By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Parents searching for a play based preschool homeschool setup usually want the same thing: a way to teach early literacy, math and science through games, hands-on activities and daily routines, without turning the home into a classroom. This list compares five resources that fit that goal, from a full curriculum guide to a practical activity book. We based the selection on the stated scope of each product, how clearly it explains play-based methods, age fit for ages 3 to 5, how much preparation it asks of the parent, and the general patterns owners tend to mention in their feedback. We have not tested these products ourselves, so the notes below rely on listing details, manufacturer descriptions and common owner feedback.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallThe Early Scholars Curriculum: A 36-Week Play-Based Preschool CurriculView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for faith-based familiesThe Magic of Childhood: A 52 Week Christian Homeschool Curriculum for PreschoolersView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for parents who want a guide to read firstHomeschooling Preschool Children: A Friendly Guide to Play Based LearnView on Amazon - 4
Best for hands-on activity ideas20 Tips For Your Homeschool Preschool: Play-Based Curriculum For 2 & 3View on Amazon - 5
Best budget pick for busy handsWrite & wipe busy book for toddlers, pre k, kindergarten, school, homeView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| The Early Scholars Curriculum | Families wanting a full year of structured play | 36-week guide covering literacy, math and science |
| The Magic of Childhood | Faith-based homeschool families | 52 weekly units with flashcards and devotionals |
| Homeschooling Preschool Children | Parents who want background before planning | Guide to play-based learning and daily routines |
| 20 Tips For Your Homeschool Preschool | Parents looking for quick activity ideas | Tips plus a wide range of preschool activities |
| Write & wipe busy book | Keeping young children engaged between lessons | 53 reusable learning activities for ages 3 to 5 |
The Early Scholars Curriculum: A 36-Week Play-Based Preschool Curriculum Guide for Homeschooling Families, Parents & Teachers
The Early Scholars Curriculum: A 36-Week Play-Based Preschool Curriculum Guide for Homeschooling Families, Parents & Teachers Literacy, Math, Science & Whole-Child Learning for Ages 3-5
Best for: Families who want a complete, organized year of play-based learning
This guide suits parents who prefer a clear weekly sequence over building lessons from scratch. Its title says it covers literacy, math, science and whole-child learning for ages 3 to 5, which makes it a strong fit for a structured but playful home routine.
Key specs
- 36-week program length, as stated in the listing
- Covers literacy, math, science and whole-child development
- Written for ages 3 to 5
- Designed for homeschooling families, parents and teachers
Pros
- Clear 36-week structure makes planning easier
- Covers several core early learning areas in one guide
- Suitable for both homeschool and classroom-minded adults
Cons
- A full year of planning may feel heavy for parents who prefer loose routines
- Requires some preparation and household materials for many activities
Bottom line: A good choice for parents who want a complete year of play-based planning in one place.
The Magic of Childhood: A 52 Week Christian Homeschool Curriculum for Preschoolers
The Magic of Childhood: A 52 Week Christian Homeschool Curriculum for Preschoolers | Weekly Units, Flashcards and Devotionals | Ages 3-5
Best for: Faith-based families who want weekly units with devotional content
This curriculum is built around a faith perspective and offers a full year of weekly units. It is aimed at children ages 3 to 5 and includes flashcards and devotionals alongside the lesson material.
Key specs
- 52-week program length
- Christian homeschool focus
- Includes flashcards and devotionals
- Designed for ages 3 to 5
Pros
- Full-year weekly structure
- Faith content is built into the lessons
- Flashcards support quick repetition of letters and words
Cons
- Religious content will not suit secular households
- Play elements may be lighter than in more activity-heavy guides
Bottom line: Best for families who want a Christian framework with a weekly plan they can follow.
Homeschooling Preschool Children: A Friendly Guide to Play Based Learning, Daily Routines, Early Literacy, Math, Science, Life Skills, and Kindergarten Readiness
Homeschooling Preschool Children: A Friendly Guide to Play Based Learning, Daily Routines, Early Literacy, Math, Science, Life Skills, and Kindergarten Readiness
Best for: Parents who want to understand play-based learning before planning
This book reads more like a foundation guide than a lesson plan. It covers the reasons behind play-based learning, how to shape a daily routine, and how early literacy, math and science connect to kindergarten readiness.
Key specs
- Covers play-based learning principles
- Includes daily routine planning
- Addresses literacy, math, science and life skills
- Connects content to kindergarten readiness
Pros
- Explains the why behind play-based methods
- Useful for first-time homeschool parents
- Covers life skills alongside academics
Cons
- Less of a ready-made weekly plan than a curriculum
- Parents will still need to create or gather many activities
Bottom line: A strong pick for parents who want guidance and theory before choosing a curriculum.
20 Tips For Your Homeschool Preschool: Play-Based Curriculum For 2 & 3 Year Olds, And A Wealth Preschool Activities
20 Tips For Your Homeschool Preschool: Play-Based Curriculum For 2 & 3 Year Olds, And A Wealth Preschool Activities (Homeschool Series Book 1)
Best for: Parents who want a quick stack of activity ideas for toddlers and young preschoolers
This book is organized around practical tips and a range of activities for children ages 2 and 3. It works well as a supplement to a larger plan or as a starting point for parents who are just beginning to build play time into the day.
Key specs
- 20 tips for homeschool preschool
- Written for 2 and 3 year olds
- Includes a wide range of preschool activities
- Part of a homeschool series
Pros
- Easy to dip into for a single activity
- Good fit for the youngest preschoolers
- Low-pressure approach for new homeschool families
Cons
- Not a complete curriculum with a set sequence
- Older preschoolers may need more challenge
Bottom line: Ideal for parents of 2 and 3 year olds who want quick activity ideas rather than a full program.
