Parents’ Guide to Teaching Preschool & Kindergarten at Home

Parents’ guide in teaching preschool and kindergarten at home. Know the effective learning materials for language & literacy, math, science, social-emotional skills, and arts to support early childhood education.

Table of Contents

1. Is Early Childhood Education Important?

2. Areas of Focus of Preschool & Kindergarten Curriculum

   • Language & Literacy

   • Math & Problem-Solving

   • Science & Curiosity Exploration

   • Social-Emotional Skills

   • Arts & Physical Development

3. Tips for Preschool & Kindergarten Encouraging Learning at Home

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

5. References

Is Early Childhood Education Important?

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is important for promoting cognitive, social-emotional, and academic development in children. Research indicates that quality ECE programs significantly enhance children's readiness for school and their long-term success.

Key reasons why ECE matters:

1. Cognitive Development

   • ECE promotes essential skills such as problem-solving, memory, and language acquisition, preparing children for future academic challenges (Olanrewaju & Omeghie, 2024).

   • Programs like Head Start have shown success in improving early academic skills, particularly for children from low-income families (Groenhof, 2023).

     
     

2. Social-Emotional Growth

   • ECE environments teach children to share, cooperate, and communicate, fostering confidence and empathy (Olanrewaju & Omeghie, 2024).

   • Children learn to manage emotions and build relationships, which are critical for their overall well-being (Abdussammed., 2024).

     
     

3. School Readiness

   • Early education helps children adapt to structured learning environments, instilling routines and expectations necessary for success in kindergarten (Gyekye-Ampofo & Opoku-Asare, 2023).

   • Skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking are developed, laying a strong foundation for future learning (Olanrewaju & Omeghie, 2024).

     
     

4. Creativity and Exploration

   • Play-based learning in ECE encourages curiosity and innovation, allowing children to develop fine and gross motor skills through exploration (Gyekye-Ampofo & Opoku-Asare, 2023).

     
     

5. Long-Term Benefits

   • Studies indicate that children who receive quality ECE are more likely to succeed academically and professionally later in life (Olanrewaju & Omeghie, 2024).

   • Early intervention can mitigate learning difficulties, particularly for children with special needs (Abdussammed., 2024).

Even at home, parents can provide early learning experiences through play, reading, problem-solving activities, and interactive learning tools like sight words, busy books, wooden puzzles, and number blocks. These small steps create a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Areas of Focus of Preschool & Kindergarten Curriculum

1. Language & Literacy

Reading storybooks is a way of teaching preschool & kindergarten at home.

Focus: Letters, sounds, vocabulary, storytelling, and communication

Learning Materials:

• Alphabet blocks & letter magnets – Letter recognition and word building.

  📌Wooden Alphabet Blocks

  📌Letter Magnets

  📌Rhyming Books

• Sight words flashcards and games – Teach common words for reading fluency.

  📌Sight Words

  📌Classic Alphabet Flashcards

  📌Alphabet Puzzles

  📌Alphabet Games

  📌Phonics Flashcards

  📌Phonics Puzzles

  📌Phonics Games

• Storybooks & picture books – Reading comprehension and imagination.

• Puppets & role-play kits – Encourage storytelling and verbal expression.

• Busy books – Tracing letters, matching words, and storytelling pages.

• Worksheets – Letter tracing, word-picture matching, and early writing exercises.

2. Math & Problem-Solving

Using an abacus, a way of teaching preschool & kindergarten, learn how to count at home.

Focus: Counting, sorting, patterns, shapes, and basic problem-solving

Learning Materials:

• Counting beads, abacuses, and number blocks – Number recognition, sequencing, addition, and subtraction

• Shape sorters & geometric blocks – Shapes and spatial reasoning

• Pattern cards & matching games – Early pattern recognition

• Wooden puzzles – Problem-solving, number recognition, and spatial skills

• STEM kits with building blocks – Introduce engineering concepts

• Worksheets – Simple addition/subtraction, shape identification, dot-to-dot activities

3. Science & Curiosity Exploration

Using STEM kits is a way of teaching preschool & kindergarten science at home.

