🎨 The Importance of Play-Based Learning in Pre-K

🌟 Why Play is the Work of Childhood

In Pre-K, the most important “lessons” don’t come from a workbook — they happen on the carpet, in the block corner, at the art table, and even outside in the sandbox.

Play is how young children explore, test ideas, solve problems, and understand the world around them. In fact, research shows that play-based learning builds stronger foundations for academic success, social skills, and emotional well-being than drill-based methods at this age.

🧠 How Play Supports Learning

Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes when your child is “just playing”:

• Cognitive Development → Puzzles, sorting games, and pretend play help children learn problem-solving, memory skills, and cause-and-effect thinking.

• Language Growth → Talking during play builds vocabulary, sentence structure, and storytelling skills.

• Math Foundations → Block towers teach height, measurement, and balance; pretend store play teaches counting and value.

• Social-Emotional Skills → Taking turns, sharing, and role-playing build empathy and cooperation.

• Fine & Gross Motor Skills → Cutting paper, stacking blocks, hopping, and climbing all strengthen muscles and coordination.

🎯 Examples of Play-Based Learning at Home

You don’t need a fancy classroom to make play-based learning happen! Try:

• Sensory bins filled with rice, beans, or water beads (scooping, pouring, sorting)

• Pretend grocery store with real pantry items and play money

• Block or LEGO building challenges (“Can you build a bridge for your cars?”)

• Art invitations with crayons, markers, and open-ended prompts

• Outdoor adventures like collecting leaves or building forts

💬 What Parents Can Do

• Give uninterrupted time for play every day

• Ask open-ended questions: “What are you building?” instead of “Is that a house?”

• Rotate toys to keep interest fresh

• Play alongside your child sometimes — they’ll pick up new vocabulary and ideas from you!

💛 Final Thought

Play isn’t the opposite of learning — it is learning. By encouraging curiosity and exploration, you’re giving your child the tools to think critically, solve problems, and love learning for life.

So next time you see your child deep in pretend play, remember: they’re not “wasting time” — they’re building the skills they’ll use forever.

🧮 Helping Your First Grader Fall in Love with Math

Math in first grade doesn't have to feel scary. In fact, it should feel joyful, hands-on, and a little bit magical. Whether you’re a homeschool parent or just looking for ways to support your child at home, this guide will help you understand what first graders are learning—and how to make it stick in fun, real-life ways.

🌟 What First Graders Learn in Math

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll usually see in first grade:

• Counting to 120 (starting at any number!)

• Adding and subtracting within 20

• Understanding tens and ones (place value)

• Solving word problems using real-world situations

• Recognizing patterns and simple number relationships

• Comparing numbers (greater than, less than)

• Measuring, telling time, and graphing simple data

It’s a BIG year, but with small steps—you’ve got this!

💡 How to Support Math Learning at Home

✔️ Use “math talk” in everyday life
Ask things like,

“How many more cookies do we need to make 10?”
“If you have 3 toys and get 2 more, how many now?”

✔️ Get hands-on with materials
Use blocks, snacks, stickers, or LEGO to act out math problems—kids learn best when they’re moving and touching.

✔️ Keep it short + sweet
Skip the long drills. Try 5–10 minutes of practice or a fun math game a few times a week.

✔️ Let your child be the teacher
Have them explain how they solved something. If they can teach it—they know it!

🧠 Let’s Talk About Place Value

Place value can be one of the trickiest concepts. Saying “42 is four tens and two ones” makes sense to adults, but it’s a whole new world for 6-year-olds!

Try drawing tens sticks (||||) and ones dots (•), or use blocks grouped into 10s and singles.

📥 Free Printable: Place Value Practice Mat

Want a simple tool you can reuse with dry-erase markers, stickers, or mini erasers?

🖨️ Download the Free Place Value Mat here 

Great for practicing 2-digit numbers, comparing values, or solving word problems.

💛 Final Thoughts

You don’t need a math degree to support your child. All you need is a little curiosity, some playful materials, and patience.

