We became a homeschooling family in the fall of 2011, shortly after the birth of my second child. As a former elementary school teacher, I realized I wanted to stay home with my three-year-old and infant rather than continue working at the preschool my daughter attended during my pregnancy.
This was before Pinterest and Instagram were super-popular for researching things like “tot school” or “preschool at home.” There were a few mommy bloggers who shared their printables online, but mostly I was on my own for figuring out this new path we were on.
I bought a little desk and set up bulletin boards in our living room. We did circle time and calendar, and I tried so hard to stick to a fixed schedule, just like I was used to in the classroom.
Along the way, we started doing monthly themes for our lessons. I would check out a big stack of library books, we would go on field trips, and we started to connect with other homeschooling families in our area.
I also began teaching “Mommy and Me” sign language classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. It was a natural extension of the learning we were already doing at home, adding in songs, rhymes, counting, and ABCs. My girls thrived in this casual, fun environment, and I realized how much I loved helping the moms set up their own “tot school” for their kids.
When we moved to Iowa in 2016, my business moved online. Lone Star Signers became Rolling Prairie Readers, and our monthly membership program (The Play School Club) was born. I updated our monthly learning themes into family activity guides, with lists recommended books and inexpensive materials found around the house.
Over the past eight years, I have mentored hundreds of busy parents who want to make learning fun at home. Whether you are stay at home, work at home, or work outside the home, there is a place for you here at Rolling Prairie Readers.
As Seen/Heard On
BLOG POSTS
- Parents.com: 6 Brilliant Ways to Disguise Learning as Fun
- iHomeschool Network: Are Homeschool Co-ops Right For Your Family?
- Bethany Ishee: Family Adventures | 4 Amazing Benefits
- Veronica Lamb: Reading Aloud to Your Baby
- Mother Like a Boss : Sign language for every age and stage
- Embrace Home Loans: Working From Home With Kids