Creating a Successful Home Preschool: A Guide to Preschool at Home Schedule

by Jenna Thomasson | May 24, 2023

Providing a nurturing and educational environment for your child is a top priority for many parents. If you’re considering preschool at home, you’re embarking on an exciting journey that can foster your child’s early development. Establishing a structured preschool schedule at home is key to creating a successful learning experience.

How to Preschool at Home

Preschooling at home can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both you and your child. It provides a wonderful opportunity to create a tailored learning environment that suits your child’s unique needs and interests.

Here are some tips to help you get started on your preschool at-home journey:

Set Up a Learning Space: Designate a specific area in your home as a learning space for preschool activities. This can be a corner of a room or a dedicated playroom. Fill it with age-appropriate books, art supplies, educational toys, and learning materials to create an inviting and stimulating environment.
Establish a Routine: Children thrive on routine, so establish a consistent daily schedule for your preschool activities. Set specific times for circle time, learning activities, playtime, snack breaks, and outdoor exploration. Having a predictable routine will provide structure and help your child feel more secure and engaged.
Focus on Play-Based Learning: Preschoolers learn best through play. Incorporate play-based activities that are hands-on, interactive, and engaging. Use games, puzzles, building blocks, and pretend play to teach various concepts. Learning disguised as play will keep your child motivated and excited about learning.
Use a Variety of Learning Materials: Utilize a wide range of learning materials to cater to different learning styles. Include books, flashcards, educational apps, art supplies, manipulatives, and sensory materials. Engage your child’s senses and provide opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Follow Your Child’s Interests: Pay attention to your child’s interests and incorporate them into your preschool activities. If your child loves animals, plan activities around animal themes. If they enjoy music, include music and movement activities. Tailoring the curriculum to their interests will foster a love for learning and keep them engaged.
Take Advantage of Online Resources: There is a wealth of online resources available for preschool at-home learning. Explore educational websites, YouTube channels, and interactive apps that offer age-appropriate lessons, activities, and printables. These resources can supplement your curriculum and provide new ideas for learning.
Join Online Communities: Connect with other parents who are also preschooling at home. Join online communities or forums where you can exchange ideas, ask questions, and find support. Sharing experiences and insights with fellow parents can be valuable and inspiring.

Do I Need to Follow A Curriculum to preschool at home?

Following a formal curriculum is not a requirement for preschooling at home. Many parents choose to create their own curriculum or use a combination of resources and activities based on their child’s interests and developmental needs. Preschool at home provides a flexible and personalized learning environment where you can tailor activities to suit your child’s learning style and pace.

What is the importance of a structured schedule for preschool at home?

A structured schedule helps establish routine and predictability for young children, promoting a sense of security and organization. It provides a framework for learning activities, playtime, meals, and rest, optimizing your child’s cognitive and emotional development.

How do I determine the appropriate amount of time for a home preschool schedule?

The duration of your preschool at home schedule will depend on your child’s age, attention span, and individual needs. Typically, 2-3 hours of focused learning activities, interspersed with playtime and breaks, are suitable for preschoolers.

What should a balanced preschool at home schedule include?

A balanced schedule should include a combination of structured learning activities, hands-on exploration, creative play, physical exercise, quiet time, and healthy meals/snacks. It’s essential to incorporate a variety of activities to stimulate different areas of your child’s development.

Sample Preschool at Home Schedules

If you are ready to preschool at home chances are schedules are one of the first things on your mind. Here are some of our favorite preschool at home schedule ideas to get you started.

Daily Schedule Options

Morning-Focused Schedule

Discover the joys of preschool at home with a carefully crafted morning-focused schedule. Engage your little one in a variety of stimulating activities, from circle time and story sessions to art projects and sensory play, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience right from the comfort of your own home

8:30 am – 9:00 am: Circle Time (songs, calendar, weather)

9:00 am – 9:30 am: Language and Literacy Activities (storytime, letter recognition)

9:30 am – 10:00 am: Math and Counting Activities (counting objects, number recognition)

10:00 am – 10:30 am: Creative Exploration (art projects, crafts)

10:30 am – 11:00 am: Snack and Outdoor Play

11:00 am – 11:30 am: Science or Sensory Play (experiment, sensory bins)

11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Music and Movement (dance, sing-along)

Flexible Schedule

Experience the freedom and flexibility of preschool at home with a flexible schedule.

Tailored to suit your child’s unique needs and interests, a flexible preschool at home schedule allows you to create a dynamic learning environment where you can explore, discover, and play together at your own pace, ensuring a personalized and enriching educational journey.

9:00 am – 10:00 am: Themed Learning Activities (focused on a specific topic)

10:00 am – 10:30 am: Snack and Outdoor Play

10:30 am – 11:00 am: Fine Motor Skills Activities (cutting, coloring, puzzles)

11:00 am – 11:30 am: Gross Motor Skills Activities (obstacle course, yoga)

11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Free Play or Independent Exploration

Afternoon Adventure Schedule

Designed for those who prefer a later start, an afternoon schedule for preschool at home offers a perfect blend of educational and playful activities.

