Top 10 Preschool Curriculum Options

March 7, 2025
Written by:
Courtney Newman
Homeschooling Curriculum

Do you have an eager little learner on your hands?  Indeed, if you have young children and you’ve decided to homeschool them, you may be wondering if you should use a Preschool curriculum.  For many parents, using a curriculum can help them relax a bit about teaching their child for the first time.

Introduction to Homeschooling Preschool

However, some people choose to nix a preschool curriculum entirely, considering the preschool age is all about fun and curiosity.  On the other hand, it can be a good idea to use a curriculum as a guide so your children have a foundational understanding of essential concepts before entering their kindergarten year.  In fact, if you feel like a preschool curriculum is best, we have several recommendations of our personal favorites to help you get started!

Benefits of Using a Homeschool Preschool Curriculum

Children benefit from an early education in nearly exponential ways.  Preschool-aged children need stimuli, encouragement, and structure. We’ve all heard about how kids thrive off routine, and the same can be said for early education.  Especially, at this age, their minds are natural sponges — they absorb everything!How to Homeschool Preschool

A study has shown the very real differences between the success of adults who attended a preschool program as children versus those who did not.  With a preschool curriculum, we aim to replicate this experience at home. Correspondingly, what should you look for in a preschool curriculum? 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Preschool Curriculum

From experience, one of the most important aspects of a curriculum would be one that teaches skills through hands-on learning.  Most commonly, parents prefer preschool curricula that teach language and literacy and encourage reading/storytime, basic math skills, colors, and fine motor skills.  Whether you are looking for a Montessori style or Charlotte Mason, there are several great options available for your preschooler.

In addition, preschoolers do not need lengthy periods of formal learning time each day. Preschoolers thrive on learning through play and real-life experiences. Limiting formal learning time to 30 minutes to an hour each day with lots of play mixed in is optimal for this age!

Our Top 10 Recommendations for Homeschooled Preschoolers

Time4Learning Preschool:

As an award-winning preschool program, Time4Learning offers students an interactive, fully online experience. In fact, Time4Learning approaches preschool from the perspective that learning and play integrate naturally, and strives to provide a program that helps preschoolers learn through curiosity and fun. Enroll today and get our exclusive 15% discount!

The Good and the Beautiful:

The Good and the Beautiful emphasizes literature but also combines art, science, and math in this lovely and FREE curriculum that’s perfect for your preschool student. Our staff recommends this used in conjunction with Time4Learning online activities.

Hooked on Phonics:

Help your child acclimate to school and learn to read with this time-tested phonics-based program. Parents have trusted Hooked on Phonics to teach their children to read for 35 years. This highly effective, incredibly fun system is guaranteed to have your child reading in 30 days, and you can try it for just $1! Click here to get this deal.

Homeschool Complete Preschool:

Packed with engaging, hands-on activities, this curriculum caters to the interests of a preschooler. The lessons and activities integrate kindergarten readiness skills within all subject areas. Use code HS2024 to get a 5% discount on your order!

Oak Meadow Preschool Curriculum:

Oak Meadow’s preschool curriculum is all about creativity and imagination!  Theirs is a secular program that involves lots of playing, singing, walks, storytelling, and more. It is exciting, engaging, and affordable. Parents and kids alike are sure to love it. Read our preschool curriculum review for more information! (Spoiler alert: We LOVE it!!)

T is for Tot Digital Curriculum:

This curriculum has everything you need to teach your child the ENTIRE ALPHABET from the comfort of your own home, it’s as easy as print and go! This curriculum is perfect for ages 2-5. You can spend 10-30 minutes on it each day; breaking the day apart for activities, letter snacks, books, and so much more! Use code Homeschool25 to get 25% off!

Sonlight Preschool Curriculum:

This preschool program encourages a pressure-free learning environment. Engage your child with classic children’s books, games, Bible stories, and fairy tales! Further, Sonlight incorporates pre-reading, pre-math, and pre-science skills into their program, as well as opportunities to work on motor skills, listening, and cognitive abilities. Sonlight is also a Christian curriculum and consequently incorporates biblical lessons into its program.How to Teach Preschool

Mother Goose Time: 

Mother Goose offers a research-based preschool curriculum rooted in arts, music, logic, and hands-on learning!  Even more, each preschool kit provides everything you’ll need to enjoy the projects and activities at home.

