"Preschool"

We plan on homeschooling our kids. We aren't entirely sure yet what that will look like, but I think we will lean more towards unschooling than traditional homeschooling, but really, I think we'll just be somewhere in the middle of the two.

This year we started a preschool homeschool cooperative with some local like-minded mamas and their kids. We meet once a week for an hour and a half to offer the kids some free playtime, do some songs, and then learn and explore something science related. Each mom takes a turn leading a lesson. This month's theme is weather and last week we did some learning and playing with tornadoes and this week it was rain.

Burkley with his tornado-in-a-bottle

A little "Old MacDonald" during circle time

Meanwhile at home, we aren't doing anything formal, though he does often ask to do "school books" and I let him do them on his own, helping only when/if he asks how a certain page is to be done. Mainly he just colors the pictures and traces the letters on each page. He has a few iPad apps that he enjoys playing that offer practice identifying letters and their sounds.

I'm not concerned with pushing him to learn any specific concepts at this age, but just going with the flow and pace that he sets for himself.

This morning at breakfast he asked to do schoolbooks while he ate. I let him, but then he got mad when I tried to take a picture. :) 

Our days are filled with lots and lots of playing and reading, which I know are the best ways for my little guy to learn. I'm excited that he's old enough to participate in a group that he enjoys, but that still allows time for us to just do our own thing throughout the week. I can't imagine not being there with him as he's learning and growing at this age and I'm thankful that we get to enjoy all of these experiences together!