By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
If you are planning to homeschool a 5 year old preschool curriculum for the coming year, you probably want something that covers the basics without turning every morning into a fight over worksheets. A five-year-old is usually ready for letters, sounds, early numbers, pre-writing, and longer stretches of focused play, but the right materials depend on how much structure your household wants. This list compares five options that span from a single workbook to a full bundle with lesson guidance. Each was selected by reviewing manufacturer specifications, the reputation of the publisher, and patterns in what owners commonly report about pacing, age fit, and how much preparation time each one needs.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallMeadowlark Learning Preschool Bundle, Complete Homeschool Curriculum, Ages 3-5View on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for workbook-only practiceCarson Dellosa Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills Preschool WorkbookView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for parents who want a planning guideHomeschooling Curriculum Guide – PRE-K: Complete Home Education Curriculum and StructureView on Amazon - 4
Best for structured, multi-subject daysHorizons Preschool for Three's Curriculum SetView on Amazon - 5
Best for theme-based weeksThe Weekly Curriculum Book: 52 Complete Preschool ThemesView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Meadowlark Learning Preschool Bundle | Families wanting a complete, ready-to-teach package | Lesson book paired with a play pack and prewriting activities |
| Carson Dellosa Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills Preschool Workbook | Low-prep daily practice | Covers alphabet, colors, shapes, counting, phonics and pre-writing in one book |
| Homeschooling Curriculum Guide – PRE-K | Parents who want help building their own schedule | Pre-K structure and guidance for setting up a home education routine |
| Horizons Preschool for Three’s Curriculum Set | Parents who want a set with a defined sequence | Multi-subject set designed for a consistent daily routine |
| The Weekly Curriculum Book: 52 Complete Preschool Themes | Hands-on learners and mixed-age homeschools | One theme per week with activities across subject areas |
Meadowlark Learning Preschool Bundle, Complete Homeschool Curriculum, Ages 3-5
Meadowlark Learning Preschool Bundle, Complete Homeschool Curriculum, Ages 3-5, Lesson Book, Play Pack, Little Lark Stories, Playful Prewriting
Best for: Families wanting a complete, ready-to-teach package
This bundle suits parents who want the planning done for them and a mix of reading, play, and writing in one set. It is a strong fit for a five-year-old who enjoys stories and hands-on activities, and for parents who would rather follow a guide than assemble their own lessons from scratch.
Key specs
- Listed for ages 3 to 5
- Includes a lesson book, a play pack, and Little Lark Stories, according to the product name
- Includes playful prewriting content
Pros
- Combines lessons, play materials, and stories in one set
- Prewriting activities build the motor skills a five-year-old needs before handwriting
- Works well for a child who learns through stories and games
Cons
- Parents who prefer a simple workbook may find it more involved than needed
- Some families will need to set aside time for daily preparation
Bottom line: The strongest all-around choice for a parent who wants a complete curriculum with story-based learning built in.
Carson Dellosa Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills Preschool Workbook
Carson Dellosa Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills Preschool Workbook, Toddler Activity Book With Alphabet, Colors, Shapes, Counting, Phonics, and Pre Writing Practice
Best for: Low-prep daily practice
This is a practical pick for parents who want a single book to open each day. It covers the core skills most five-year-olds are working on, including letter recognition, phonics, counting, shapes, and pre-writing, and it asks very little setup from the adult.
Key specs
- Workbook format, based on the title
- Covers alphabet, colors, shapes, counting, phonics, and pre-writing practice, according to the listing name
Pros
- Minimal preparation; open and work
- Broad coverage of foundational skills in one book
- Easy to slot into a short morning block
Cons
- Workbook pages can feel repetitive to a child who wants hands-on play
- Does not include a teacher’s guide or a full lesson plan sequence
Bottom line: A good choice for parents who want skill practice without a full curriculum framework.
Homeschooling Curriculum Guide – PRE-K: Complete Home Education Curriculum and Structure
Homeschooling Curriculum Guide – PRE-K: 3-4 years old – Complete Home Education Curriculum and Structure
Best for: Parents who want help building their own schedule
This guide is aimed at parents who are new to homeschooling and want a clear structure for a pre-kindergarten year. It is less a set of worksheets and more a framework for deciding what to teach, when, and how to pace the week.