ABCya Homeschool Curriculum

Educational games on ABCya are categorized by grade and subject and cover topics such as multiplication, parts of speech, and typing. Activities align to Common Core standards. ABCya is free to use on desktop computers, or users can subscribe to a premium membership to play on mobile devices.

My Father’s World Preschool Curriculum: 

My Father’s World approaches all of their curriculum levels from the holistic mindset that each subject connects; for example, that individual lessons don’t exist in a vacuum.  MFW combines a Christian classical approach with Charlotte Mason inspirations and hands-on learning through unit studies.

BookShark:

BookShark’s complete-subject preschool package is comprehensive and all about preparing your child for kindergarten. In fact, this package comes fully planned and with 25 books to enjoy with your preschooler! Your child will begin to learn about the world, language skills, science, math, reading, and art.

A Year of Playing Skillfully:

This preschool curriculum is offered as either a printed book or an eBook.  It is designed for children ages 3-7, so this could be a great option for including your kindergarten and early elementary children as well!  The learning opportunities presented in this curriculum address the development needs of young children, including all the main subjects as well as motor, social, emotional, and relational skills.

Before Five in a Row: 

The preschool curriculum here is separated into two parts: the units & books, and then the readiness activities.  Five in a Row focuses onPreschool Homeschooling utilizing everyday activities as learning opportunities for children, in addition to immersing them in wonderful children’s literature.

Extra Preschool Curriculum Options

  • Gentle + Classical Press:  Gentle + Classical Press is a perfect option for those looking to follow the Charlotte Mason/Classical/Unit Study approach to their homeschool. This method of teaching the “whole child” comes through beautifully in this curriculum.
  • Heart of Dakota: Their preschool curriculum, Little Hands to Heaven, is in the Charlotte Mason style and integrates Bible and Music, Fingerplays, Letter Activities, Art, Math, Dramatic Play, and Exploration.
  • Blossom and Root: This preschool curriculum is secular, nature-based, and hands-on. It’s an art program with integrated math concepts, science and nature study, and language arts with integrated geography
  • The Peaceful Preschool: The Peaceful Preschool is a literature and project-based curriculum for early learners. In fact, the 26-week program includes a weekly letter of the alphabet and a recipe to make with your little one to help make their first school experience fun and memorable!

10 Resources for Preschool Learning At Home

Now that you have a few Preschool curricula to consider, we want to share several resources for preparing to homeschool your preschooler.  In this list, you’ll find several helpful articles, tips, tricks, activities, and even a science experiment or two. Remember, the most important part of preschool is letting your children learn at their own pace while keeping the experience fun and pressure-free. After all, play is the work of childhood!

Play-Based Curriculum

There are several popular play-based homeschool preschool curriculums that parents often choose for their young learners. Here are some of the top options:

Playing Preschool: Developed by Susie Allison from Busy Toddler, this curriculum focuses on teaching children “how to think” through engaging activities using toys and everyday household items.
The Homegrown Preschooler: This curriculum emphasizes hands-on, play-based learning with a focus on nature and practical life skills.
Blossom and Root: Known for its gentle, nature-based approach, this curriculum integrates art, music, and outdoor activities into the learning process.
Timberdoodle: Offers a variety of hands-on activities and kits that encourage play-based learning and critical thinking[2].
Montessori Preschool: Based on the Montessori method, this curriculum encourages self-directed learning through play and exploration[2].
These curriculums are designed to make learning fun and engaging for preschoolers, fostering a love for learning from an early age.