First grade is a time to build confidence—not rush to the next concept. Celebrate mistakes, cheer them on, and remember… they’re already mathematicians in the making ✨

🌟 Starting the Homeschool Year: Embrace the Messy Magic

Hey homeschool fam! 💛

With a brand new school year around the corner, I wanted to send a little love and encouragement your way — especially if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. Because same. 😅

I’m not just a homeschool guide — I’m also a certified teacher and a mama. So trust me when I say, I know what it’s like to juggle lesson plans, laundry, grocery lists, toddler tantrums, and trying to remember where you put the glue sticks (that were just right there five seconds ago).

Let’s be real — I’ve got ideas and plans and goals...
And also a little stress, a lot of snacks, and a reminder on my phone that just says “breathe.” 😂
But it’s okay. Because this journey isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection.

🎒 Learning Happens in the Little Moments

Here’s the beautiful truth: Real learning isn’t just found in textbooks.
It happens while you're making pancakes.
It happens during car rides and nature walks.
It happens when your kid asks 10,000 questions before 9 a.m. (yes, even those questions).

Learning is life. And when kids feel safe, curious, and supported, they grow in ways that go far beyond the page. 🌿

🧠 It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Powerful

As a teacher, I’ve planned structured lessons and taught in traditional classrooms.
As a mom, I’ve watched my kids light up over the smallest discoveries at home.
And here’s what I’ve learned:
The best learning often looks nothing like a lesson plan.

It looks like:

• Finding a worm in the backyard and talking about soil

• Writing a silly story together during snack time

• Taking a break when someone’s (or everyone’s) having a meltdown and trying again later

There’s room for rhythm and rest, for structure and spontaneity. You don’t need to “get it right” every day. You just need to show up with love, intention, and a willingness to grow alongside your child.

🌈 This Year, Let’s Focus on Joy

Let’s not just survive this homeschool year.
Let’s slow down and savor the good stuff.
Let’s laugh more. Play more. Learn with joy.

This year, I challenge you to:

✨ Let go of the pressure to be perfect
✨ Trust the process, even when it’s messy
✨ Celebrate the joy of learning in all its forms
✨ And give yourself grace (like, a lot of it)

You’re doing sacred, life-giving work — even if it’s loud and sticky and unpredictable. Joy and growth live in those imperfect moments.

💬 We’re in This Together

Simple Start Homeschool is here to support you every step of the way. I’ll be posting weekly lesson plans, easy printables, and honest encouragement to help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed.

Whether you’re teaching from the couch, the kitchen table, or the backyard — I see you. I am you. And we’ve got this. 💖

Here’s to a school year filled with love, life lessons, and joyful learning.

With heart,
Christina
Teacher ✏️ | Mom 💕 | Your Homeschool Hype-Woman 🌟
Simple Start Homeschool

✨ The Joy of Preschool Learning: Why Hands-On Matters Most

Preschool is a magical time — full of curiosity, play, and discovery. At this age, learning doesn’t need to look like worksheets or sitting still at a desk. In fact, it shouldn’t.

Young children learn best through hands-on, playful experiences that involve their whole body and all their senses. Whether they’re stacking blocks, sorting buttons, or singing the alphabet while jumping, preschoolers are wired to learn by doing.

👐 Why Hands-On Learning is So Powerful

Hands-on learning:

• Encourages curiosity and creativity

• Builds fine motor skills

• Helps children focus and remember more

• Makes abstract concepts (like letters and sounds) real and tangible

More than anything, it helps children associate learning with joy — not pressure.

🔤 Simple Ways to Practice Letter Recognition & Sounds

Here are a few easy, screen-free activities you can try at home to help your preschooler recognize letters and build sound awareness:

1. Alphabet Hunt Around the House

Choose a letter of the day and go on a scavenger hunt! Look for objects that begin with that letter’s sound — like “B” for ball, book, or banana.
It’s a great way to build vocabulary and make letter-sound connections in a natural way.

