Preschool is such a buzzword these days. Personally, I am of the persuasion that, when it comes to introducing formal educational experiences, it is “Better Late Than Early.” Research and real life confirm this theory postulated by Dr. Raymond Moore, with whom I had the privilege of working in Sweden and, later, in the United States, at his educational foundation.
As Dr. Moore put it, “Preschool 101 is obedience.” In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “Let the child’s first lesson be obedience, and the second will be what thou wilt.”
All of the above do not translate into letting the children run around all day without any thought behind their activities.
I have included a list of some of the curricula I have used with my children from ages 0-5:
1. Imagination Library books
3. My Bible First, Cradle Roll
4. Gracelink, Beginner
5. Swim lessons at the Gatlinburg Community Center
7. Bears! Bears! Bears! (math book and teddybear counters)
8. In the Hands of a Child (lapbooks)
9. Field trips: Ripley’s Aquarium, the Knoxville Zoo, Petting Zoo, supermarket, post office, fire department, construction sites
10. Library Story Times
11. Lego Education: Simple Machines; Simple and Motorized Mechanisms
13. Riding toys (tricycle, bicycle, scooter, golf cart)
14. Church services
15. Vacation Bible School
16. Ball activities
17. Gardening
18. Hiking
19. Betty Lukens, Through the Bible in Felts
20. Accountable Kids
No preschool teacher loves my children more than I do. No preschool teacher is as invested into their lives and development as I am. No preschool teacher is more qualified than mom.