Picks for Educating Preschoolers

Toddlers are real people. They're just really small. As a parent, sometimes it may feel as though your not-yet-speaking-tantrum-throwing-picky-eater-toddler is but a little creature (or monster at times!) Yet, you need only stop and think of the last time he mimicked your grimacing frown or repeated your very words to realize he is a rapidly growing, exploring, learning child. This may be when you feel the conviction to turn off the television, get off the phone, and teach your child. We are often daunted by the idea of "teaching" our children, deigning ourselves untrained educators, when there is really no one better than a parent to train up a child in the way he should go. If you are in the preschool stage, here are a few resources that you might find helpful in your journey in teaching and training in the home. I have included the links so that you might preview and read reviews on each pick: The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home This is a great comprehensive look at why you should teach your children, and how to do it in practical ways. The chapter, "Unlocking the Doors: The Preschool Years" is great for all the basics of what a toddler should learn. It ultimately serves as my homeschooling curriculum guide.

Hide 'Em in Your Heart: Bible Memory Melodies, Vol. 1 My kids loved learning Bible verses as early as 2 because of this musical CD. It's not cheesy, but really solid.

Hide 'Em In Your Heart Songs - Vol 2 The second CD is awesome too...they teach young children God's Word and principles for godly living. I honestly value them over Veggie Tales any day.

The Complete Resource Book for Toddlers and Twos: Over 2000 Experiences and Ideas This series is awesome!

The Complete Resource Book for Preschoolers: An Early Childhood Curriculum With over 2000 Activities and Ideas! This series is awesome!

Slow and Steady Get Me Ready Great book for birth to age 4, with developmentally appropriate weekly activities.

My First Read And Learn Bible For the 1-2 yr. old.

Read And Learn Bible This is what we use with our 3 yr. old for devotionals. It's excellent.

The One Year Bible for Children (Tyndale Kids) This is what we use with our 5 yr. old for devotions. We love it.

Big Truths for Little Kids: Teaching Your Children to Live for God Our family's first nighttime devotional book. Story and foundational truths format.

My ABC Bible Verses: Hiding God's Word in Little Hearts Excellent resource for memorizing scripture as well.

A Faith to Grow On The best book to teach a pre-K and up child the core foundations and doctrines of the faith.

These are just some of my personal suggestions. All of these have made a tremendous impact on drawing our kids to Christ and to a desire to learn, apart from the the entertainment and high-stimulus format of TV and video gaming. I hope these resources help!