2. Make Letters with Playdough or Sticks

Invite your child to build letters with materials like playdough, pipe cleaners, sticks, or even snacks! As they form each letter, say the name and the sound together: “That’s S! S says /s/ like snake.”

3. Jump to the Letter

Write a few big letters on paper and tape them to the floor. Call out a letter or sound and have your child jump to the right one. It’s a fun way to mix learning and movement (and get the wiggles out!).

4. Letter Songs and Rhymes

Sing simple songs to help connect letters with sounds — even if you make them up!
For example:
🎵 “A says /a/, A says /a/, apple starts with A!”
Repetition and rhythm help build memory and phonemic awareness in a way that feels like play.

💡 Keep it Light and Playful

Preschool isn’t about drilling or perfection. It’s about exploration, imagination, and bonding with your little one. When you create space for playful, hands-on learning, you’re not just teaching letters — you’re building confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning.

❤️ Final Thought

Don’t stress about doing it “right.”
If your child is laughing, exploring, and staying curious — you’re already doing it beautifully.

🌟 Why Patterns Are the Secret Ingredient in Early Math

When we think about teaching math to our kids, we often jump straight to counting, adding, or memorizing facts — but there’s one powerful piece that ties it all together: patterns.

For first and second graders, seeing and understanding patterns is the heartbeat of math. It’s how they begin to make sense of numbers, spot relationships, and develop the number sense that makes more advanced math easier down the road.

🔢 What Do Patterns Look Like in Early Math?

At this age, patterns can be simple or a bit more complex:

• Counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s

• Seeing odd and even numbers

• Spotting what comes next in a sequence

• Recognizing number bonds (like how 5 can be 2 + 3 or 4 + 1)

• Understanding place value and how tens and ones repeat in predictable ways

When kids begin to see that numbers behave in predictable patterns, math feels less random and more like a puzzle they can solve. It’s the “aha!” that helps them add, subtract, and eventually multiply with confidence.

✨ Why Does This Matter?

When a child notices, “Hey! If I add 2 every time, I get 2, 4, 6, 8…” they’re not just memorizing — they’re understanding. This understanding gives them tools to tackle bigger math problems down the road.

Patterns are what help kids predict, check their work, and trust their answers. They move from “I hope this is right…” to “I know this makes sense!”

💛 How Can You Help?

👉 Play with skip counting — Practice counting by 2s, 5s, or 10s using coins, toys, or steps.
👉 Use visuals — Hundreds charts, number lines, and simple dot patterns help kids see the relationships.
👉 Point out patterns everywhere — Patterns are all around us: in nature, music, art, and daily routines.

🧩 Simple Start Homeschool Is Here for You

Remember, you don’t have to tackle this alone. The resources you find here are designed to help your child build a strong number sense step by step — from counting and simple addition to recognizing patterns that make math click.

The best part? You get to watch their confidence grow as they spot connections and feel proud of what they understand — not just what they memorize.

I’ll keep sharing simple activities, worksheets, and ideas to help you make math feel clear and doable at your child’s pace.

So next time you sit down for math, pause and ask: What patterns do we see here? It might be the question that makes all the difference. 🌟

You’ve got this — and I’m so glad to be learning right alongside you.

Happy counting,
Christina
Simple Start Homeschool

Embrace Your Child’s Pace: Meeting Them Where They Are in Your Homeschool Journey

One of the greatest gifts you can give your child through homeschooling is the freedom to grow and learn at their own pace. As parents, it’s natural to wonder “Is my child behind? Should they be doing more?” — but the truth is, every child blooms in their own time.

At Simple Start Homeschool, I believe deeply that learning should never feel rushed or forced. Young children especially need the space to explore skills fully — to master them with confidence before moving on. Maybe your child is soaring through reading but needs more time with numbers. Or maybe they’re curious about science and art long before they’re ready for paragraphs and punctuation. That’s okay — that’s beautiful!

