I'm so glad you found this page! If you are looking for a free preschool curriculum for your child, here it is.
What is Read to Me & ABC?
This is a literature-based letter of the week curriculum for preschoolers. Well, it's not really a curriculum (such stuffy words for such little people don't really work for me). It's more of a collection and organization of ideas.
While I was writing Read to Me & ABC, my goals were simple. I wanted to expose my preschooler to great books and introduce him to alphabet sounds while making fun memories together. I also wanted him to know that he would receive special time with mom each day–school time wasn't just for big brother.
How Does This Preschool Curriculum Work?
Each week there is a book to go with a letter of the alphabet. We read the book each day (yes, five times!), and worked on an alphabet notebook. We also read a few go-along books and did a hands-on project or activity for each letter of the alphabet.
Alphabet Notebook
Simon created one piece of letter art for each letter. We then pasted it to the front of a file folder and filled the inside of the file folder with the other learning activities he does that relate to the book we are reading as well as the letter of the week. All the folders were stored in a 3-ring binder for the student to showcase and review.
You will need 26 regular sized file folders, a three hole punch, and scissors to get started on your alphabet notebook.
Three hole punch each file folder.
Cut the "extra" part off.
Your folder will be ready to add your alphabet art to the outside and your learning activities on the inside. (pictured below: bubbly blue B)
Book Basket for Read to Me & ABC Preschool Curriculum
Each letter of the alphabet has "book basket" suggestions. These are not necessary but will enhance your time together. Don't stress about getting all the books on the list and feel free to substitute with other books you have available to you. Some of the books were selected because they relate to the main literature selection; other books are on the list because they emphasize the week's letter. Ask your student to find the letter in the titles of the books before you read them. Say the sounds together, too!
Let's Make a Memory
This was my favorite part of this preschool curriculum! I included at least one fun activity for each week. Some of the literature units include activities, too; please don't try to do it all. Simply choose one memory making activity to do with your student each week. You will be blessed with these memories for many, many years!
Simon jumping on the J's during our J week.
Read to Me & ABC Preschool Curriculum
I have blogged about all 26 weeks below. Simply click on a letter to read the plans.
A is for apple (The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall)
B is for boat (My Blue Boat by Chris Demarest)
C is for carrot (The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss)
D is for dog (Angus Lost by Marjorie Flack)
E is for egg (Humpty Dumpty)
F is for feathers (Feathers for Lunch by Lois Ehlert)
G is for gift (Ask Mr. Bear by Marjorie Flack)
H is for hand (Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb by Al Perkins)
I is for instruments (Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss)
J is for jump (Five Little Monkeys by Eileen Christelow)
K is for kitten (Three Little Kittens by Paul Galdone)
L is for Ladybug (The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle)
M is for moon (Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown)
N is for nap (The Napping House by Don and Audrey Wood)
O is for ocean and octopus (various books)
P is for pig (If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff)
Q is for quick (I'm as Quick as a Cricket by Don and Audrey Wood)
R is for rainbow (A Rainbow of My Own by Don Freeman)
S is for snow (The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats)
T is for teddy bear (Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear? by Nancy Carlstrom)
U is for Up! (Great Day for Up! by Dr. Seuss)
V is for vegetables (Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert)
W is for water (Mrs. Wishy Washy by Joy Cowley)
X is for fox (Oh A-Hunting We Will Go by John Langstaff)
Y is for yellow (The Yellow Ball by Molly Bang)
Z is for zoo (Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Ratham)
You are welcome! I never even thought about it, but we do try to eat whole foods as much as possible. I guess it shines through with me V is for Vegetables! š HA
This looks to be an enjoyable format. As an early childhood educator, there is such a push to have young children begin to read as early as possible. Laudable, if they are ready. Hopefully homeschool parents/teachers will remember to review a checklist of skills thst young children need as prerequisites for reading and writing.
It's always fabulous to read to young children. You can check on-line or with your local librarian for a list of suggested titles. Browse the children's section for book tgat you think your child may enjoy or some you enjoyed as a child. Talk about the pictures. Have them point to pictures, ask questions about the characters, what they did or what happened in the story. Ask if they liked the story, why (depending upon their language and vocabulary). Have your child tell you the story.
Remember there are many other important skills for preschoolers to learn. How to share with others.
What is their speech and language like? At 2 can they request wants and express simple ideas by 2 1/2? Do they have a vocabulary of 200 words and can you understand them most of the time? Pay attention to fine and gross motoe skills. Are they walking heel to toe? Are they running and jumping? Can they step up on step, climb up on a chair or couch? Can they pick up small items like Cheerios or raisins and put them in their mouth? Can they stack blocks or put Duplo type blocks together and pull apart? Can they pick small toys or objects (key, spool, ball, spoon, etc.) out of a sand table? Can they hold a jumbo crayon or pencil and mark on paper? Can they assemble a simple shape puzzle with demonstration and minimum help?
Three year olds should have a vocabulary of 400 words. They should be expressing ideas in simple sentences, answering basic questions, asking questions, carrying on conversations. Can they make lines or circles on paper and try to color a simple picture but not yet stay in the lines? Are they asking you questions about something from a story?
Four year olds should be quite conversational and have readily intelligible speech. She may still not use all her speech sounds correctly yet. Most 4 year olds are interested in letters and what letter their name begins with. They may begin to find letters in books or around the home or in public. They may show more interest at making marks on paper, drawing, trying to print letters. Some may be ready to learn to print their first names. Upper case first letter, all the rest lower case. He may want to "read" the stories himself!
If a parent wants to teach a child, the best thing to do is READ.
Best of luck to all!
Mimi
Awesome!!!!my grand babies love it!