This school year I will have 2 preschoolers. I’ve had 2 preschoolers at the same time before, but this time they will be the same age. My twin boys will be 3 1/2 this fall (where did the time go?) and I will be doing some preschooling with them.
During the past 7 years of homeschooling, I’ve tried quite a few preschool resources with my 4 older children. Here are some of the ones we’ve tried and liked (plus one that we haven’t tried yet because it’s brand new).
1. God’s Little Explorers Preschool Curriculum
God’s Little Explorers is a simple, at-home Christian preschool curriculum. Explore God’s word with your 2-5 year old using the 28 lessons that cover a thematic unit and new letter each week.
From Motherhood on a Dime –
There are four main parts to the program:
1) Bible Adventure: This is the time to read the Bible story, sing any recommended songs, and do a related craft or project.
2) Theme Adventure: During this time, we explore the theme with crafts, science projects, cooking projects, and so forth.
3) ABC & 123: This time specifically introduces an alphabet letter. We also explore colors, shapes, and numbers during the year.
4) Life Skills: Preparing a preschooler for life is much more than teaching them the ABCs! Each week, we review various self-help skills, learn to complete chores correctly, practice manners, and do a service project. I’ve also listed additional activities you can use to substitute for ones you might not like or have time to complete.
$17.00
2. The Encompass Preschool Curriculum
From Cornerstone Confessions –
Encompass is a 4-day per week (26-week) homeschool preschool curriculum created to include morning board activities, group activities, and workbox activities. Together these three activity types guide a preschooler through the basic developmental and educational skills expected of a 3 or 4 year old including by not limited to fine and gross motor skills, music, art, math, Bible, recitation, literacy, and cooking skills.
$10.00
3. Raising Rock Stars Preschool Bundle
Raising Rocks Stars Preschool is a Bible base preschool program based on the book My ABC Bible Verses, and includes everything listed above. It’s ideal for ages 4-5.
$10.00
4. Little Hands to Heaven
From Heart of Dakota –
Little Hands to Heaven is a collection of 33 units based on stories from the Bible. Each unit has a theme centered around Bible characters. The activities in each unit coordinate with the daily Bible stories.
Simple daily plans have the work already done for you. Quick and easy activities require little or no preparation and use only materials you’re likely to have on hand. There is no literature to gather. Simply use your Bible or purchase one of the listed Bible storybooks.
$44.95
5. A to Z Toddler and Preschool Curriculum
From Kathy Hutto –
This complete Toddler and Preschool Curriculum is designed especially for Homeschool or church daycare. It is set up to cover one letter per week. In addition to a letter a week, it includes a weekly theme that starts with the letter of the week. The same color, shape, and number are worked on all month long. This curriculum begins in August and ends in May. The lessons include ideas for teaching: Letter Skills, Numbers, Shapes, Color, Art, Music, Game Time, and Snack. Every lesson also includes a scripture to memorize and a Bible story.
$10.00
6. Letter of the Week
From Confessions of a Homeschooler –
The Letter of the Week is a full 26 week preschool course designed to give your student a head-start on preparing for kindergarten! It is a 26 week curriculum that’s full of educational activities that focus on the letter recognition, sounds, number recognition, counting, basic math skills, pre-writing practice, and all the necessary fine-motor skills that will be required for your preschooler to be ready for kindergarten! Included are weekly lesson plans that cover all the subjects a preschooler needs and more!
$15.00
7. Write Through the Bible, Junior
Write Through the Bible, Junior is a new interdisciplinary study you can use to teach your young child to write while focusing on God’s word. This curriculum, geared towards 4-6 year olds, is a full-year curriculum.
This program was designed to incorporate several subjects in one. Below are a few things your child willlearn as they work through this book:
- Improve fine motor coordination
- Learn letter sounds
- Learn how to form letter
- Memorize Philippians 2:1-18
- Learn new vocabulary words
- Study Philippians 2:1-18 and learn what it means to have a heart of humility.
$17.00 – $27.00
8. Fruit of the Spirit Curriculum for Toddlers
From Intentional by Grace –
The Fruit of the Spirit Curriculum for Toddlers is divided into eighteen weeks of lesson plans designed to help you make God’s Word central in your child’s everyday learning. Together with your child, you will explore love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in ways that you and your child will love. The Fruit of the Spirit Curriculum for Toddlers is designed to be done three days a week.
$14.00
9. Manor Preschool
From Blue Manor Academy –
Our Christian preschool curriculum will not only prepare your children for kindergarten, but will also lay a strong physical, intellectual, and spiritual foundation that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. The best part is that our lessons require zero preparation and zero teaching experience. Give your children an elite foundation and be amazed by the ripple effects.