Homeschooling opens the door for you to truly see your child — to understand exactly where they are, right now, and to meet them there with love and patience. My resources are designed with this in mind. Whether you have a preschooler just learning letters or a second grader strengthening their math skills, you can easily browse activities and lessons across Pre-K through 2nd grade. You don’t have to stick to just one level — you can pick and choose what feels right for your child, today.

Remember: mastery builds confidence. When your child feels capable and strong in one skill, they’re more ready to tackle the next. There’s no race to the finish line — there’s just your unique child, on their unique journey, with you as their guide and biggest cheerleader.

This is exactly why homeschooling is so powerful — you are free to adapt, slow down, speed up, repeat, and revisit as often as needed. Here, your child is not compared to anyone else — they are exactly where they need to be.

As you walk this path, know that you’re not alone. I’m here to help you every step of the way. I’ll continue sharing more resources, ideas, and encouragement to help you feel confident and supported — whether you’re planning your next lesson or just need a reminder that you’re doing an amazing job.

So take a deep breath. Look at your child for who they are today — and embrace the pace that feels right for them. Celebrate the small wins, cherish the lightbulb moments, and trust that learning will unfold just as it should.

You’ve got this — and I’m so glad you’re here.

With care,
Christina
Simple Start Homeschool

What Are Heart Words? Why They’re So Important for Beginning Readers

If you’re teaching your child to read, you’ve probably heard of sight words — those short, common words kids need to recognize instantly. But did you know that many sight words are called Heart Words?

What Are Heart Words?

Heart Words are the words kids need to know by heart — because they don’t always follow regular phonics rules. For example, said and was don’t sound exactly how they’re spelled, so we teach kids to remember the tricky parts “by heart.”

These words pop up all the time in early readers, so it’s super helpful for kids to recognize them right away instead of stopping to sound them out every time.

Why Practice Heart Words Daily?

Practicing Heart Words every day helps your child:

• Read smoothly and quickly

• Understand what they’re reading without getting stuck

• Build confidence as a reader

• Enjoy books more!

A few minutes each day can make a big difference.

How to Practice Heart Words at Home

• Use flashcards (like our Heart Words Flashcards) for quick daily practice.

• Play games like Heart Word Bingo or Memory Match.

• Point out Heart Words when reading books together.

• Write them on sticky notes and place them around the house for fun practice!

Ready to Get Started?

If you’d like a simple tool to practice Heart Words, check out my Heart Words Flashcards Bundle — perfect for daily use at home!

Happy reading, and remember: your child’s confidence grows with every word they learn by heart!

CVC Words: Your Child’s First Step to Reading Like a Pro!

Hey there, homeschool families! Ready to kick off your little one’s reading adventure? Let’s talk about CVC words — the magic three-letter words that open the door to reading success.

What Are CVC Words Anyway?

CVC stands for Consonant-Vowel-Consonant — basically, simple words like cat, dog, and hat that follow this easy sound pattern. These words are perfect for beginners because they help kids hear each sound and blend them together to say a word.

Why Are CVC Words So Awesome?

Because they’re short, sweet, and super powerful! Learning CVC words helps your kiddo:

• Hear the sounds each letter makes (hello, phonics!)

• Practice blending sounds into words — like a reading superhero!

• Build confidence by conquering words all on their own

How to Make CVC Words Fun & Easy

Here’s how to turn learning into a game:

1. Sound it out loud — Say each letter sound slowly (/c/ /a/ /t/) and then zoom! Blend them fast into cat.

2. Use colorful flashcards — Pictures and letters make it a visual party!

3. Play word games — Mix up magnetic letters and see what silly words you can create.

4. Read together — Pick books with lots of CVC words to practice and cheer every win!

Start With These Super Simple CVC Words

• Short “a”: cat, bat, rat, hat, jam

• Short “e”: bed, pen, men, hen, red

• Short “i”: sit, pig, lip, win, kid

• Short “o”: dog, pot, hot, mop, log

• Short “u”: cup, sun, bug, run, tub

Let’s Get Reading!

Mastering CVC words is a fun way for your little reader to build a rock-solid foundation. Keep it playful, celebrate the small wins, and watch their reading skills soar!