Write & wipe busy book for toddlers, pre k, kindergarten, school, homeschool supplies, aba therapy materials kit, abc game Preschool Workbook, 53 Learning Activities
Write & wipe busy book for toddlers, pre k, kindergarten, school, homeschool supplies, aba therapy materials kit, abc game Preschool Workbook, 53 Learning Activities, Educational Kids Toy Ages 3-5
Best for: Keeping young children engaged with independent, hands-on tasks
This reusable busy book is built for independent work. Its pages can be written on and wiped clean, so it works for repeated practice of letters, numbers and early skills across several days.
Key specs
- 53 learning activities
- Designed for ages 3 to 5
- Write-and-wipe pages for reuse
- Covers ABC and early learning activities
Pros
- Reusable pages reduce the need for printing
- Supports independent play during lesson time
- Portable for car rides and waiting rooms
Cons
- Does not teach a full curriculum on its own
- Marker and wipe pages may fade with heavy use over time
Bottom line: A practical add-on for parents who need reusable independent activities between lessons.
Buying Guide
Curriculum Scope and Structure
Decide whether you want a full-year sequence or a set of loose activities. A 36-week or 52-week guide gives a clear order of topics, while a tip book or busy book gives you flexibility. Families who feel anxious without a plan usually do better with a sequence, while parents who like to improvise may prefer a shorter toolkit.
Good picks for this: The Early Scholars Curriculum, The Magic of Childhood
Age Fit for Ages 3 to 5
Check the stated age range carefully. Some resources target 2 and 3 year olds, while others expect children closer to 4 or 5. A mismatch can mean activities feel either too easy or too advanced, which often leads to frustration on both sides.
Good picks for this: 20 Tips For Your Homeschool Preschool, Write & wipe busy book
Coverage of Core Skills
Look for explicit coverage of early literacy, early math, science and life skills. Play-based learning should still address these areas. A resource that names them outright is easier to measure against your goals.
Good picks for this: The Early Scholars Curriculum, Homeschooling Preschool Children
Faith Content and Values
Some curricula include religious content and devotionals. If your family wants a secular approach, read the description closely before buying. Faith-based material can be a strong draw for some households and a dealbreaker for others.
Good picks for this: The Magic of Childhood
Preparation Time and Materials
Estimate how much setup each resource requires. Activity-heavy guides often ask for craft supplies, containers, household objects and printed cards. Reusable pages and short tip lists reduce prep, but may need more creativity from you to extend the learning.
Good picks for this: Write & wipe busy book, 20 Tips For Your Homeschool Preschool
Durability and Reuse
Write-and-wipe pages hold up well when used with dry-erase or washable markers, but heavy scrubbing can wear the surface. For printed books, a spiral binding or laminated pages extends life. Store workbooks flat and away from direct sunlight to limit fading.
Good picks for this: Write & wipe busy book
Supporting Your Own Teaching Style
Think about how much you want to explain versus how much you want to plan. Guides that explain the reasoning behind play-based methods help parents adapt activities confidently. Parents who already understand the approach may prefer a straightforward activity list.
Good picks for this: Homeschooling Preschool Children, The Early Scholars Curriculum
FAQ
What does play based preschool homeschool mean?
It means teaching early skills through child-led and adult-guided play rather than through worksheets alone. Children build literacy, math and science concepts while playing with blocks, pretend play, games and everyday materials. Many families combine short structured activities with free play during the same day.
How long should a play-based preschool session last at home?
For children ages 3 to 5, many parents keep focused lesson blocks to about 10 to 20 minutes, then move into free play. Attention spans vary, so shorter sessions repeated several times a day often work better than one long session. Adjust based on your child’s engagement.
Do I need a full curriculum to start?
No. Some families begin with a guide or a busy book and add a full curriculum later. A complete program helps with planning, but a few well-chosen activities and a daily routine can cover a lot of ground for young children.
Can play-based learning prepare my child for kindergarten?
Play-based learning can build the skills kindergarten teachers look for, including letter recognition, counting, following directions, sharing and working in small groups. Resources that mention kindergarten readiness can help you check coverage, though every child develops at a different pace.
How do I know if a curriculum is secular or faith-based?
Read the product description and sample pages if the publisher provides them. Look for explicit mention of religious content, devotionals or faith framing. If the description is unclear, consider contacting the publisher before purchasing.
Should I consult a professional about my child’s development?
If you have concerns about speech, motor skills, attention or learning, speak with your pediatrician or an early childhood specialist. Curriculum materials support learning but do not replace professional evaluation when a child may need extra help.
Conclusion
For a complete year of structured play, The Early Scholars Curriculum is the most comprehensive pick on this list. Faith-based families who want weekly units and devotionals will find The Magic of Childhood a direct fit. Parents who want background on play-based learning before choosing materials should start with Homeschooling Preschool Children. For quick activity ideas with 2 and 3 year olds, 20 Tips For Your Homeschool Preschool is a practical choice, and the Write & wipe busy book works well for independent practice between lessons. Match the pick to your child’s age, your planning style and your household’s values.
Sources
- Federal guidance on early learning and school readiness for young children (ed.gov)
- Developmentally appropriate practice and play-based learning guidance for early childhood
- Developmental milestones for children ages 3 to 5 (cdc.gov)
Related reading
- 6 Best Play-based Preschool Homeschool Curriculums (2026): Our Picks
- 6 Best Play Based Learning Toys for Preschool Home Play (2026)
- When to Start Homeschool Preschool: A Guide for Parents
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.