Key specs
- Pre-K guide, listed for ages 3 to 4 years old in the product name
- Presented as a complete home education curriculum and structure
Pros
- Gives parents a plan rather than loose materials
- Useful for organizing a weekly rhythm
- Helps parents who feel unsure about what to cover
Cons
- The age range printed on the listing is younger than a typical five-year-old, so you will need to adjust difficulty
- You will still need to source most of the activities and materials yourself
Bottom line: Best for a parent who wants planning support and is comfortable adapting content upward for an older preschooler.
Horizons Preschool for Three’s Curriculum Set
Horizons Preschool for Three's Curriculum Set
Best for: Structured, multi-subject days
Horizons is a known name among families who prefer a sequenced, workbook-based approach. This set suits a parent who likes a predictable daily routine and clear progression across subjects. Note that the title refers to the three’s level, so an older five-year-old may need the content supplemented or moved forward.
Key specs
- Set format, as named in the product title
- Designed for a preschool level labeled “Three’s” in the listing
Pros
- Clear sequence that makes week-to-week planning easier
- Covers multiple subject areas in one set
- Familiar to many homeschool families
Cons
- The level is labeled for threes, so a five-year-old may find parts too easy
- A structured workbook approach may not suit a child who resists sit-down work
Bottom line: A solid pick for a structured household, but check the level carefully before buying for a five-year-old.
The Weekly Curriculum Book: 52 Complete Preschool Themes
The Weekly Curriculum Book: 52 Complete Preschool Themes
Best for: Theme-based weeks
This book organizes learning around one theme per week, with activities across reading readiness, math, science, art, and movement. It works well for families who like to connect subjects around a shared topic, such as animals, weather, or community helpers, and who enjoy adapting activities to a child’s interests.
Key specs
- 52 themes, one per week, according to the title
- Activity-based format for preschool-age children
Pros
- Themes give the week a clear focus that children tend to enjoy
- Easy to combine with library books and outdoor time
- Flexible for mixed-age homeschools
Cons
- Requires gathering some materials for each theme
- Less direct on sequenced skills like handwriting progression
Bottom line: A good fit for parents who want a year of ideas organized into weekly themes and are happy to add their own structure.
Buying Guide
Decide how much structure you want
Some five-year-olds thrive on a daily worksheet, while others need short, play-based lessons. Before you choose, think about how many minutes a day your child will sit for focused work. Many preschool-age children can concentrate for roughly 10 to 15 minutes per task, so a plan built around short blocks tends to hold up better than one that expects an hour of seatwork.
Good picks for this: Carson Dellosa Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills Preschool Workbook, The Weekly Curriculum Book: 52 Complete Preschool Themes
Check the stated age range
Many preschool materials list ages 3 to 5 or are labeled by level, such as “Three’s” or “Pre-K.” A five-year-old often sits at the upper end of those ranges. If the listing targets a younger age, plan to extend the activities with harder letter sounds, simple addition, or longer writing tasks. Reading the age label closely saves frustration on both sides.
Good picks for this: Meadowlark Learning Preschool Bundle, Homeschooling Curriculum Guide – PRE-K
Look at the subject coverage
For a five-year-old, the core areas usually include letters and sounds, early reading readiness, counting and number sense, shapes and patterns, pre-writing, and fine motor practice. Check whether the product names these skills outright. A product that lists several of them is easier to use as a main resource than one focused on a single subject.
Good picks for this: Carson Dellosa Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills Preschool Workbook, Horizons Preschool for Three’s Curriculum Set
Consider the format
Formats include workbooks, lesson books, guides, and theme books. Workbooks are quick to use but can become repetitive. Lesson books and guides take more planning but adapt better to a child’s interests. Decide whether you want to open a book and teach, or whether you prefer to build your own activities from a framework.
Good picks for this: Meadowlark Learning Preschool Bundle, The Weekly Curriculum Book: 52 Complete Preschool Themes
Plan for prewriting and fine motor practice
Five-year-olds are often developing pencil grip, letter formation, and hand strength. Look for materials that include tracing, cutting, coloring within lines, and simple letter formation. Short, daily fine motor practice of about five to ten minutes can make a noticeable difference over a school year, and it is easy to add to any curriculum you choose.
