By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Deciding to homeschool your preschool child can feel like a big leap, especially if you have never planned a lesson before. Most parents in this position need a few things: a clear way to teach early reading, a simple math approach that does not require a teaching degree, and a broader guide that helps the whole plan hold together. This list focuses on those needs. Each pick was chosen by comparing its stated scope, the age range it targets, the teaching method it uses, and the patterns owners commonly describe in reviews. None of these picks were tested in a home classroom by the author, so treat the notes below as research-based summaries rather than hands-on verdicts.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallHomeschool Your Child for FreeView on Amazon - 2
Best for structured readingTeach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy LessonsView on Amazon - 3
Best for hands-on phonics practiceLearn to Read Activity BookView on Amazon - 4
Best for early mathPreschool Math at HomeView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Homeschool Your Child for Free | Parents who want a full resource directory | More than 1,400 listed resources organized by subject |
| Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons | Parents who want a scripted reading method | 100 short, sequential lessons |
| Learn to Read Activity Book | Children who need active, playful phonics practice | 101 phonics lessons with activity pages |
| Preschool Math at Home | Parents building early number sense | Simple, everyday math activities |
Homeschool Your Child for Free
Homeschool Your Child for Free: More Than 1,400 Smart, Effective, and Practical Resources for Educating Your Family at Home
Best for: Parents who want one large reference to plan an entire homeschool year
This is the most comprehensive pick on the list. It is a directory of free and low-cost resources rather than a single curriculum, so it suits parents who like to build their own plan from many sources. Because it covers many grade levels, preschool families will mostly use its early childhood and foundational sections.
Key specs
- Format: printed book with resource listings and guidance
- Scope: more than 1,400 resources across subjects
- Audience: parents educating children at home
Pros
- Wide range of subjects in one place
- Useful for parents who prefer a mix-and-match approach
- Helps with state and legal considerations in general terms
Cons
- It is a directory, so it does not give a day-by-day lesson sequence
- Some listed resources may have changed since publication
Bottom line: A strong choice for parents who want a reference library and are comfortable building their own preschool plan.
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons: Revised and Updated Second Edition
Best for: Parents who want a structured, step-by-step reading method
This book is built around short daily lessons that move from letter sounds to simple reading. Its scripted format means a parent can teach without prior training. It is widely recommended in homeschool circles for early readers who respond well to clear sequencing.
Key specs
- Format: instructional book with 100 lessons
- Approach: phonics-based, sequential
- Designed for: parent-led teaching at home
Pros
- Clear daily structure that is easy to follow
- Needs no special materials beyond the book
- Progression is gradual, which suits beginners
Cons
- Lessons can feel repetitive for some children
- Works best with a parent who can keep short, consistent sessions
Bottom line: Best for families who want a proven, scripted path into reading and can commit to short daily sessions.
Learn to Read Activity Book
Learn to Read Activity Book: 101 Fun Phonics Lessons to Teach Your Child to Read (Phonics Makes Readers)
Best for: Children who learn best through movement, games and hands-on pages
This workbook pairs phonics lessons with activity pages, which can help a preschooler stay engaged. The lessons are short and visually driven, making it a good companion to a reading program or a standalone starting point.
Key specs
- Format: activity workbook
- Scope: 101 phonics lessons
- Designed for: early readers and emerging readers
Pros
- Activity-based pages keep young children involved
- Lessons are brief, which suits short attention spans
- Pairs well with read-aloud time
Cons
- Workbook pages are not reusable unless copied
- Less explanation for parents who are new to teaching reading
Bottom line: A good fit for active learners and for parents who want a hands-on phonics companion.
Preschool Math at Home
Preschool Math at Home: Simple Activities to Build the Best Possible Foundation for Your Child (Math with Confidence)
Best for: Parents building early number sense through everyday activities
This book focuses on simple math ideas that can be taught with ordinary household items. It is aimed at parents who want to lay a foundation in counting, sorting, and early number concepts without buying specialized kits.
Key specs
- Format: parent guide with activities
- Focus: early math foundations for preschool age
- Materials: mostly everyday objects
Pros
- Low material needs make it easy to start
- Activities connect math to daily routines
- Gives parents confidence in teaching math basics
Cons
- Not a complete curriculum for later grades
- Parents may want additional printables for variety
Bottom line: Ideal for parents who want a practical, low-prep way to introduce early math at home.
Buying Guide
Match the book to your teaching style
Some parents want a script to follow, while others want ideas to adapt. A scripted reading book suits a parent who wants a clear daily sequence. A resource directory suits a parent who likes to build the plan from scratch. Ask yourself how much planning time you realistically have each week before choosing.