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Circle Time (review morning activities, introduce afternoon theme)

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm: Hands-on Science Experiment or Nature Exploration

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Art and Crafts (painting, collage, playdough)

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Sensory Play (sensory bins, slime, kinetic sand)

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Snack Time and Cooking Activity (simple recipes, food preparation)

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Music and Movement (dance, instrument play)

4:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Outdoor Play or Gross Motor Skills Activities 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Storytime and Relaxation (quiet reading, yoga)

Full Day Fun Schedule

Designed for those who value a well-planned day without overwhelming their child with constant school work. This schedule combines structured learning activities with ample time for imaginative play, outdoor exploration, rest, and creative pursuits, ensuring a balanced and engaging day that nurtures your child’s holistic development while maintaining a sense of routine and organization.

8:00 am – 8:30 am: Morning Stretch and Movement (yoga, stretching exercises)

8:30 am – 9:00 am: Breakfast and Getting Ready

9:00 am – 9:30 am: Circle Time (songs, calendar, weather)

9:30 am – 10:00 am: Language and Literacy Activities (storytime, rhyming games)

10:00 am – 10:30 am: Math and Counting Activities (number games, counting objects)

10:30 am – 11:00 am: Art and Crafts (drawing, coloring, collage)

11:00 am – 11:30 am: Snack Time and Outdoor Play

11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Science Exploration or Nature Walk

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm: Lunch and Rest Time

12:30 pm – 1:00 pm: Music and Movement (sing-alongs, dancing)

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Fine Motor Skills Activities (puzzles, threading beads)

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm: Gross Motor Skills Activities (obstacle course, active games)

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Sensory Play (playdough, sensory bins)

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Snack Time and Outdoor Play

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Storytime and Relaxation (quiet reading, calming activities)

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Themed Learning Activities (focused on a specific topic)

4:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Free Play and Independent Exploration

4:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Wrap-up and Review of the Day

Child-Led Schedule

Let your child take the reins of their learning adventure with our Child-Led Schedule! This schedule empowers your little one to explore their interests and pursue activities that capture their curiosity and imagination. By giving them the freedom to choose their own learning path, you’ll foster a sense of independence and a love for discovery.

Morning Exploration:

Start the day with a Morning Meeting where you and your child can discuss their interests and ideas for the day.
Provide a variety of learning centers or stations, such as Art, Science, Blocks, Books, and Sensory Play. Let your child freely choose which centers to explore and for how long.
Engage in open-ended activities that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Offer materials like art supplies, building blocks, puzzles, and nature exploration tools.
Follow your child’s lead and join them in their chosen activities. Ask open-ended questions to encourage their thinking and expand their understanding.

Outdoor Adventures:

Head outside for some fresh air and physical play. Whether it’s a backyard adventure, a nature walk, or a visit to a local park, allow your child to explore the natural world around them.
Encourage unstructured playtime where they can freely engage with nature, whether it’s climbing, running, digging, or observing plants and animals.
Facilitate hands-on experiences by providing materials like buckets, magnifying glasses, and collecting jars for nature exploration and discovery.

Project Time:

Set aside dedicated time for your child to pursue a project or interest. It could be building a fort, conducting a science experiment, creating a storybook, or designing an art masterpiece.
Provide necessary materials and resources to support their project, such as art supplies, books, tools, or technology (if age-appropriate).
Foster collaboration and communication by involving family members or friends in their projects. Encourage them to share their progress and ideas.

Reflect and Wrap Up:

At the end of the day, engage in a reflective conversation with your child. Ask them about their favorite moments, discoveries, and what they learned during their child-led exploration.
Help them document their experiences through drawings, photographs, or journaling.
Celebrate their achievements and encourage them to continue pursuing their interests.

Remember, in a child-led schedule, the focus is on fostering independence, curiosity, and self-directed learning. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of this approach as your child’s interests and passions evolve over time. Enjoy the journey of discovery together!

Other Fun Schedules

Imaginative Play Schedule

Unleash your child’s creativity through an imaginative play-focused schedule for preschool at home.

Designed to spark their imagination and foster pretend play, the activities in an imaginative play schedule include themed role-playing, storytelling, puppet shows, and hands-on crafts, allowing your little one to embark on exciting adventures and develop crucial cognitive and social skills.

9:00 am – 9:30 am: Morning Meeting (greetings, songs, calendar)

9:30 am – 10:00 am: Storytime and Puppet Show

10:00 am – 11:00 am: Imaginative Play (dress-up, pretend kitchen, dollhouse)

11:00 am – 11:30 am: Snack Time and Creative Art (drawing, painting, coloring)

11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Outdoor Play or Nature Walk

STEM Exploration Schedule

Embark on a thrilling journey of STEM exploration with a Stem Exploration preschool at home schedule.

