When schools shut down in March Reegan was newly 4 and Julia wasn’t 2 yet. I didn’t log on to one single zoom call. We (I) decided to play by no schedule and instead have about 123 pajama days in a row. Well, it’s July now and Mama needs a schedule and Reegan really wants some structure and stimulation.
I have spent the last few days deep diving mom blogs, educational sites, and homeschool resources to figure out a tiny bit a day I can do with her for these unprecedented times. Something that will be easy enough to dive neither of us crazy, but add a little bit of structure.
Because I have loved others lists so much, and been tailor fitting it for us. I’m compiling all the things I have found here.
Preschool Learning Tools and Books
**This post is being updated in real time to keep it a running resource! If you have favorites that are not included – send them our way!**
Reading & Audio Books:
For PreK, the one thing I have come across, is moving toward longer books as a way to stretch her memory, comprehension, and “language arts” skills. I have also come across some studies showing listening to an audio book for 20 minutes a day increases a child’s reading skills by over 50% a year. That’s absolutely incredible.
I have Audible so I downloaded a few finds under $1-2 (Yes. You read that correctly.) and downloaded the Libby app for free audios.
Given that it’s only for 20 minutes – I don’t need to start with 100 books downloaded. 3 will do for now.
For bedtime, I ordered 2 books that are lengthier. We will do 10 minutes at night and maybe a short book as well if she likes.
Our house currently does 3 short books each night at bed time. I’m just stretching it little by little.
Short Books:
- Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle. I love this book. I didn’t love the city one that follows and I haven’t read the springtime one, but the original is great.
- Pookie Series by Sandra Boynton. These are more for toddlers and babies but we read Pookie books nightly. Let’s Dance Little Pookie, Pajamas Time, What’s Wrong Little Pookie, and Snuggle Puppy are our favorites.
- I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont. One of my favorites for the last 2+ years.
- The Magic School Bus Explores the Sense by Joanna Cole. Magic School bus forever. That’s all.
- Ruby’s Sword by Jacqueline Veissid. “Ruby is always racing after her big brothers. But no matter how hard she tries, she can never catch up. Then one day, she discovers some sticks in the grass. Not just any sticks—swords! And suddenly the world is her kingdom.” I mean!
Longer Books:
- Nancy Clancy Series by Jane O’Connor
- The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards
- Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott. This book is in our cart as well as it’s follow up The Dragon Thief. They have come up on every single children’s book blog post I have come across.
- Zoey and Sassafras by Asia Citro. We have Unicorns and Germs, but the series is adorable and I have heard great things about all of them.
- The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale. We just ordered Science Fair Scare because the paper version was $3.99. I have heard mixed reviews.
- Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo. Colorful and fun its a great way to ease into the idea of Chapters.
- Milly Molly Mandy Stories by Joyce Lankester Brisley. This is another book that has come up over and over and over again. There are no bad reviews on Amazon for this book. None. It blows my mind. All of the stories are about 8-10 pages. They are self contained and lead into each other. Perfect for where we are at.
Audibles:
- Nancy Clancy Super Sleuth by Jane O’Connor
- Princess Cora and the Crocodile by Laura Amy Schlitz. A princess and a crocodile switch places. Adorable. A very regal narrator.
Preschool Learning Tools
YouTube Channels:
- Homeschool Pop. I LOVE this channel. Short and fantastic. He repeats himself just enough for facts to stick, but not enough times to make parents crazy. Reegan loves these, especially the science ones. We have watched about the sun many, many times.
- Kids Learning Tube.
WorkBooks:
Reegan will crush these books 10 pages at a time. But I am bad at offering them. She asked me today if I can set her pages out in the morning for her to work on after breakfast. I was like “oh.ok yeah sure no problem” Glad someone can run this show.
From what basically everyone has told me, 15 minutes of these pages is probably plenty for her age.
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Are You Ready for Kindergarten? Preschool Skills Book 1 by Kumon Publishing. Reegan loves that this one has mazes.
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Scholastic Pre-K Reading & Math Jumbo Workbook.
HomeSchool Units:
I have no down these but my dear friend is a wonderful home school mama and she has sent me links over the years when I have been curious. Many of these are Christian based in case that is or is not your thing. If you know of a homeschool resource that is not faith based, please send it my way.
- Gather Round. Absolutely gorgeous curriculum. The units are really well thought out and I like the verbiage she uses for preschoolers. If you need help coming up with follow up questions (like me); grab the free sample week at the very least.
- The Peaceful Preschool full curriculum, free resources, chore cards, and book lists. It’s sweet and simple.
(Mommy) Websites:
These mamas and educators are heaven sent. I love following them all on Instagram and their sites are full of resources that they themselves put into action.
- Life as a Rambling Redhead. Jennifer Todrick is heading to HGTV with a No Demo Reno show in the works, but I love her for her off the cuff mom humor and resources. Her kiddos do a homeschool/private school hybrid.
- Everyday Reading. What an awesome awesome awesome resource for readers, or want to be readers. From book deals, to tips on reading with kids, Jenseen goes into detail on methods that help every level. She’s really inspiring me to make our home more of a book home than a TV one.
Apps/Online Teachers:
- Spanish for Us. One on One zoom classes for Spanish at all levels! My friend posts about this and I’m in the process of checking it out.
- Kiwi Co Boxes! Divided by 2 year age groups, Kiwi sends STEAM projects for your kids straight to your door for $19.95 a month or less. These are a huge hit. And let’s be real, if you try to go to the craft store and grab supplies to DIY these kits, you’d be spending WAY more!
What Other Preschool Learning Tools Do You Love?
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