If you are looking for a preschool curriculum to use at home, it can be hard to know what to look for. Preschool is always optional, but I know that for some, there is a fear that their child will fall behind if they don’t do it. I am often asked about a good preschool curriculum and this curriculum is the one I usually recommend. The Peaceful Preschool is this recommendation.
The Peaceful Preschool is from The Peaceful Press and is Charlotte Mason and Montessori inspired, literature and project based. They help you cultivate wonder and connection through this.
Joy is the secret ingredient of our curriculum.
Peaceful Press
It is a 26-week curriculum designed for children aged 3-5. It’s written to be used 4 days per week, but you could extend it out and do one letter over 2 weeks. It is presented alphabetically, but you can teach the letters in any order. I would personally teach the letters in order for reading success.
KEY FEATURES OF THE PEACEFUL PRESCHOOL
Literature-Based Learning – Each week revolves around carefully selected high-quality picture books
The curriculum blends several key areas of early learning, including read alouds, phonics, counting skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, practical life skills and art.
It emphasises hands-on activities, crafts and sensory experiences.
The curriculum is age-appropriate and flexible, allowing parents to adapt activities to their child’s individual pace and interests.
It is available as a printed version or as a digital download. The bundle includes printable resources, craft templates, and other unit-specific printables to enhance the learning experience.
PROS OF THE PEACEFUL PRESCHOOL
It is a relaxed and unhurried approach. This is not structured academics but rather a way to promote learning.
Beautiful literature choices that expand vocab, and introduces children to diverse stories and ideas.
Various subjects are woven through a theme and book.
The focus on crafts, recipes, and sensory experiences caters to the natural inclination of young children to explore and learn through doing.
Nurtures creativity and imagination
The read-alouds and shared activities create opportunities for quality time and connection between parents and children.
While it provides a framework, the curriculum is flexible and adaptable to a child’s individual pace and interests. You can adjust activities – cut out or move around – as needed.
It encourages exploring nature and outdoor learning.
They have an active online community called “Restoration Home Community”. It is a way to connect with other like minded families. Access is available through subscription.
CONS OF THE PEACEFUL PRESCHOOL
For parents seeking a more academic or skills-focused preschool curriculum, The Peaceful Preschool might feel too gentle or lacking in explicit instruction in certain areas.
The curriculum relies on the parent to facilitate activities, gather materials, and guide the learning process (as preschoolers are not independent learners). This can be time-consuming.
While the hands-on activities are a strength, the frequent crafts may not appeal to parents who prefer less crafty learning.
The weekly structure, while providing predictability, might feel repetitive to some families over the course of the 26 weeks. But note that young children can thrive on routine.
You will need to source the books yourself – either through buying them or using the library.
Many of the engaging, hands-on activities, particularly the art and sensory ones, can be messy. This is a natural part of learning for young children but might be a drawback for some parents.
COST OF THE PEACEFUL PRESCHOOL
You can purchase the download bundle for $49. You will need to print it all out yourself. The printed bundle is $99.
These bundles include the parent guide, printables, supply list, book list and planner.
You will have the added costs of books and supplies.
OTHER THOUGHTS AND MY OPINIONS
The integration of fine and gross motor skills sets this apart. By drawing on Montessori activities, you can help your children strengthen these skills before going deeper academically at a later age.
The writers are believers, but they want to support homeschool whether you are religious or not. The Bible cards are optional.
You can get a sample online to see the activities and how it is outlayed and what is your involvement.
This review is only about the Preschool curriculum, but The Peaceful Press also has other curricula available – like their kindergarten one, Nourishing Nature Kindergarten and then go through elementary and middle school (though not a complete curriculum).
You are in charge of the curriculum. You do not have to do all the activities or read all the books. Don’t like something? Don’t do it. Does it feel like too much? Don’t do all the activities.
In my opinion, preschool shouldn’t be academic. If you are looking for a curriculum that will provide some structure, introduce books, and be hands on and creative, then Peaceful Preschool is a really good option for you.
