If you’re wondering how to homeschool preschool (and a bunch of other things like if you even should or if it’s for you), I’m so glad you’re here!
As a homeschool mom of five boys (two now graduated!), I discovered that a fun and relaxed approach to preschool at home can make it incredibly meaningful, effective, and enjoyable. Not because everything goes perfectly, but because you get to create magical learning moments together in a way that fits your preschooler and you.
Let’s look at where to even begin, what you really need, and how to maintain a mindset that helps your child and you grow. I created this guide because I remember those feelings of wanting to do the “right” thing, feeling overwhelmed by all the options, and wondering if I was enough. What I learned over the years is this: Homeschooling preschool doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. It can be simple, relaxed, and so much fun.
Our Homeschool Preschool Adventures: Real-Life Learning with My Boys
Our homeschool preschool years hold such a special place in my heart. With my two older boys, we started exploring early learning activities when they were toddlers. We didn’t do anything fancy or formal.
Eventually, we did a mix of preschool at home and a program at a local church. To me, the best learning happened right in the middle of our living room floor with our DIY preschool circle time (or in our backyard).
I wanted to give my boys a strong start. I wanted to make sure that they knew basic concepts that they could build on. And I wanted to enjoy it, too. I believe that the preschool years are also about spending time together, having fun, and experiencing the joy of learning.
I kept things flexible, budget-friendly, and filled with hands-on activities, like:
- Singing preschool songs throughout the day (even on walks around our yard!)
- Creating simple crafts tied to our fun preschool themes of the week
- Doing circle time at home with stories, songs, and conversation
- Exploring letters, numbers, colors, and shapes through games, books, and activities
- Mixing in a few worksheets here and there, especially ones with coloring or cutting practice
I mostly used what we already had as far as preschool supplies, like markers, construction paper, coffee filters, puzzles, and playdough. There was no pressure to be perfect or check every box. We had a relaxed routine of connection and creativity that helped my boys (and me) thrive.
When their faces lit up when they recognized a letter or proudly showed off their paper plate pizza craft, I knew that what we were doing was working. Those simple and intentional moments helped build a solid learning foundation while keeping it enjoyable for all.
The Beautiful Benefits of Homeschooling Preschool
Over the years, I’ve received a lot of questions and read a lot of comments in groups that concern preschool at home. Most of the questions span a wide spectrum from is homeschooling preschool “enough” and should I consider something more rigorous to just let them play and be kids.
If I had little ones, I I’d be so confused as to what to do now! I feel fortunate that I just went with my gut and did what I felt was right for my boys. Because there really are so many amazing things about homeschool preschool that are both for your preschooler and for you as a parent!
Here are just a few of the reasons why preschool at home can be a wonderful choice:
1. Builds a strong learning foundation: You’re giving your child a gentle and customized introduction to learning. By exploring letters, numbers, colors, and shapes at their pace, they gain confidence and develop important early learning skills that are so helpful with future academic success.
2. More moments for connection: One of the best things about homeschooling preschool is the extra time you get to connect. Relaxed but structured activities (like reading, crafting, and chatting during snacks) add to your everyday experiences.
3. Allows for a more relaxed and flexible pace: This benefit was one of the #1 reasons I chose to only homeschool preschool my 3 younger boys (and not do a hybrid approach). No rushing to get out the door and no trying to match someone else’s schedule. I loved being able to adapt our learning time to what worked best for our family’s needs at that time. My stress levels went way down and I was able to be more present for my boys – and have fun!
4. Budget-Friendly: My #2 reason for only homeschooling preschool my younger boys – save money! With 5 boys, our budget was super tight. And I knew that I didn’t need an expensive boxed curriculum or fancy supplies to make preschool at home work.
Now that I’ve covered why homeschooling preschool can be so beneficial, let’s talk about how you can make it relaxed, fun, and totally doable – even on busy days.
How to Homeschool Preschool in a Stress-Free Way
Preschool at home sounds pretty awesome now, right? You might be wondering… How do I actually make this work without stressing out or feeling like I need to do “all the things”?
Girl, I’ve been there. And I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, some of the best learning happens when you keep things simple, meaningful, and fun.
Over the years of homeschooling my five boys, I’ve learned that a relaxed and fun approach not only helps kids learn (and like it). It helps moms enjoy the process, too. Here’s what that approach looks like in real life:
- Relationship over rigor: Your connection with your child matters more than a checklist or doing things “just right”. Preschool is a time to have fun together and make sweet memories. It’s not a time stress out over worksheets or memorizing a list of concepts.
- Flexibility is your friend: Some days will go smoothly and you’ll feel like you’re walking on sunshine. Other day… not so much. And that’s totally okay! A relaxed homeschool preschool approach lets you pivot and tweak based on how that day is going. You can always pause or try something different.
- Play-Based learning is powerful: Preschoolers learn best through play, hands-on activities, and experiences. Whether it’s building with blocks or singing silly songs, these types of activities help with early learning skills.
- Use what you have: Preschool at home doesn’t require complex curriculum or expensive equipment. Basic supplies (like crayons, scissors, and books) are really all you need. Your local library can be a fantastic resource, as well as dollar stores and back to school sales if you really need something.
