Top Ten Things Your Preschooler Wants You to Know

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Top 10 Things Your Preschooler Wants You to KnowTomorrow, I get to share my passion for preschoolers with about 100 preschool teachers. I am sharing with them the Top Ten Things Preschooler Want You to Know. I thought you might enjoy hearing this list, as well.

#10 –Just because I use potty talk does not mean I have to go potty.

When I child calls you poopy head, simply say something like, “What? I have poopy on my head. Nope, I don’t think I have poopy on my head.” Children use potty talk to get the attention of others. Once they realize that their words don’t shock you, they won’t use them as often.

#9 – Just because I can hold a pencil and spell my name does not mean that I am ready to read and write.
If I begin counting in Spanish…. Uno, Dos, Tres, etc…. you might assume I speak Spanish? I don’t. Just as counting in Spanish does not mean I speak Spanish, holding a pencil and spelling their own name, does not mean a child is ready to read and write. Reading predictable books, Reading quality books, asking good questions, journaling, making books, recognizing that words have meanings, inventive writing, scribbling, and manipulatives all help prepare a child for reading when it is time (somewhere between 5-8).

#8 –Children need a variety when they are outside. Many children need to run, jump, climb, and ride when they are outside. However, some need to be on a blanket with a book or building blocks. Offer them a variety!

#7 – There is more to forgiveness than “I’m Sorry!” In the early childhood world, it is often said – “Don’t force a child to say I am sorry.” However, rarely is an option given. How should we handle those hits, ugly words, and moments of anger? The goal is to help children understand that their actions have consequences. What they do impacts other people. When they hit their friend, their friend is hurt. When they say unkind things, their friend is hurt. Children should be encouraged to use their words and express their feelings.

#6 – She is not invited to my birthday party. Preschoolers are trying to figure out who they are, what they like, and how to establish boundaries. This is an important time for teachers to help children put their words to their emotions. This is a gift we can give children. We would all say that we want adults that can work out problems and strife in their relationships. This needs to start early. Just like #7, helping children express how harsh words make them feel will them in the long run.

#5 – We learn through the process and not the product. It is in the process of discovery, experience, and wonder that children learn. When we focus on an end result, we often miss the actual lesson of the process.

#4 – Please listen, we have something to say. –We can learn about children’s needs, stresses, developmental areas, etc… if we will take the time to listen to their stories, their pretend play, their questions, etc… If we don’t give them time during the small moments in their life, they will not give us time when the big topics arise.

#3-We need to experience to explore a topic. – “Being a kid is dirty, messy, noisy work. It is in the experience that we actually understand the topic. Whatever we hope to teach children about, the brain needs to experience through the senses. It is in the touching, smelling, hearing, tasting, and seeing that the brain builds synapses.

#2 – We are ALL different. – Honor who your child is! Our goal as a parent is to help a child become who they were already meant to be.

#1 – MEMORIES will be made! Bottom Line, what do you want children to remember in 5, 10, 15, 20 years? What impact do you want to have on them?

Find a way to #sayyes today.


Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!


We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor Sony and their new movie, The Star, the Story of the First Christmas – Coming in Theaters November 17th!

Visit TheStarMovie.com to learn more.


Preschool Essentials

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Preschool Essentials from the Brain Coach!What is it that preschoolers really need to experience to help their brains work at peak capacity when they start formal schooling?  That question has puzzled professionals in the educational field for years.  From a neurodevelopmental perspective, preschool preparation has nothing much to do with books you find at teacher supply stores, Sam’s or Cosco marked “preschool skills.”  It is not whether a child can use scissors, identify letters and numbers or write his name.  It has everything to do with the development of the central nervous system and most especially the brain.  The brain controls everything we do so if we prepare it with a good developmental foundation, it preforms like a well-oiled machine when the pressures of formal academics are presented.  In other words, all of the skills mentioned above that so many people concentrate on when trying to teach a particular skill, are really a natural result of a good development.  For example, if the pathway from the brain to the hand is mature and hand strength is good, it would be almost effortless to learn to cut with scissors.  Let’s not put the cart before the horse!

If the foundation is not solid, that is where we see the rise in sensory issues and learning challenges appearing in more than 25% of our American children.  As you learn to work at the foundational level of development, you too can avoid learning struggles in your home.

In this episode of Brain Coach Tips, learn about the six areas of development that are the foundation to function – tactile, auditory, visual, manual, language, and mobility.  Dr. Jan will expand on each of these areas with specific activities to stimulate the proper development.  She will also explain how the chemistry of the body can play a key role in function.  To discuss this further, you can receive a free metabolic consultation when you submit your request.  See details in the handout.

Don’t miss the handout attached here with key points from the podcast and links to pertinent resources and discounts.


Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!

We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor Raddish – a cooking club and curriculum, specially designed FOR KIDS by chefs and educators! Raddish is perfect for homeschooling families! Teach thematic cooking lessons that incorporate math, science, nutrition, geography, and culture. With Raddish, the kitchen is the tastiest place to learn! Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for $15 off a 6 or 12 month membership. Visit RaddishKids.com/Homeschool to learn more and to download a free lesson.
Check out this info pack: Raddish One Page

When Does Homeschool Really Begin? Part 2

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

When Does Homeschool Really Begin? with The Brain Coach, Dr. Jan BedellThe discussion from part 1 of When Does Homeschool Really Begin? continues as Jan Bedell, the Little Giant Steps’ Brain Coach, leads you through the last stage of brain organization at the cortex level.  The cortex is the thinking part of the brain and is where you interact most with your children.  Be sure to listen to part 1 before continuing to this part as the foundation of brain organization is described there, setting the stage for part 2.  Here in part 2 we delve into specifics of how to give input to those little infant, toddler and preschool brains so life and learning are made easier.  When there are good connections in the brain creating strong pathways, you have the “infrastructure” for great functional ability for a lifetime!

In this episode, discover the three keys to effectively learn anything. In addition, you will be exposed to auditory processing (auditory short term memory) and how this auditory skill is essential for following directions, staying on task, making good decisions by understanding cause and effect and producing the foundational ability to use phonics in the child’s future.  A low auditory processing ability causes the same symptoms that often make parents and professionals suspect and/or label children with ADD and ADHD.  We encourage you to be proactive with your young child and avoid those types of learning challenges as well as reading struggles that are often on the dyslexia checklist. Make sure your little ones progress through all the developmental steps so you can avoid learning struggles and labels in their future.

Don’t miss the handout attached here with notes from this workshop and links to pertinent information and discounts.