This year, we have started preschool with my middle child. I don't have a timeline or age when we start preschool, I just go based off of when the child is ready. She had been begging me for months to "do school." (She wants to do everything her sister does!) She had started pointing out letters, asking what words were when we read books, counting, and wanting to "write."
This is my second time teaching preschool, I taught my oldest in 2020. We used the Busy Toddler's curriculum called Playing Preschool. We absolutely LOVED it. I loved that there are no worksheets or flashcards, it is based on books and play.
It is seriously SO fun! It is scripted (tells you exactly what to say to the child) and organized so well. It is simple and requires low prep. All the concepts are taught in a very natural and gentle way. Kids learn the alphabet and numbers 1-10. They also learn skills like sorting, size, organizing data etc.
The curriculum has two week long themes. There is a song and poem that go with the theme (this was my oldest daughter's favorite part!) along with books and activities associated with that theme. Some of our favorite themes were colors, farms, food, and fairytales!
I had planned on using this with my second daugher but when I tried, she had ZERO interest ha! She just wanted a course book like her sister has. So we won't be using it, but I will be pulling some fun themes and activities from it to use.
This is what the layout looks like. It is so organized and easy to follow! If you want to see a sample of the first theme, click HERE.
This year we have started using The Good and the Beautiful Preschool course. It is darling! It is filled with color and interactive activities. And does such a great job at using a variety of activities to keep the child focused and interested.
The course book really helps kids solidify letter names and sounds.
The practice sheets are fun activity pages like these.
My daughter's favorite part is the activity folders. Each one is focused on a few letters and have moveable pieces to play games with.
Another resource I am using (and used with my oldest) are these alphabet sound books by Jane Belk Moncure. Each letter has a book that is full of words that start with that letter. I collected our whole set from checking thrift stores and library book sales (I think they are out of print now.)
I am also adding in letter crafts from Aloha Hut. This has been a great way to introduce the letter along with the letter sound books (above.) I also pick a few books from our home library that start with that letter.
Although it doesn't always happen, I like to do a simple activity as well. For example, for D we made homemade donuts and for K we flew kites. Now, does your preschooler NEED a formal curriculum? Absolutely not. Preschoolers need to be focused on exploring and learning through play. We do a large focus on open play, reading books, and playing outside.
We have chosen to do it this way because my daughter has expressed interest and we really try to follow our kids' leads.
Both of these are fantastic options, I hope you found one that'll work for your little learner!
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