Homeschool preschool this week will be focusing on the letter M activities. I like to include many variations. In my previous preschool posts there have been learning posters, games and snacks. This time I would like to speak on the theme. Trying to include more than one activity into a learning session is multi-tasking at its best. Instead of learning the letter M, add in some phonics, science or other subjects.
For example, with my homeschool preschool series I am introducing “Flowers of the Alphabet Series”. In this preschool series I go over different flowers for the various letters in the alphabet. We are going to learn about Marigold’s, how to identify them, and draw them.
Homeschool Preschool Letter M Flowers
Marigolds are flowers that I plant in my garden each year. They help keep out the insects that I do not want in my garden. Since my children were young I have allowed them to garden with me. Identifying marigolds and other flowers was important for them to learn. So, each time I went out to the garden we pointed them out. I told them that Marigold starts with an “M”. We made the sound. Each time they continued to visit the garden they identified the flower and reminded me of the sound.
Starting out with repetition is what sticks the basics in young children’s minds. memory work is great, but using it on a daily basis is what solidifies it in the mind. I am sure my kids will never forget the marigolds and beginning sound. Homeschool preschool is all about exploration and learning the world around them each day. Why not teach them the beautiful flowers in their education.
Cutting and Pasting Letter M Flowers
Next, print out a few pictures of Marigolds. Grab a plain notebook from Dollar Tree for $1.25. On the front of the notebook label it with their name. This is where you will ad their pictures and write the name of the flower. Have them trace over the name of the flower each week to help with handwriting skills. In addition to this have them watch a video on this certain type of flower. No doubt they will gain a lot of information on growing the marigolds.
Another fun exercise to try with the preschoolers is grabbing a few old magazines. I like Better Homes and Gardens because they feature flowers and gardens. Leaf through the books and cut out any pictures of marigolds that found. This is good practice for cutting and pasting. When my children were going through my homeschool preschool program I allowed them to cut out their own pictures with safety scissors for kids. Each of them had their own glue sticks too. Allowing them to grow independence in their work helps as they get older.
Gardening with Marigolds
Gardening is a good way to let the homeschool preschool child get their hands dirty and see the results. I really can’t say enough about starting this early for them. Gardening is a great hobby to enjoy for life. Keeping kids outside and learning to deal with nature, the weather and all of the wonderful things the out of doors brings will benefit them for life.
Grab some Marigold seeds at the Dollar Tree and give them a small planter. Anything will work, make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom. Help your preschooler put dirt in the cup, next the seeds, then some more dirt. Going through each part of the process with explanation. In this they are learning that the seeds have to be planted and watered to grow. Finally, have your homeschool preschool helper water the plant, say the name of it again, then place the pot in the window. In a few days they will be so excited to see the young plant starts showing in the top.
Handwriting the Letter M
Homeschool preschool handwriting is good for small motor skills. Letter M is one of the easier letters to learn and try to write. I have prepared a free printable letter M with a marigold picture on it. As the homeschool preschooler works on writing the letter M neatly, show them the picture and say the letter sound. This activity will help prepare them for reading.
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