Homeschooling for 3-Year-Olds: Learning Through Everyday Moments
Years ago, little ones didn’t need formal lessons to learn—and they still don’t. Children naturally absorb so much just by playing, helping around the house, and being part of everyday life. In fact, the idea of schooling toddlers and preschoolers is a fairly modern trend.
So if you’re thinking about homeschooling your 3-year-old, take a deep breath—you can’t mess this up. Truly!
Homeschool preschool at this age is simply about being present, playful, and intentional. It’s reading together, talking about the world around you, coloring, singing, and letting your child explore freely with your gentle guidance.
When I talk about preschool at home for 3-year-olds, I mean finding joy in the little things—storytime snuggles, baking together, sorting laundry by color, or counting toys. These small moments are full of learning, connection, and wonder.
Keep It Simple – Keep It Fun!
I assure you, this simple approach will make all the difference.
Navigating homeschooling for your 3-year-old can feel like a big task, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. This post is packed with tips and ideas that will help you guide your little one through a fun, educational, and memorable year of learning at home. The goal? To make learning exciting for both you and your child!
What Do I Want My Three-Year-Old to Learn?
At this age, learning should be playful and full of discovery! Here’s a list of essential skills I focus on for my 3-year-old. Your goals may vary, but this is a great starting point for creating a balanced and fun learning plan:
- Letter Recognition – Start identifying both uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Letter Tracing – Help them practice writing letters through fun activities.
- Letter Sounds – Explore the sounds that each letter makes.
- Counting to 20 – Work on counting aloud and recognizing numbers.
- Basic Shapes – Teach them the names and features of shapes like circles, squares, and triangles.
- Colors – Learn the names of different colors and how to mix them!
- Sorting/Classifying – Encourage sorting objects by color, size, or shape.
- Cutting/Pasting – Build fine motor skills with simple scissors activities and crafting.
- Gross Motor Skills/Fine Motor Skills – Focus on activities like jumping, dancing, and stacking blocks to enhance physical skills.
- Memorization – Introduce short rhymes, songs, or simple prayers to strengthen memory.
These goals help provide structure to your preschool year while keeping things fun and engaging for both you and your child.
Remember, it’s all about enjoying the process of learning and building a strong foundation for the years to come. You’ve got this, and your 3-year-old is sure to thrive!
What Curriculum Resources Do I Use?
When it comes to homeschooling my 3-year-old, picking the right resources is key to making learning both fun and effective. Here’s a peek at the materials I rely on to guide my little one through our preschool adventure at home:
Abeka’s Phonics Charts 1 & 2
These two phonics charts lay the foundation for Abeka’s entire phonics program. They’re perfect for introducing letter sounds and helping young learners develop phonemic awareness in a way that’s both fun and engaging.
Abeka’s Letters & Sounds for 3’s
This workbook is a treasure for building a strong phonics foundation. As we go through it, my child improves in several essential areas:
- Letter Recognition: Learning to identify letters.
- Tracing Skills: Working on fine motor skills with enjoyable tracing exercises.
- Letter/Word Association: Connecting sounds to letters and words.
Abeka’s Numbers & Skills with Button Bear
This book goes beyond counting—it encourages skills like:
- Color Recognition: Learning about colors and how to apply them.
- Reasoning Skills: Helping my child think through simple puzzles and activities.
In addition to these structured resources, I love using ABC Jesus Loves Me, a fantastic website offering printables to reinforce letter and number concepts at home. I print them on cardstock, laminate them, and use them in various hands-on activities.
For example, when we’re focusing on the letter B, we cover it with plastic bugs, colorful buttons, or even craft blocks. This interactive method makes learning feel like play, and my 3-year-old absolutely loves it!
Hands-On Learning Ideas
For each letter, we get creative with fun activities:
- Letter B: We cover the letter B with fun items like bugs or buttons.
- Letter C: We roll and cut playdough to shape the letter C on our mat.
- Letter V: For letter V, we might use vegetables to form the letter!
These activities are simple, engaging, and make homeschooling for 3-year-olds both effective and enjoyable. Whether it’s using Abeka Phonics Charts or getting crafty with playdough, every moment becomes an opportunity for learning and growing together!
