While they look similar, there is a big difference between each of the five Preschool Curricula. Follow the recommended guidelines in the information below to decide which is best for your child or students.
Many adults are tempted to choose a Curriculum based on whether the child can sing the ABC song or count to 10. While those are fun milestones, preschool learning is about much more than ABCs and 123s. The ABCJesusLovesMe Preschool Curriculum is comprehensive, building a strong foundation for the child academically, developmentally, and spiritually.
Unless the child has developmental delays or is close to a birthday, I typically recommend starting with the age-appropriate Curriculum (for example, a 3-year-old child using the 3 Year Curriculum). If you have questions or desire a little extra guidance, LiveChat is always available, and I am happy to help think through your specific situation.
There are a couple of important exceptions to keep in mind. The 4 Year Curriculum is designed to prepare the child for kindergarten. The 5 Year Curriculum is for children who are ready for kindergarten-level work but miss the cutoff date because of a birthday or are intentionally red-shirted. The 5 Year Curriculum should be used only when the child can write almost all letters and numbers with minimal assistance.
If the child seems to fall between two Curricula, it is usually best to choose the lower level. This gives the child time to build confidence, strengthen skills, fill in any learning gaps, and experience success before moving ahead. The table below can help guide that decision.
No matter which Curriculum is chosen, begin at Week 1, as each level is designed to build intentionally on the weeks before it.
The ABCJesusLovesMe Curricula are thoughtful, planned out, easy to put together, comprehensive, and has exceeded my expectations. IT BEARS SO MUCH FRUIT! My kids have exceeded my expectations. The Lesson Plans are so easy to make your own. There is no other Curriculum out there like this one! I will and do, shout it from the mountain tops as the best decision in a Curriculum. The proof is in the fruit and in the student and it is so evident that this Curriculum is a home run! For child, parent, teacher, student, routine, schedule and lifestyle! It is the only Curriculum I will use in my small early education program. I also recommend it to all moms who are seeking a homeschool option as well! God bless you! ---Lacey, Preschool Director
| Age | Years until Kindergarten | Child Can: | Notes: | |
|
1 Year Curriculum |
1 |
4 or 5 |
The child is not talking much, but you desire to introduce her to academic, Bible, and developmental learning. | This Curriculum gently introduces the child to age-appropriate development, Bible, and early academic concepts through intentional play. While retention is enjoyable, the primary goal is exposure—helping the child experience learning as something joyful and safe. |
|
2 Year Curriculum |
2 |
3 or 4 |
The child is talking, walking, and able to sit briefly to listen to a story or participate in a simple process-art activity. | This Curriculum continues to introduce Bible and academic concepts through hands-on play. Retention may happen naturally, but the focus remains on positive learning experiences rather than mastery. |
|
3 Year Curriculum |
3 |
2 or 3 |
The child is beginning to understand counting, notices letters in everyday life, helps with simple chores, manages basic self-care, and has the fine- and gross-motor strength to correctly trace letters and numbers with his index finger. The child is teachable and has a growing attention span. | Note from Heidi: Even if a 2-year-old shows several of these academic skills, I recommend the 3 Year Curriculum only for children who are at least 33 months old. |
|
4 Year Curriculum |
4 |
1 or 2 |
The child is beginning to name letters and say their sounds, recognizes letters in the child’s name, traces some letters and numbers with a finger, and knows most colors and shapes. | Note from Heidi: This Curriculum is especially important for children who will be starting kindergarten soon. |
|
5 Year Curriculum |
5 |
1 or may be used as a Kindergarten Curriculum with supplements |
The child can write letters and numbers, understands letter sounds and 1:1 correlation, is ready for word families, and has a longer attention span. |
This Curriculum was written for children who are ready for kindergarten-level work. This may include children who miss the kindergarten cutoff date or are intentionally red-shirted due to birth date, maturity, or other factors. |
I am starting the 3 Year Curriculum this fall with my son. While he already knows many objectives—such as uppercase letters, shapes, colors, and most letter sounds—there are still skills he is developing, including some lowercase letters, certain letter sounds, and tracing letters. Instead of moving ahead to the 4 Year Curriculum, I am choosing to strengthen his foundation and build confidence in both academic and Bible learning. This is why I often encourage adults to step back to the lower level when a child seems to fall between two Curricula. Doing so supports steady growth and helps prevent unnecessary frustration. ~~Ashley
