With our three year-old at home this fall (instead of returning to preschool) we wanted to continue with some educationally-focused activities at home. We’re big believers that toddlers learn through all the different types of activities they do (crafting, outdoor exploration, sensory bins, reading books, etc) but we wanted to introduce some slightly more formal “education” into our little one’s day. Every weekday we follow the “Playing Preschool” program from The Busy Toddler and then we usually spend another little bit of time throughout the day doing something else “educational.” I use this term lightly because I really do believe that kids this age learn from every activity they do, but there is also something rewarding about learning letters/numbers and other tangible achievements.

Here are some of our must-have supplies when attempting our version of preschool homeschool.

Bacon Bit Letters - These resin letters are absolutely stunning and the perfect addition to almost any activity. We use them in Playdough, we practice spelling our toddlers name and other words, sometimes we even throw them in the bath. Make sure to check out Brooke’s website and instagram to find out when the next batch of letters will be released. They go quickly and are 100% worth it!

School Zone - Big Preschool Workbook , Number Tracing Book for Preschoolers and Kids, My First Learn to Write Workbook, My Magical Preschool Workbook: Letter Tracing - My daughter started loving these workbooks pre-quarantine so I’ve slowly added a few to our collection (thankfully they are all very affordable). These are the perfect activity when you need a few minutes to load the dishwasher or respond to a few emails.

Laminator Machine - I am not a total Pinterest mom, but I’m also not not a Pinterest mom. I do really enjoy making educational activities/games/etc for my little one and the laminator machine is my new love obsession. I have laminated so many things in the last week I could probably occupy a group of ten children at my house for weeks. I have the Amazon Basics laminator which is oddly unavailable at the moment but this laminator has 9k five-star reviews so I’m sure it can get the job done!

Adhesive Hook and Loop Dots, Hot Glue Gun, Whitmor Wood Natural Clothespins - All of these items are the perfect companion supplies to the laminator.

Melissa & Doug Sticker and Coloring Activity Pad 3-Pack – Alphabet, Numbers, Colors and Shapes - This is the perfect combo of tracing, matching and stickers. Another great short activity when you need to get something done or you can of course do it along with your kid.

Playing Preschool - This is the at-home activity guide we follow. For a full review, click here.

Arrows and Applesauce Printables - Head to this Etsy shop for great printables like numbers, letters, patterns, etc and then use your laminator, clothespins and velcro to get them all set up for some serious fun (and learning).

Happy learning!

- Callie AKA “MiLOWE Mom”

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