How Do I Stay Organized?
When it comes to homeschooling a 3-year-old, a bit of planning can really make a difference—but it doesn’t have to be a hassle! Just like with our two-year-old homeschool preschool routine, I aim to keep things straightforward, adaptable, and enjoyable.
We take a letter-a-week approach, starting with A and working our way through the alphabet over 26 weeks. Some families like to mix it up and go out of order, and that’s perfectly fine too! The key is to find a learning rhythm that suits both you and your child.
This weekly letter theme serves as a helpful guide for my homeschool lesson planning. It provides a loose framework without feeling too constricting. We can connect books, printable worksheets, crafts, and even snacks to the letter of the week!
Simple Homeschool Planning Method
To keep everything organized, I rely on a basic day planner—nothing too fancy or pricey. It’s all about keeping things easy and consistent. Here’s what I jot down:
- 1 – Monday: I note the letter of the week we’ll be focusing on.
- 2 – Daily Workbook Plans: I write down any workbook pages or printables I want to tackle each day.
- 3 – Daily Activities: I list the hands-on activities, sensory play, or crafts we’ll be doing throughout the week.
“Three-Year-Old Homeschool Preschool doesn’t have to be overwhelming—just a bit of structure can make a huge difference!”
Looking for a planner recommendation? I like using a simple, budget-friendly notebook-style planner. It keeps everything tidy without all the extra frills.
Planning Ahead (But Staying Flexible)
I typically plan for about 1–2 months at a time. This allows me to adjust for holidays, family trips, or those days when life just gets a bit hectic. And you know what? That’s totally fine!
One of the greatest perks of homeschooling a preschooler is the flexibility it brings. You’re not tied to a rigid school calendar. If your little one is having a tough day, or if you just want to spend the morning baking cookies and reading stories, go for it. That’s real learning, too!
What Do My Lesson Plans Look Like?
Our homeschool day kicks off with a morning routine that really sets a calm and cheerful vibe for learning. This brief yet meaningful time helps my 3-year-old transition into the day while fostering good habits, a love for learning, and a solid foundation in faith and values.
Here’s a glimpse of what our morning time typically includes:
📖 Bible Time
We start by reading a short story from our Children’s Bible. It’s a special, quiet moment that helps us center our hearts before jumping into our activities. We also take some time to memorize Psalm 23—just a few words at a time. It’s incredible how much little ones can remember when they hear something every day!
US Pledge of Allegiance
Even though we’re homeschooling, I really enjoy incorporating the Pledge of Allegiance into our routine. It’s a simple way to help my child feel connected to our country and community.
🎶 Songs That Make Learning Fun
Each day, we sing two catchy, easy-to-learn songs that help reinforce important early concepts:
Days of the Week Song
(To the tune of “Yankee Doodle”)
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday, Saturday!
Don’t ask me to sing again—I’ll do it anyway!
Months of the Year Song
(To the tune of “Michael Finnegan”)
January, February, March, and April,
May and June, July and August,
September, October, November, December—
These are the months of the year!
These songs make it enjoyable and easy for young kids to learn the days and months, and singing them daily really boosts their memory and language skills.
🔤 Phonics Practice
Next up, we review Abeka’s Phonics Charts 1 & 2. These charts are fantastic visual aids for reinforcing letter sounds and early reading skills. Even just a few minutes each day can make a big difference in how confidently my child recognizes letters and sounds.
Where Do I Find My Supplemental Activity Ideas?
Looking for Fun Preschool Homeschool Activity Ideas?
Here’s how I find engaging, low-stress activities that make learning exciting for my 3-year-old:
1. Start with what your child loves
Think about what really captures your little one’s attention:
- Are they into board books, puzzles, or pretend play?
- Do they enjoy music, coloring, or hands-on crafts?
- Are educational toys or interactive games their favorite thing?
When you build your homeschool preschool activities around their interests, learning naturally becomes playtime. And honestly, that’s the goal!
