Looking for Curriculum/activity Books for Toddlers

Updated on September 17, 2008
E.N. asks from Oceanside, CA
3 answers

I am a mom to 3 1/2 and 2 year old boys. I am not very good at planning activities or teaching them the basics, like colors, numbers, letters, etc. I haven't worried too much about it because I believe their main "work" at this age is play, but my 3 1/2 year old still does not reliably know colors (and I'm pretty sure he is not color blind) and I think my relaxed approach may be doing my boys a disservice. We have a very structured day, we read books a lot, they are very skilled in their play and I know my boys are very bright, but I am not creative at all and I need some help with ideas on how to teach them these basic things. I would like to start with possibly a half hour learning activity or game each day. But if I have to create all of this on my own, I know I will not do it, because I just don't have those kinds of skills! Does anyone know of some kind of "curriculum" with activities or fun lessons for this age group? Something with short, educational, fun lessons that they will enjoy and learn at the same time? Is there anything like this for toddlers/preschoolers? We are Christians, so if anyone knows of a Christian-based curriculum like this, that would be more than ideal, but it is not necessary, and any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you!

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So What Happened?

Thank you for the suggestions. I do have the boys enrolled in a preschool, two mornings a week. It started a couple of weeks ago and for the last several days my 3 year old is already identifying a few colors, but I feel it is my primary responsibility to teach them these things and I feel a bit lost on coming up with my own creative ideas that make learning fun. So I appreciate the tips! I'm trying to keep my mind focused, looking for teachable moments at home, in the car, etc. I have ordered a few Kumon books, coloring books and a toddler Busy Book that I am looking forward to starting. And I looked at the Lakeshore website - there were a couple of games that looked fun and educational so I am considering which one to get.

Thank you for the ideas! I really appreciate it!

More Answers

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K.H.

answers from San Diego on

Coloring is a valuable exercise in identifying colors. Go on walks and talk about the colors you see. When you are grocery shopping talk about the different colors of the fruits and vegetables. Stuff like that. It doesn't have to be structured, it just has to be informative.

Storytime can be more interactive. Instead of reading the same story over and over, ask them to identify new things on page. Have your 3.5 year old make up the story.

For the alphabet, while you are preparing a meal. Explain A is for apple(or whatever it is you are preparing). Later, have them go around the house and find items that start with a particular letter(find all the items that start with D...something like that)

I have started my 2 year old with puzzles. It enhances her matching skills and helps with her fine motor skills(which she has been good with all along)

Why not enroll them in a part-time preschool...

1 mom found this helpful
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P.S.

answers from San Diego on

Go Lakeshore Educational Supply store. Look them up on online for the closes one to you. They sell classroom supplies for have an awesome selection of education-geared toys, games, etc.

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J.C.

answers from San Diego on

there is a book called "The Preschoolers Busy Book" that I found at the bookstore which has different crafts, math and reading activities in it. Also, my child really enjoys the Kumon books (found at Target or Barnes & Noble). That series also has cards and flashcards, too. We really enjoy working with him out of those books. He likes them so much that he reads them to his stuffed animals before bed. Hope this helps.

1 mom found this helpful
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