more about the topic of choice.
Make Learning Hands On
Instead of sitting and doing worksheet after worksheet, get your little one up and moving.
Try taking music breaks throughout the day. For ideas on where to start, check out this post about Music and Movement.
Go to parks, the library, the zoo, or other places to inspire your little one to learn. It all counts as school. 😉
Choose a New Curriculum
If all else fails, find a new curriculum. Because you have reflected on the curriculum that is not working, you know what to look for (and avoid) in a new curriculum.
If worksheets aren’t working, look for a curriculum that isn’t worksheet-based.
If the lessons are too long, try breaking them up. If that still doesn’t work, find a curriculum with shorter lessons.
Think about your needs as a teacher, too. Your precious time is valuable, so if you don’t want to prepare lessons, find a curriculum that is already prepared for you or one that doesn’t require preparation.
Curriculum Is Not Working, Now What?
Hopefully, this post has eased your mind as you have read about what to do when your curriculum is not working. Not all curriculums will work for your little one, and that’s okay!