This is the complete set: 23 individual books and an additional “how to” teaching manual. Blue Manor Academy takes Christian preschool education to the next level! Level One is uniquely designed for parents like you who want to give your preschooler a tremendous head start.
$39.99
10. Five in a Row (Before Five in a Row)
From Five in a Row –
Five in a Row was created by Jane Claire Lambert,a successful homeschool teacher with more than 17 years of experience.To use Five in a Row, just pick one of the 70 books used inFive in a Row,locate the corresponding lesson plan in your teacher’s guide, read the story aloud each day during the week and use Jane’s suggestions and lesson plans to lead your children on a wonderful learning adventure. It’s that simple!
$35.00
This year I’ve decided to use Little Hands to Heaven from Heart of Dakota (this one is probably my favorite). It was the very first preschool curriculum we ever used. However, being the curriculum junkie that I am, I’m sure I will be using ‘a little of this and a little of that’ when it comes to our preschooling this year; we own all but one of the resources on this list (like I said, curriculum junkie).
What are your favorite resources/curriculum for preschool?
As an expert in early childhood education and homeschooling, I can provide you with information on the various preschool resources and curricula mentioned in the article. I have extensive knowledge and experience in this field, and I can help you understand the concepts and features of each resource.
God's Little Explorers Preschool Curriculum
God's Little Explorers is a Christian preschool curriculum designed for home use. It consists of 28 thematic units, each focusing on a different Bible story and introducing a new letter of the alphabet. The program includes activities such as reading Bible stories, singing songs, doing crafts, and learning life skills.
The Encompass Preschool Curriculum
The Encompass Preschool Curriculum is a comprehensive 26-week program that covers a wide range of developmental and educational skills. It includes activities for fine and gross motor skills, music, art, math, Bible, literacy, and cooking. The curriculum is designed to be used four days a week and provides a structured approach to preschool learning.
Raising Rock Stars Preschool Bundle
Raising Rock Stars Preschool is a Bible-based program that follows the book "My ABC Bible Verses." It is ideal for children aged 4-5 and includes a variety of activities related to the weekly Bible verses. This curriculum combines teaching Bible verses with activities that promote literacy, fine motor skills, and other preschool skills.
Little Hands to Heaven
Little Hands to Heaven is a preschool curriculum that focuses on stories from the Bible. It consists of 33 units, each centered around a Bible character or story. The activities in each unit are designed to coordinate with the daily Bible stories and require minimal preparation. This curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and uses materials that are easily accessible.
A to Z Toddler and Preschool Curriculum
The A to Z Toddler and Preschool Curriculum is a comprehensive program designed for homeschool or church daycare settings. It covers one letter of the alphabet per week and includes a weekly theme that corresponds with the letter. The curriculum incorporates a variety of activities, including letter skills, numbers, shapes, art, music, games, and snacks. It also includes scripture memorization and Bible stories.
Letter of the Week
The Letter of the Week is a 26-week preschool curriculum that focuses on letter recognition, sounds, number recognition, counting, basic math skills, pre-writing practice, and fine motor skills. It provides weekly lesson plans that cover all the necessary subjects for preschoolers, preparing them for kindergarten.
Write Through the Bible, Junior
Write Through the Bible, Junior is a full-year curriculum designed to teach writing skills while focusing on Bible verses. It is geared towards 4-6 year olds and incorporates activities to improve fine motor coordination, letter sounds, letter formation, vocabulary, and scripture memorization. The curriculum also includes a study of Philippians 2:1-18 and the concept of humility.
Fruit of the Spirit Curriculum for Toddlers
The Fruit of the Spirit Curriculum for Toddlers is a 18-week program that aims to make God's Word central in a child's everyday learning. It explores the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, kindness, and self-control, through age-appropriate activities. The curriculum is designed to be completed three days a week.
Manor Preschool
Manor Preschool is a Christian preschool curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten while also focusing on their physical, intellectual, and spiritual development. It consists of 23 individual books and a teaching manual, providing a comprehensive set of lessons. This curriculum requires no preparation or teaching experience and offers a strong foundation for preschoolers.
Five in a Row (Before Five in a Row)
Five in a Row is a literature-based curriculum that uses children's books as a starting point for learning. The program includes lesson plans for 70 books, with activities and discussions centered around the stories. The curriculum aims to create a learning adventure for children and is designed to be simple and easy to use.
These are just a few of the resources and curricula mentioned in the article. Each one offers a unique approach to preschool education, and the best choice will depend on your preferences and the needs of your children. I can provide more information or help you explore other options if you'd like.