Engage your young learner in hands-on activities and experiments that foster curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

9:00 am – 9:30 am: Science Experiment or STEM Activity

9:30 am – 10:00 am: Math Skills Practice (counting, sorting, patterns)

10:00 am – 10:30 am: Building and Engineering (blocks, Legos, puzzles)

10:30 am – 11:00 am: Snack Break and Sensory Play

11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Technology and Coding (educational apps, coding games)

Artistic Expression Schedule

Nurture your child’s artistic expression with an engaging preschool at home schedule. Through colorful and imaginative exploration, your little artist will develop fine motor skills, self-expression, and a love for the arts, all within the comfort of your own home.

9:00 am – 9:30 am: Morning Yoga or Stretching

9:30 am – 10:00 am: Music and Movement (singing, dancing)

10:00 am – 11:00 am: Creative Art Projects (drawing, sculpting, collage)

11:00 am – 11:30 am: Snack Break and Outdoor Art (sidewalk chalk, nature crafts)

11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Storytelling and Dramatic Play

Literacy and Language Schedule

This schedule is perfect for the family who is ready to focus on literacy and language for their preschooler. Including plenty of time for letter activities, reading, and vocabulary building.

Letter of the Week would be a good curriculum to use this schedule with.

9:00 am – 9:30 am: Circle Time (songs, rhymes, letter of the day)

9:30 am – 10:00 am: Letter Recognition and Phonics Activities

10:00 am – 10:30 am: Storytime and Story Retelling

10:30 am – 11:00 am: Language Games and Vocabulary Building

11:00 am – 11:30 am: Snack Time and Writing Practice

11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Book Discussion and Puppet Theater

Outdoor Adventure Schedule

Ignite curiosity and foster a love for nature with this dynamic schedule includes nature walks, scavenger hunts, gardening, sensory exploration, and outdoor games, providing endless opportunities for hands-on learning, physical activity, and environmental appreciation right in your backyard or local park.”

9:00 am – 9:30 am: Morning Stretches and Yoga

9:30 am – 10:00 am: Nature Walk and Observation

10:00 am – 10:30 am: Outdoor Sensory Play (water play, sand play)

10:30 am – 11:00 am: Nature Scavenger Hunt or Treasure Hunt

11:00 am – 11:30 am: Snack Break and Picnic Outdoors

11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Gross Motor Skills Activities (obstacle course, games)

Themed Learning Days

Get ready for a fun and engaging way to structure your preschool at home schedule. Themed learning days provide a focused approach to learning while incorporating a variety of subjects and activities.

Each day revolves around a specific theme, allowing your child to dive deep into a particular area of interest.

Whether it’s math, science, art, music, or literature, themed learning days offer a well-rounded educational experience that sparks curiosity and encourages exploration.

From counting and experimenting to creating masterpieces and storytelling, your child will embark on exciting learning adventures every day of the week.

Sample Ideas for Themed Days:

Monday: Math Mania

Engage in fun math activities such as counting objects, sorting shapes, and playing number games.
Explore measurement through cooking or building projects.
Read math-themed books and incorporate math into storytelling.

Tuesday: Science Adventures

Conduct simple science experiments using household items.
Explore nature and learn about plants, animals, and the environment.
Watch educational science videos or documentaries together.

Wednesday: Art Extravaganza

Dive into various art forms such as painting, drawing, sculpting, or collage-making.
Explore famous artists and their techniques.
Create a mini art exhibition at home to showcase your child’s masterpieces.

Thursday: Music and Movement

Have a dance party and explore different genres of music.
Create homemade musical instruments and explore rhythm and beats.
Learn simple songs and nursery rhymes, encouraging singing and movement.

Friday: Literature Adventure

Read a favorite story or introduce new books.
Act out stories using props or puppets.
Encourage storytelling and imaginative play based on the books.

Supplies to have on Hand to Preschool at Home

When preschooling at home, it’s helpful to have a variety of educational materials and supplies readily available. Here are some Amazon favorites that you may consider having on hand.

Educational Toys and Games

Arts and Crafts Supplies

Learning Materials

Books and Reading Materials

Learning Resources

Frequently Asked Questions about Preschool at Home

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about preschool at home and preschool at home schedules.

How do I keep my child engaged during the preschool at home schedule?

Incorporate hands-on activities, use visuals and props, create a stimulating learning environment, and follow your child’s interests to maintain engagement.

How can I adapt the schedule for multiple children of different ages?

Consider implementing group activities suitable for all children, while also planning individual activities based on their developmental stages and abilities. Flexibility is key.

What resources can I use for home preschool activities?

Utilize online resources, educational websites, age-appropriate books, educational toys, and everyday household items to create engaging activities.

Establishing a home preschool schedule can provide a rich and engaging learning experience for your child.

By following a structured routine, incorporating various activities, and tailoring the schedule to your child’s needs, you can create an environment that fosters their development and love for learning.

Remember to remain flexible and adapt the schedule as necessary. Embrace the journey, have fun, and cherish the precious moments of learning and growth with your child in the comfort of your home.