Why I Don’t Call It “Homework” (And What We Do Instead!)
Let’s be honest—some people really dislike the word homework. And I totally get it! It can be stress, tears, and nightly battles.
But in my preschool, learning looks (and should look) different. That’s why I like to offer simple, playful ways to continue the learning at home—without the pressure. At Discovery Adventures Preschool, we call it Discovery Time!
Why Send Anything Home at All?
I love sending home papers and activity ideas because it gives kids a chance to:
Extend what we’re learning in class
Show off their skills to their grown-ups
Feel proud and connected to school, even after they leave the classroom
And I think most parents appreciate the chance to see what we’re working on, too!
At the beginning of the year, I explain to families that I try to send something home after each class (though I definitely miss a day here and there—real talk!). These activities are always 100% optional.
Here’s How It Works
After class, your child might bring home:
A simple worksheet
A game or challenge idea
A quick text prompt from me like “Look for the letter Aa in your pantry!”
If your child completes an activity and brings it back, I’ll give it a sticker and hang it up on our “Good Job” bulletin board for a few days before sending it back home. No pressure, no fuss—just a bit of celebration and a whole lot of encouragement. 🎉
And if your child doesn’t do it? No worries at all! There’s NEVER any shame or negative consequences.
My Philosophy on “Homework”
I always strive to make our take-home activities:
Age-appropriate and developmentally thoughtful
Low- or no-prep for parents
Fun, engaging, and attention-span friendly
A natural extension of what we’re doing in class
This is all about connections, not compliance.
Many of my students have older siblings, and they feel so cool doing their own “homework” just like the big kids! That spark of pride is exactly what I’m going for.
What Is Discovery Time?
At Discovery Adventures Preschool, I believe learning should feel like a joyful adventure—at school and at home! That’s why I send home occasional activities we call Discovery Time.
These playful, low-stress learning moments are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and invite your child to share what they’ve been discovering in class.
Some Discovery Time activities include:
✏️ Skill-building pages to practice letters, numbers, and other preschool concepts
🎲 Simple, hands-on activities to do together
💡 Creative challenges to explore at your own pace
There’s no pressure to finish anything—these are just extra chances to celebrate learning and have fun together at home!
Let the adventure continue! 🚀💗📚
(If you're a fellow preschool owner or thinking of opening one: Offering at-home learning isn't just good for the kids—it's also a way to show parents the value of what you do. When families see their child’s progress and feel involved in the journey, they’re more likely to reenroll and share your name with friends. But of course, we’d never do it just for the business benefit!—these take-home activities are always designed with students’ growth and joy in mind.)