Good picks for this: Meadowlark Learning Preschool Bundle, Carson Dellosa Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills Preschool Workbook
Think about how you will use it day to day
Ask yourself how much time you have to prepare each week, whether you have younger siblings who will be in the room, and whether you will reuse the materials for another child. A book that stays open on the table is very different from a set that requires cutting, laminating, and gathering supplies. Matching the product to your real schedule matters more than matching it to an ideal one.
Good picks for this: Horizons Preschool for Three’s Curriculum Set, Homeschooling Curriculum Guide – PRE-K
Keep durability and reuse in mind
Workbooks are usually consumable, meaning pages are written on and not reused. Bundles and guides can often be kept for younger siblings. If you plan to homeschool more than one child, a reusable guide or theme book may give you better value over time, even if the upfront choice seems less complete.
Good picks for this: The Weekly Curriculum Book: 52 Complete Preschool Themes, Homeschooling Curriculum Guide – PRE-K
FAQ
How much time should a five-year-old spend on homeschool preschool each day?
Many families aim for 20 to 40 minutes of structured learning spread across short blocks, with the rest of the day given to play, reading aloud, and outdoor time. Five-year-olds often do best with frequent breaks and activities that switch between sitting and moving.
Do I need a full curriculum, or can I mix materials?
Both approaches work. A full curriculum gives you a sequence to follow, while mixing workbooks, library books, and hands-on activities lets you tailor the year to your child. Many parents start with one anchor resource and add materials as they see what their child needs.
What skills should a five-year-old have before starting kindergarten-level work?
Commonly expected skills include recognizing most uppercase and lowercase letters, knowing many letter sounds, counting to at least 20, recognizing basic shapes, and holding a pencil with a functional grip. Children develop at different rates, so use these as a general guide rather than a strict checklist.
Is a workbook enough for preschool at home?
A workbook can cover core skills, but most five-year-olds also benefit from reading aloud, play, art, and real-world counting and sorting. Pairing a workbook with hands-on activities usually gives a more balanced week.
How do I know if the level is too easy or too hard?
Watch for two signs: if your child finishes pages quickly with no effort and asks for more challenge, the level is probably too easy. If they become frustrated, avoid the task, or make frequent errors on most pages, it may be too advanced. Adjust by moving up or down a level or by changing the activity format.
Should I follow the product’s schedule exactly?
No. Most families adapt pacing to their child’s interests, energy, and progress. Treat any schedule as a suggestion and be willing to spend extra time on a skill your child finds difficult or move quickly through one they have mastered.
Can I use these materials for more than one child?
Guides and theme books often work for multiple children because they are used as reference and the activities can be adapted. Consumable workbooks typically work for one child only, so plan accordingly if you have younger siblings.
Conclusion
For most families who want to homeschool a 5 year old preschool curriculum without building everything from scratch, the Meadowlark Learning Preschool Bundle is a strong all-around choice because it combines lessons, play, and prewriting. If your priority is quick daily skill practice, the Carson Dellosa Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills Preschool Workbook is simple to open and use. Parents who want planning help should look at the Homeschooling Curriculum Guide – PRE-K, keeping in mind that its age range may need adjusting upward. Families who prefer a sequenced, multi-subject set may consider Horizons Preschool for Three’s, after confirming the level suits their child. The Weekly Curriculum Book suits households that like organizing learning around weekly themes. Match your choice to your child’s attention span, your preparation time, and how structured you want each day to feel.
Sources
- Federal guidance on early learning expectations and child development resources for families (ed.gov)
- Developmental milestones for children ages 3 to 5, including early literacy and motor skills (cdc.gov)
- Position statements and resources on developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood
Related reading
- Preschool Homeschool Curriculum 2 Year Old: 6 Best Picks Compared (2026)
- 5 Best Homeschool Preschool Curriculums for 3 Year Olds Compared
- Homeschool Preschool Schedule for 3 Year Olds: A Step-by-Step Guide
- 5 Best Homeschool Preschools for 3 Year Olds Picks Compared
About Audrey Hayes
Audrey Hayes is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our early learning at home guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
