Five (almost six years ago), as I held my first born in my arms for the very first time, I pictured her future- including her first day of kindergarten. Like every parent, I saw her waving good-bye as she entered into her elementary school wearing that cute little backpack as I waved back fighting off tears. What I didn’t picture was her completing virtual kindergarten instead. (Skip ahead to the apple week themed bundle here).
The year 2020 has brought a lot of surprises to say the least and well, a completely altered kindergarten school year just happens to be one of them. But, just like we have thus far in this unprecedented year, we will roll with the punches and come out stronger (or so we hope ;)) on the other side. As a bonus, I get to have my little baby home with me one more year!
Virtual and Homeschooling
When we found out her kindergarten school year would be online, we decided it was best (safest) to follow suit in having our preschooler opt out of in-person classes and into homeschooling as well. So, here I was… starting September working from home full-time, working out of the home one day a week, and homeschooling/virtual guiding my two young children.
If you are new here, let me catch you up. I’m not trained as an educator, not even close. In fact, I went to college to become (and practice as) an occupational therapist. I spend more time rehabing adults and less time coming up with lesson plans. However, just like so much has in 2020, this too has changed.
Our Initial Start with Virtual
When that first day of virtual school/homeschool school began, my daughters were excited and I was admittedly (though trying to hide it) rather anxious. How was I possibly going to get it all done? Work didn’t stop just because I now added title of “teacher” to my resume.
As the weeks went by the revelations started. 1) It somehow just worked. Yes, I was overwhelmed at the number of hats I wore, but somehow it still all got done and the hats (though tall) somehow stayed fixed on my head. 2) Our school district and the teachers involved truly are heroes. They dedicate their hearts and souls into trying to provide education to our children in a way that is beneficial to the children, reasonable for the parents, and safe considering the circumstances. Lastly, revelation “3” is what brings you here…
As much as we tried to embrace the new virtual culture, it was hard. Despite all the school’s best efforts (and their efforts continue to be amazing), the one aspect that could not be replicated online was the in-person connection. The connection my kindergartener SO desperately sought.
As the days continued on her frustrations continued to increase, her boredom grew, and my heartbreak as a mother who wants her daughter’s kindergarten experience to be forever memorable was every bit present.
Coming Up with the Idea for Themes
After staying up WAY too late one night on Pinterest (yes, I paid for it the next morning), it hit me. My daughter needed supplemental activities to accompany her virtual learning. She needed hands-on experiments, crafts, and modified challenges based on her current skillsets. She needed field trips, outdoor incorporations, and immediate positive reinforcement.
My research, along with the discussion from my husband (an elementary and intermediate school principal) told me that I needed to embrace the kindergarten mindset. I needed themes. I needed to break down one week at a time with a different topic and create corresponding learning activities that would be exciting and engaging.
In no time, I found myself staying up later and later (and yes, I continued to pay for it ;)) researching kindergarten and preschool themes (as I wanted to be sure to included my preschooler into the process as well). Within a few days I had a compiled list to take me from late September to early June with a different weekly theme. I also had a plan.
My goal for each themed week was to provide structure (beneficial to both my children and myself), a set schedule, varied media learning activities, and more than anything… excitement around learning.
Modified
As noted above, I am currently assisting my kindergartener with virtual school, while simultaneously homeschooling my preschooler. As a result, I wanted to make sure that by designing my weekly themes and activities, that the same ones could be used for both girls. As a result, most all activities can be fully modified based on your child’s abilities and as a result is recommended for preschool-1st grade.
Simply September’s Weekly Homeschool Themes
So here we are… kicking off “Simply September’s Weekly Homeschool Themes” in the month of September (fitting? I think so!). Each week a new homeschool theme will be released via blog (here) and also via Instagram (here). (Want to be the first to know the weekly themes for the month ahead? Be sure to follow me on Instagram for their release!)
The apple week theme will be available to purchase (should you desire to replicate the theme at home for yourself) for just $4.99. Wanting to make it reasonable, the cost was calculated at under $1/day for all the resources included. Pick and choose which weeks work best for your availability and interest, but each week the cost will remain the same at $4.99/theme. After one week, the price goes up to $9.99
What’s Included in the Apple Week Theme
Included you will receive:
- A daily schedule which breaks down which activities to do which day (schedule provides for one off day (pre-determined on Wednesday) but can be changed. Schedule also includes math/writing/reading activities daily, with a “Friday Fun” day for themed experiments and crafts.
- Book recommendations pertaining to the theme. Linked to Amazon so you can purchase quickly if desired, or better yet, check out from your library!
- Video links pertaining to the theme. Direct YouTube links that incorporate age appropriate field trips, etc.
- Bonus activities should your child seek additional resources.
- 12 custom worksheets (worksheet number may vary per theme).
What it is NOT
My goal for these weekly themes are to provide you with the resources needed to enhance your preschool-1st grade experience during a rather unprecedented time. That said, they could be used long after 2020 should you desire to homeschool or for a teacher in a school setting. However, there are a few things that these resources are NOT.
- They are not designed by a certified teacher. As noted above, I’m an occupational therapist by trade. I did bounce ideas off my husband (an elementary and intermediate principal) but the resources provided were designed by a fellow mom instead (i.e. me!).
- These resources will not require you to spend endless extra time. While it is always welcomed and encouraged, there is no need to brainstorm additional resources, crafts, gather activities, etc. You can simply print and hand out the worksheets if time is limited and build upon the worksheets as time allows. My goal is to create a schooling plan that was practical for the busy parent to utilize.
- This schedule will NOT take the whole day. I planned the activities so my daughter could continue her virtual work. I also knew that one thing I didn’t have was MORE time to dedicate to an all-day teaching schedule.
Introducing Apple Week
So, without further ado… let’s kick off “Apple Week”! Should you want to purchase simply click here to receive the 14 page zip file (schedule, worksheets, etc.) for $4.99 (less than $1/day)!
Happy teaching, Mama. Not sure if you needed to hear this today, but you are amazing and your children are so lucky to have you!
