First, remember that preschoolers need to be excited about learning and they need a variety of activities to keep them interested. Lessons that vary and offer play -- an important aspect of learning for toddlers -- are essential. Hands-on activities are good, but so are activities that ask the child to listen and think. Lessons should include outdoor and indoor activities.
Preschoolers should learn their numbers, letters, sounds and word associations. Print or create worksheets with photos on them and ask preschoolers to name the object and think about the sound of the first letter. They can then practice writing the letter. Also, write out your toddler's name and discuss the letters. Help them sound out other words start with those letters. Count the number of letters in the name.
Numbers are equally important, and inexpensive or homemade flashcards are a must.
There are dozens of math and science projects you can do with your preschooler at home, from growing seeds to going on a bug walk. For example, as the day progresses, so does our shadow. Have fun with this concept and trace your child's shadow throughout the day; then discuss the movement of the sun.
Experiment with counting while lining up toys. You can also organize objects by color and teach counting and patterns simultaneously.
Reserve time for playing quiet games and reading books. Games that are educational include memory card games, association card games and simple puzzles with big pieces. Toddlers can also learn to do mazes and connect-the-dot puzzles, which help with concentration.
Books should vary between fiction and nonfiction. At least once a month you should have a lesson that involves going to the local library and finding books with specific topics -- zoo animals, transportation, dinosaurs, landscapes.
Field trips provide great lessons. Take your toddler for a nature walk: pick wild flowers, look at leaves, talk about the weather and the different seasons. You can also take your preschooler to the local fire department and discuss fire and household safety.
Since socialization is important, be sure to include weekly trips to playgrounds or get involved with a local playgroup. Ask your toddler to remember the names of friends he meets and practice sharing toys in the sandbox.
Collect objects from around the house that are a particular shape -- a ball, globe, orange -- and teach your student the names of each shape. You can also discuss the color, texture and smell of the object. This teaches your toddler how to use the five senses for discovery.
Art is a form of expression, so allow your toddler to paint and work with clay, glitter and craft supplies. Cookie cutters and play dough provide a way to combine shape learning with colors and art.
There are hundreds of possibilities for preschool home lesson plans, so parents should start with a basic Internet search. Anything that can be done in the normal preschool classroom can be done at home. Also, keep in mind that everyday activities can always provide a lesson to be learned. When you cook, your child can help with the basic steps; when you clean, your child can help out and learn responsibility.