Benefits of Play-Based Learning

Play-based learning offers numerous benefits for young children, making it a popular approach in early childhood education. Here are some key advantages:

  • Enhances Cognitive Development: Through play, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. They learn to explore with outdoor play, experiment, and understand the world around them.
  • Promotes Social Skills: Play-based activities often involve interaction with peers, helping children learn to share, cooperate, and communicate effectively. These social interactions are crucial for developing empathy and emotional intelligence.
  • Encourages Creativity and Imagination: Play allows children to use their imagination and creativity, which can lead to innovative thinking and a love for learning.
    Improves Physical Development: Many play-based activities involve physical movement, which helps develop fine and gross motor skills, coordination, and overall physical health.
  • Supports Emotional Well-being: Play provides a safe space for children to express their emotions, cope with stress, and build resilience. It can also boost their confidence and self-esteem.
  • Fosters a Love for Learning: By making learning fun and engaging, play-based approaches help children develop a positive attitude towards education, which can last a lifetime.
  • Overall, play-based learning creates a holistic and enjoyable educational experience that supports the development of the whole child. Do you have any specific areas of development you’re particularly interested in?

Montessori Preschool Curriculum

Overall, a Montessori-based homeschool preschool curriculum aims to create a nurturing and stimulating environment that supports the natural development of the child. It encourages a love for learning and helps children develop essential life skills. Here are five highly recommended Montessori-based homeschool preschool curriculums:

  • Child of the Redwoods: This program, created by Aubrey Hargis, offers a comprehensive and flexible Montessori curriculum that includes detailed lesson plans, activities, and support for parents.
  • NAMC (North American Montessori Center): Known for its thorough and well-structured homeschooling program, NAMC provides a range of Montessori materials and resources tailored for home use.
  • Montessori by Mom: This subscription-based service delivers monthly themed Montessori kits that include all the materials and instructions needed for hands-on learning at home.
  • ShillerLearning: This curriculum offers a Montessori-based approach to math and language arts, with a focus on hands-on activities and manipulatives.
  • Guidepost Montessori: Guidepost offers a variety of resources and support for homeschooling families, including a comprehensive curriculum and access to Montessori-trained guides.

Benefits of Using a Montessori Preschool Curriculum

Montessori education differs from traditional education in several key ways:

  • Child-Centered Learning: Montessori classrooms are designed to cater to the individual needs and interests of each child. Students have the freedom to choose their activities and work at their own pace, fostering independence and self-motivation.
  • Hands-On Learning: Montessori emphasizes learning through hands-on activities and manipulatives. Children engage with materials that help them understand abstract concepts through concrete experiences.
  • Mixed-Age Classrooms: Montessori classrooms typically include children of different ages, usually spanning three years. This setup encourages peer learning, with older children mentoring younger ones, and fosters a sense of community.
  • Prepared Environment: The classroom environment is carefully prepared to support independent learning and exploration. Materials are organized and accessible, allowing children to choose and return them independently.
  • Role of the Teacher: In Montessori education, teachers act as guides or facilitators rather than traditional instructors. They observe and support each child’s learning journey, providing individualized guidance and encouragement.
  • Focus on Holistic Development: Montessori education aims to develop the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. It emphasizes practical life skills, social responsibility, and emotional well-being alongside academic learning.
  • Intrinsic Motivation: Montessori encourages intrinsic motivation by allowing children to follow their interests and experience the joy of discovery. There are no grades or external rewards; instead, children are motivated by their own curiosity and desire to learn.

These differences create a unique learning environment that nurtures independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Finding the Best Preschool Curriculum

We can share every amazing resource with you, but at the end of the day it is up to you to determine which program and method of learning is best for your 3-4 year olds. Pre-K is a wonderful time of growth and learning. A time that should be filled with plenty of play and authentic learning experiences. Your child’s learning is the most important aspect of their growth and as a homeschool mom finding their best-fit preschool homeschool curriculum is key. If you take things easy, look for play-filled learning opportunities to build your child’s early literacy and critical thinking skills.

Not Sure How to Get Started?

Visit our How to Start Homeschooling Page for more information.

 

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Courtney Newman

Courtney Newman is a homeschooled graduate with a love for writing. She is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Health Science at University of the People. Other than writing, her hobbies include reading, yoga, visiting the beach, and meditating. She lives with her husband and pets in coastal Virginia.