What You Actually Need to Get Started with Homeschool Preschool
One of the biggest misconceptions about homeschooling preschool (and I love to bust homeschool myths!) is that you need a bunch of supplies or a Pinterest-perfect setup. And that’s just hogwash! Here’s what you really need to begin:
1. A desire and an open mind: I’m guessing if you’ve read this far that you already have both of these things. If you really want to preschool at home, you have to want to do it because it does take time and energy. But, you don’t have to have it all figure out, especially when you’re getting started. You just need to be willing to show up, learn alongside your preschooler, and let it happen. Give yourself permission to grow as you go!
2. A flexible mindset: I know – easier said than done! But, remind yourself that every child is different. Some days will go smoothly while other days may be more of a mess. When you have kids, you know that’s how it goes. And the same goes for learning at home!
3. Basic supplies: Start with what you already have around the house. Some of our most-used preschool supplies that I always kept in our homeschool preschool cart (such an amazing organizational tool!) include:
- Crayons, markers, and pencils
- Child-safe scissors and glue sticks
- Paper (printer paper, construction paper, notebooks)
- Playdough (we prefer our homemade playdough but store-bought is great, too)
- Puzzles, blocks, and simple toys
- Simple manipulatives for hands-on activities (like buttons, pom poms, pipe cleaners, seashells, etc.)
- Books
- Dot-a-dot markers (bingo daubers)
- Kwik Stix (or other tempera paint sticks)
- Printables (like those found on Rock Your Homeschool and in my Preschool Enchantment program)
4. A relaxed routine: You don’t need a rigid schedule. A flexible routine creates structure and consistency without a whole lot of stress. Need help getting started? Use my free printable (and editable) relaxed homeschool preschool routine planning set!
What to Teach in Homeschool Preschool (From a Mom Who’s Been There)
Let me start with this: I don’t have a teaching degree. My background is actually in mental health therapy. And while that’s helped me understand things like child development and emotional regulation, everything I’m sharing here comes from years of experience as a homeschool mom of five.
I’m not here to give you a checklist of standards or tell you exactly what you “should” be doing. Instead, I want to give you a relaxed and practical guide based on what has worked for our homeschool and how you can gently support your preschooler’s development through everyday life and playful learning.
Here’s a simple breakdown of preschool skills to keep in mind with no pressure – just possibilities!
- Early Literacy Skills
- Letter recognition (uppercase + lowercase)
- Phonemic awareness (learning beginning sounds)
- Listening to and retelling stories
- Recognizing their name in print
- Exposure to rhyming, songs, and simple poems
- You can keep it fun with alphabet books, songs, tracing activities, and lots of read-aloud time.
- Early Math Concepts
- Number recognition (0–10 to start then go higher when ready)
- Counting objects
- Basic patterns and sorting
- Simple shapes and size comparisons
- Your preschooler can also learn so much through puzzles, playing with blocks, and even while baking!
- Fine Motor Skills
- Cutting with scissors
- Correctly holding crayons or markers (this can take a lot of practice and patience!)
- Tracing lines, shapes, and letters
- Stringing beads or using tweezers
- Gross Motor Skills
- Running, jumping, climbing
- Balancing on one foot
- Throwing, catching, and kicking balls
- Playing outside and simple movement games are awesome for this area!
- Life Skills and Independence
- Cleaning up toys
- Helping with simple chores
- Getting dressed and using the bathroom
- Practicing manners and kindness
- These real-life skills are just as important as academic ones plus build confidence.
- Social-Emotional Learning (this is totally my jam!)
- Identifying and expressing emotions
- Taking turns and sharing
- Following simple directions
- Managing frustration in age-appropriate ways
Resources and Ideas for Homeschooling Preschool
Now that you’ve got a sense of what preschool at home can look like, you might be asking yourself: “Okay, but where do I find ideas that are easy to use and actually work for my family?”
I’m a big fan of Pinterest and use it extensively for our homeschool. You can find all sorts of goodies and great ideas. Also, I’ve put together and shared here on the blog a variety of print-and-go, zero-to-low-prep resources and fun activity ideas based on what I’ve used (and loved!) with my own five boys. These resources are all designed with busy, budget-conscious moms in mind and follow the same relaxed and fun approach I use.
Here are a few great places to explore:
- Free Relaxed Homeschool Preschool Routine Planning Set: Get started with an editable routine planner, simple activity ideas, and tips for creating a peaceful and playful homeschool preschool setup that works for you.
- Fun Preschool Themes: Free printable (and editable) list of ideas to help you map out your preschool at home.
- Homeschool Preschool Supplies List: Another free resource that you can print and customize so you get what you really need.
- Preschool Homeschool Fun in a Flash Kit: Includes activity cards and ideas for quick ways to boost your homeschooling preschool time.
- Preschool Unit Studies: Try my free Little Red Riding Hood preschool unit study to get a feel for my Preschool Enchantment program!
I’m always adding new ideas, printables, and other resources. If you have a request, reach out and let me know!
Let’s Make Your Homeschool Preschool Shine
I’m super excited for you and your preschooler. You’re here because you care deeply about your child’s learning and want to give them a meaningful start.
Preschool at home doesn’t need to look like school at all. It can be relaxed, fun, and focused on connection. You can mix learning with laughter, sprinkle in stories and songs, and savor the sweet moments along the way. Plus, you can design it to work best for your family.
You don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to show up with love, curiosity, and the willingness to try.
I’m cheering you on and here for you along the way. Reach out with any questions and ideas you have. And keep me updated (email me at rockyourhomeschool@gmail.com – I can’t wait to hear from you!).
