Why Early Learning at Home Matters (and How This Gentle Curriculum Can Help)
Why Early Learning Matters
As moms, we all want to give our little ones a strong, joyful start. But early learning doesn’t have to mean flashcards, rigid routines, a classroom setting, or pressure. It’s about creating playful, connection-rich moments that help children grow, emotionally, physically, and academically.
The early years are a critical window for brain development. The experiences your child has between birth and age five shape how they learn, explore, and build confidence. And the best part? The most powerful learning happens through play!
A Gentle, Playful Approach That Actually Works
That’s exactly why I created A Gentle Year of Preschool: Learning Through Play at Home. It’s a complete, yearlong curriculum built for moms who want to support their toddlers and preschoolers in a developmentally appropriate way, with no overwhelm and tons of joy!! 💜
This curriculum was designed with:
Play-based activities rooted in child development and the Science of Reading
One letter per week, introduced gently with hands-on fun
Simple weekly themes to keep things fresh and exciting
Short, doable activities that fit into your real-life rhythm
Zero pressure, just meaningful time together and steady progress
Why I Created This Program
I am a reading specialist with a degree in Early Childhood Education, and my preschooler does not receive any outside schooling. I wanted to make sure she was getting exposure to foundational skills at home, but it had to be low-stress, highly engaging, and play-based. I couldn’t seem to find what I was looking for.
That’s why I went ahead and designed my own resource, to provide intentional, playful learning without overwhelming little learners (and their mommas!).
You can trust that this resource is backed by educational expertise. (I made it for my own preschooler using all of my background knowledge on child development!)
The Heart Behind This Program
This curriculum isn’t about pushing early academics. It’s about helping your child feel:
Capable and confident
Curious and excited to learn
Connected to you
And it goes far beyond early literacy; it intentionally supports the whole child.
Each week includes activities that nurture every area of early development:
✔ Literacy & phonics, building the foundation for confident future readers
✔Math & early number sense, explored through play and real-life connections
✔Fine motor skills, preparing little hands for writing, cutting, and creating
✔Gross motor development, helping kiddos strengthen coordination and body awareness
✔Social-emotional learning, supporting emotional regulation, empathy, and independence
✔Life skills, giving children opportunities to participate in everyday routines
✔Creativity & imagination, encouraging open-ended play and joyful expression
✔Music, essential for brain development and sensory growth
✔Outdoor play, because we all need to get outside!
When all of these skills come together, children learn in a way that feels natural, balanced, and developmentally right. You're not just teaching letters, you’re guiding your child through a full, beautiful year of early growth.
Get Your Evidence-Based. Easy to Use. Mom Approved. Year-long Preschool Curriculum!
Play-based preschool plans for the whole year (32 weeks, plenty of room for flexibility!)! Perfect for moms who want connection over worksheets.
📥 Get your Gentle, Play-Based Preschool!
You don’t need to be a teacher. You just need a little support, a flexible plan, and the belief that your everyday moments together matter. This is gentle learning at its best, and you can totally do it!
Tools that Promote Early Learning…
Tools I Love
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Tools I Love 🔧
The Early Learning Place contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you! But I do SO appreciate your support! (And I will only ever, suggest tools that I personally use and love!)
Use code PLAY15 for 15% off any game from The Fidgit Game! My pick for practicing CVC words is Word Pop!.
I am all for making learning multisensory and sensory bins are the perfect way to do just that! I love this one from Mama of Joy Sensory Play.
Want some step-by-step instructions on how to teach your beginner reader? Check out All About Reading! This is the ONLY program I recommend! Perfect for homeschool families, who want an affordable yet effective program to use at home. My content and philosophy align perfectly with it! Click here to learn more and feel free to message me if you are unsure what program would be the best fit!