Want some free CVC word printables and fun activities? Swing by Simple Start Homeschool and grab your CVC bundle now to make learning even more exciting!

How to Start Homeschooling a Kindergartener — Simple Tips for Parents

Starting homeschool with a kindergartener can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You want to be sure your child learns what they need to know — but you also want learning to feel simple, playful, and doable at home.

At Simple Start Homeschool, I’m here to help you take that first step with confidence. Whether you’re planning your first lessons or just curious about what your day should look like, here’s an easy guide to help you get started!

✅ 1️⃣ Know What to Teach

The good news? Kindergarten doesn’t need to be complicated. Focus on these basics:

• Early reading and writing: Letters, sounds, and simple words (like CVC words).

• Early math: Counting, sorting, shapes, patterns, and simple addition.

• Life skills & play: Fine motor skills, listening, following directions, and exploring the world through play.

✨ Tip: Many families use free printable worksheets and simple daily activities to cover these topics.

✅ 2️⃣ Make a Simple Daily Routine

A homeschool day for kindergarten doesn’t need to look like a full school day. Aim for 1–2 hours of focused learning plus lots of time for play, reading, and exploring.

Example daily routine:

• Morning: 20–30 minutes reading & phonics practice

• Math game or worksheet (15–20 minutes)

• Play time, snack, outdoor time

• Story time or hands-on craft

• Free play

✅ 3️⃣ Keep It Hands-On

Young kids learn best when they touch and do. Use blocks for counting, letters made of playdough for spelling, or sort toys by color and size. Keep learning fun and stress-free.

✅ 4️⃣ Find Support & Resources

You don’t have to do this alone! Use free resources, connect with other homeschool families, and subscribe to blogs and newsletters that send you simple lesson ideas right to your inbox.

👉 Want an easy start? Go to simplestarthomeschool.com and grab your FREE STARTER KIT!

✅ 5️⃣ Give Yourself Grace

You’ll have good days and off days — that’s normal! The best thing you can do is focus on progress, not perfection. Keep it simple, celebrate small wins, and enjoy learning with your child.

💙 Final Encouragement

Starting homeschool doesn’t need to be scary — you’ve got this! Take it step by step, and remember: learning at home can be simple, warm, and joyful.

✨ CTA (Call to Action)

👉 Want more ideas? Subscribe to get fresh homeschool printables, lessons, and tips sent straight to your inbox each week!

📍How to Keep Homeschool Simple (and Still Effective)

Homeschooling your child can feel like a huge task — especially when you’re trying to do it all and make it perfect. The truth? You don’t have to do it all. And it definitely doesn’t have to be perfect.

I created Simple Start Homeschool to take the pressure off and help parents feel confident and capable — even on the messy days. If you're just getting started or feeling overwhelmed, here are five tips to keep your homeschool simple and effective:

1. 📅 Create a Simple Routine — Not a Rigid Schedule

Instead of planning every minute, build a daily rhythm with 2–3 learning blocks. Kids thrive on predictability, but flexibility keeps everyone sane.

2. 🧠 One Subject at a Time

Don’t try to teach everything, every day. Focus on 2–3 subjects (like reading, math, and one enrichment) and rotate through the rest during the week.

3. 🎒 Keep Materials Minimal

You don’t need a fancy curriculum or a classroom full of supplies. A notebook, some crayons, books from the library, and a few printable guides can take you far.

4. ✨ Progress Over Perfection

Some days will feel smooth, others won’t — and that’s okay. Celebrate the small wins: a finished worksheet, a curious question, or a peaceful morning.

5. ❤️ Know That You’re Enough

If you’re showing up with love, patience, and a willingness to learn alongside your child — you’re doing it right. The best homeschool days come from connection, not perfection.

Final Thoughts

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simpler it is, the more likely it is to work. That’s what Simple Start Homeschool is all about — giving you the tools and support to feel calm, capable, and confident as you teach at home.

Want more tips and ready-to-use resources? Grab the [Free Starter Kit] to get everything you need to begin with confidence.