Focus: Observing nature, conducting simple experiments, and asking questions

Learning Materials:

• STEM & experiment kits – Magnets, water experiments, plant-growing kits

• Nature exploration tools – Magnifying glasses, bug jars, seeds

• Educational toys – Hands-on science manipulatives

• Field trips – Zoos, botanical gardens, science centers

• Hands-on activities – Observing, predicting, documenting results

4. Social-Emotional Skills

Using board games is a way of teaching preschool & kindergarten at home.

Focus: Sharing, empathy, teamwork, and emotional awareness

Learning Materials:

• Role-play kits & puppets – Practice social scenarios and communication

• Board games & cooperative games – Encourage teamwork

• Emotion cards & storytelling props – Identify and express feelings

• Circle time & group activities – Social skills and empathy

• Worksheets & reflection journals – Exercises for expressing emotions

5. Arts & Physical Development

Introducing painting is a way of teaching preschool & kindergarten at home.

Focus: Fine and gross motor skills, creativity, and self-expression

Learning Materials:

• Art supplies – Crayons, markers, clay, paint, scissors

• Musical instruments & rhythm kits – Sounds, movement, and coordination

• Busy books – Fine motor practice through zippers, buttons, and movable pieces

• Threading beads & wooden puzzles – Hand-eye coordination and focus

• Outdoor play equipment – Slides, balance beams, tricycles, jump ropes

• Worksheets – Coloring, cutting, and pattern tracing

Tips for Encouraging Preschool & Kindergarten Learning at Home

1. Create a Learning Corner: Small, organized space with books, blocks, and art materials

2. Use Everyday Objects: Count fruits, sort laundry, measure ingredients in cooking

3. Positive Reinforcement: Praise effort over results to build confidence

4. Integrate Learning into Routines: Read signs during walks, practice numbers while shopping

5. Make Learning Playful: Rotate toys, use games, and encourage hands-on exploration

6. Encourage Independent Exploration: Provide choices, allow experimentation, and guide gently

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What are learning materials used in teaching kindergarten and preschool at home?

Learning materials include alphabet blocks, sight words, number blocks, wooden puzzles, busy books, STEM kits, art supplies, musical instruments, worksheets, and role-play kits, supporting literacy, math, science, social-emotional growth, and physical development at home.

Q2. What to teach pre-K at home?

Focus on language, literacy, math, science, social-emotional skills, and arts. Use engaging tools like alphabet blocks, sight words, number blocks, busy books, and STEM kits. Short, hands-on activities make learning fun and build foundational skills.

Q3. What are some fun kindergarten readiness activities?

Fun readiness activities include reading picture books, counting objects, matching games, puzzles, simple science experiments, arts and crafts, role-play, storytelling, singing, and outdoor play, building literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, creativity, and social-emotional skills.

Q4. How do you teach a 5-year-old at home?

Teach a 5-year-old with short, interactive sessions using alphabet blocks, number blocks, busy books, STEM kits, storytelling, role-play, hands-on experiments, arts, and outdoor activities, integrating learning into routines and encouraging exploration and creativity.

Q5. What are some fun activities to do with preschoolers?

Fun preschool activities include alphabet scavenger hunts, counting fruits, arts and crafts, music and rhythm games, building with blocks, puzzles, STEM experiments, outdoor obstacle courses, storytelling, and role-play, promoting literacy, numeracy, motor skills, and creativity.

“There is no ‘best’ method in teaching; the best is the one that works for your child.”

References

• Abdussammed., P. (2024). Early childhood education: Issues and challenges – An institutional perspective. RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary, 9(1), 28-33. https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2024.v09.n01.004

• Burchinal, M. (2023). Early care and education. In J. J. Lockman (Ed.), Advances in child development and behavior (Vol. 65, pp. 135–167). JAI. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acdb.2023.05.004

• Gyekye-Ampofo, M., Opoku-Asare, N. A., & Andoh, G. B. (2023). Early childhood care and education in the 21st century: A review of the literature. British Journal of Education, 11(4), 81–95. https://doi.org/10.37745/bje.2013/vol11n48195

• Olanrewaju, A. E., & Omeghie, I. B. (2024). Implications of positive effects of early childhood education for education policy. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (IJISRT), 1488-1492. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/ijisrt24sep986