Good picks for this: Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, Homeschool Your Child for Free
Check the age range and skill level
Many homeschool books are written for early elementary students rather than preschoolers. Look for wording such as “preschool,” “pre-reading,” or “early childhood” in the description. A book aimed at beginning readers may still work for a four-year-old who is curious about letters, but it may be too advanced for a child who is not yet identifying letter sounds.
Good picks for this: Learn to Read Activity Book, Preschool Math at Home
Consider how much hands-on activity your child needs
Preschoolers usually learn through play, movement, and repetition. A pure text guide may need more supplies from you. Activity workbooks and math books built on everyday objects can reduce prep time and keep a young child involved.
Good picks for this: Learn to Read Activity Book, Preschool Math at Home
Think about scope and longevity
A single-subject book may be all you need for a few months. A broader resource can serve you across several years as your child moves from preschool into the early grades. Decide whether you want a focused tool or a long-term reference before you buy.
Good picks for this: Homeschool Your Child for Free, Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
Look at the physical format
Workbooks with perforated or tear-out pages can be used once per child, while spiral-bound or durable paperback books hold up to repeated handling. If you plan to use a book with several children, a sturdy binding and a teacher’s guide section are worth looking for. Check the page count and the dimensions in the listing to confirm the book will fit your teaching space.
Good picks for this: Learn to Read Activity Book, Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
Plan for prep time and daily sessions
Early learning works best in short, regular sessions, often 10 to 20 minutes for preschoolers. Books that need little setup allow you to teach on busy days. Scripted programs can be easier to run consistently, while activity-based books may need a few minutes of gathering objects first.
Good picks for this: Preschool Math at Home, Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
Balance reading, math, and broader planning
Most preschool homeschool plans need more than one subject. Choose at least one reading resource and one math resource, and consider a general guide to tie them together. Mixing a broad directory with focused subject books can give you flexibility without overwhelming you.
Good picks for this: Homeschool Your Child for Free, Preschool Math at Home
FAQ
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool my preschool child?
In most U.S. states, parents do not need a teaching certificate to homeschool. Requirements for notification, record keeping, and assessment vary by state, so check your state’s rules before you begin. The Home School Legal Defense Association and your state education department publish current details.
How long should preschool lessons last?
For most preschoolers, short sessions of about 10 to 20 minutes work well, with breaks for movement and play. Attention spans vary widely by age and temperament, so follow your child’s cues. For more guidance, see How Long Should Preschool Homeschool Be? 5 Best Guides Compared (2026).
Should I start with reading or math?
Many families begin with letter recognition, letter sounds, and counting, which build skills for both areas. You can introduce both at the same time through short activities. If your child shows interest in one subject, follow that lead while keeping the other present in small doses.
Can I use more than one book together?
Yes. Many parents combine a reading program with an activity workbook and a math resource. Keep each session focused on one main goal so your child does not feel overloaded. Starting with one or two books and adding more later is a common approach.
How do I know if my child is ready for structured lessons?
Signs of readiness include sitting for short activities, following simple directions, showing interest in letters or numbers, and enjoying being read to. If your child is not ready, shorter play-based activities can build those skills. For a broader view of planning, see When to Start Homeschool Preschool: A Guide for Parents.
Do I need a daily schedule?
A predictable routine helps young children feel secure, but it does not need to be rigid. Many families use a simple daily pattern with a learning block, outdoor time, and a read-aloud. For sample structures, see Schedule for Homeschool Preschool: A Flexible Daily Plan That Works.
What if my child resists lessons?
Resistance is common in early learning. Shorten the session, switch to a more active activity, or pause for a few weeks and return with fresh materials. If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk with your pediatrician or an early childhood specialist.
Conclusion
If you want one broad reference to shape your whole plan, Homeschool Your Child for Free gives you the widest starting point. If you want a clear, scripted route into reading, Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons is a well-regarded choice. For a more active phonics approach, the Learn to Read Activity Book suits energetic learners, and Preschool Math at Home offers an easy way to build early number skills. Many families combine two or three of these picks, matching each one to the subject it does best. Consider your time, your child’s learning style, and your teaching confidence, then choose the combination that fits your home.
Sources
- State and federal education resources, including information on homeschool and early learning policies (ed.gov)
- Research summaries on child development and early literacy from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (nichd.nih.gov)
- Developmentally appropriate practice guidance for early childhood educators and families
Related reading
- What Age to Start Preschool Homeschool: 5 Best Guides Compared (2026)
- Waldorf Preschool Homeschool Curriculum: 4 Best Picks Compared (2026)
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.