2. Don’t stress if an activity flops
If something isn’t working (we’ve all been there!), it’s totally okay to pivot. Just pause, pick something else, and move on. One of the best parts of homeschooling is the flexibility to follow your child’s rhythm.
3. Pinterest is your secret weapon
Whenever I need inspiration, I hop onto Pinterest and search “Letter of the Week Activities.” It’s a goldmine of creative, free, and simple ideas!
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Alphabet printables and matching games
- Easy crafts based on each letter
- Snack ideas like apple slices for A or banana boats for B
- Hands-on letter learning activities from A to Z
4. Keep it simple and doable
Pick just a few ideas that sound fun and manageable for the week. Don’t feel like you have to do all the things. The key is consistency, not perfection.
5. Optional add-on: Alphabet Animal Flashcards
We also love using Alphabet Animal Flashcards—they’re adorable, effective, and make letter recognition feel like a game.
Final Thoughts: Is Abeka the Right Fit for Your Homeschool Preschool?
Some parents and educators say Abeka’s curriculum leans a bit traditional—but honestly, that’s one of the things I really appreciate about it. It offers a clear, structured approach that lays a solid foundation in early learning, especially when it comes to phonics and reading skills.
Of course, not every program is a perfect fit for every family. That’s the beauty of homeschooling—you get to choose what works best for your child and your teaching style. Whether your little one thrives on structure or prefers more hands-on learning, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
And if you’re feeling nervous about starting Abeka’s phonics program, you’re not alone! It can seem a little intimidating at first—especially if you’ve never taught phonics before. But take heart: after a short while, the process becomes familiar, and both you and your child will settle into a rhythm that feels natural.
One of my favorite things about Abeka’s preschool curriculum is that it doesn’t throw too much at you at once. It starts with the basics and gradually builds from there, making it easy to grow alongside your child.
So whether you’re just beginning your homeschool preschool journey or looking for a dependable curriculum to lean on, remember this: you’ve got this. With the right tools, a flexible mindset, and lots of love, learning at home can be both meaningful and joyful.
Teaching kids to write thank-you notes is a wonderful way to instill gratitude from a young age. Encourage your child to craft simple notes for birthdays or any kind gestures they receive. Let them unleash their creativity with crayons, stickers, or stamps to make it enjoyable. Remember, even the simplest scribbles count when they come from the heart!
Ideas for Summer Reading
Make summer reading an adventure by creating a cozy reading nook or introducing fun weekly themes like “Animal Week” or “Adventure Week.” Don’t forget to check out your local library or swap books with friends. Opt for short, colorful storybooks or interactive lift-the-flap books to keep their interest piqued.
Fall Leaf Hunt Activity: Gather & Sort
Take a little trip outside with a small basket and let your child collect vibrant fall leaves. Once you’re back indoors, sort them by color, shape, or size. For an extra creative twist, glue them onto paper to create a stunning fall leaf collage!
Carrigan Farms – Mooresville, NC
If you find yourself in North Carolina, a trip to Carrigan Farms is both fun and educational. With activities like hayrides and fruit picking, your child will get hands-on experience with nature and farming. Not in the area? Look for similar local experiences that offer a taste of the outdoors!
Winter Books and Sensory Activities for Kids
Cold days are perfect for curling up with some winter-themed books. Try reading “The Snowy Day” or “Bear Snores On.” Pair these stories with sensory bins filled with cotton balls (to mimic “snow”), tiny animal toys, and scoops for digging and playing.
Painting and Writing with Water
All you need is some water, a brush, and a sidewalk or chalkboard. Let your child “paint” letters, shapes, or even their name. It’s a mess-free and magical experience as the water evaporates. This activity is perfect for hot days or indoor fun using black construction paper.
Does Your Child Want to Learn to Play Chess?
Chess is a fantastic way to teach focus, strategy, and patience—even to young kids! Start with a colorful, child-friendly board and take your time explaining the pieces. Play just a few moves at a time to keep it light and fun—your little thinker might just surprise you!
Explore age-specific homeschooling tips
- Homeschooling a 1-Year-Old: Gentle Learning Through Play
- Homeschooling a 2-Year-Old: Simple Routines & Activities