Homeschooling Kindergarten: The Basics
It’s been a while since I had a kindergartner in the house, and while it’s hard to say which age of teaching my kids has been my favorite, kindergarten definitely ranks near the top of the list as one of the most magical times to homeschool.
Just like when your sweet 5 or 6-year-old is preparing to head off to traditional school, homeschooling kindergarten comes with its own set of jitters and excitement. There’s something so special about experiencing those firsts together at home—seeing the world through their eyes and guiding them as they discover new things each day. Wanting to be the one who saw that sparkle in my kids eyes every day as we learned new things together was one of my motivations to homeschool through the early years.
Kindergarten is a time to slowly transition children towards more formal lessons, but there are some helpful tips and resource recommendations to make for a smooth and joyful journey.
Short Lessons
Keep the lessons short, typically around 15-20 minutes. Short, focused lessons help maintain the child’s attention and keep their minds sharp without overwhelming them.
After a short lesson, you can change the subject matter and do another short lesson, the change in subject matter keeps the child engaged and uses a different part of their brain. For example, a math lesson might be followed by a nature walk or art activity.
Living Books & Stories
Make storytime with your kindergartner a daily ritual and watch it become one of the most treasured parts of your day. Instead of dry textbooks, choose “living books”—well-written, engaging stories often crafted by passionate authors. For kindergartners, these rich, narrative-driven tales capture their imagination and introduce them to new ideas, inspiring values like courage, bravery, and friendship. Explore online resources for quality book lists, and create your own library request or purchase list. Set aside time throughout the day to snuggle on the couch and read together, whether as part of your morning routine or a special one-on-one moment.
Favorite resources to craft my own read aloud list:
- Honey for a Child’s Heart
- Read Aloud Revival
- Sonlight Reading List
- Five in a Row
Reading & Phonics
Teaching your child to read is one of the most rewarding aspects of homeschooling. There are so many wonderful resources available that make the process smooth and enjoyable.
A Few Recommendations:
- Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
- All About Spelling Level 1
Math
Math at this age is all about building a solid foundation. Keep lessons engaging and hands-on to capture your child’s interest.
A Few Recommendations:
- Math-U-See
- Saxon Homeschool
Unstructured Play
Unstructured play is vital for young children, allowing them to explore, imagine, and create on their own terms. It’s during these moments that some of the most meaningful learning occurs, as children test out ideas and stretch their creativity.
Structured Play
If your child struggles with independence during unstructured play, it can be helpful to introduce brief times of structured play. Start by brainstorming ways to incorporate their interests. For example, if your child loves to build and play pretend with tools, consider getting some kid-sized tools and showing them how to use them in play. If they’re accustomed to a more structured day, unstructured time may be a challenge at first. Rather than just sending them outside to play, help them brainstorm ideas for what to do once they’re there. Of course, if they get bored enough, they’ll come up with something on their own—but you can speed up the process by jumping in and playing with them.
Ideas for structured play:
- Hide and seek in the yard (pair older and younger siblings together)
- Building fairy houses in the garden
Habits & Housework
Involving your kindergartner in household activities is a wonderful way to teach responsibility and life skills while also making them feel like a valued member of the family. Simple tasks like tidying up toys, helping in the kitchen, or taking care of a pet can be woven into your daily routine. These activities not only build good habits but also provide a practical way to reinforce lessons about teamwork, responsibility, and independence. Plus, children often take great pride in contributing to the household, making these moments both educational and rewarding.
In Conclusion
As you begin on the adventure of homeschooling your kindergartner, remember that this is a time to cherish the wonder and joy of early learning. By keeping lessons short and engaging, filling your days with rich stories, and balancing play with gentle guidance, you’re laying a strong foundation for your child’s educational journey. The memories you create during this season will be treasured for years to come, so take it one day at a time, and enjoy the magic of these early homeschooling days.