How to Teach Toddlers at Home: 30-Day Preschool Plan (Ages 1–4)

As a homeschool parent with five children (and a very active three-year-old in tow!), I know exactly what it feels like to juggle real learning with real-life routines. Between planning lessons for older (and college level) kids, prepping meals, answering questions, managing the home, and yes, trying to get that toddler to stop climbing the table, preschool can feel like “one more thing” on an already full plate.

30-Day Early Learning Plan

That’s exactly why I created the 30-Day Early Learning Plan for Toddlers (Ages 1–4). This curriculum was born out of real-life motherhood. It’s the exact plan I use with my youngest son to help him grow, explore, and thrive, all without screens, stress, or long prep times. And the best part? It only takes 25–30 minutes a day, four days a week, and it’s flexible enough to repeat every month with new letters and colors.

Let me walk you through why I love it, and why it just might be the early learning solution your family has been looking for.

Why This Curriculum Works (and Why You’ll Love It)

This plan isn’t just cute themes and random worksheets, it’s grounded in research-based early learning methods: repetition, routine, open-ended play, language-rich activities, and parent-child connection. It helps children:

1. Recognize letters, sounds, colors, and numbers through daily exposure
2. Build gross and fine motor skills through hands-on play
3. Develop listening, speaking, and memory skills
4. Learn simple routines and practice independence
5. Bond with you through play, books, music, and gentle structure

Every activity uses simple, inexpensive materials most families already have at home. You’ll see suggestions like: cotton balls and spoons, building blocks, picture books, stuffed animals, crayons, baskets, and flashcards. Because learning should be accessible and affordable.

Each week follows a gentle, rhythm-based structure:

1. One letter of the week (e.g., A, B, C, D)
2. One color of the week (red, blue, yellow, green)
3. One simple theme (All About Me, Bears, Colors & Counting, Daily Routines)

This structure helps toddlers learn through repetition, while still feeling fresh and new. It also means you can repeat the entire 30-day plan each month, swapping in a new letter, number, color, or theme, or revisit anything your child hasn’t mastered yet. And this is why I love it, and why it was created!

How to Use This Curriculum in Real Life

Here’s how I recommend using it in your home or homeschool program:

1. Set Aside a 30-Minute Daily Block

You don’t need a classroom or perfect silence. Choose a time that fits your family’s flow, morning after breakfast, quiet afternoon time, or while siblings are working independently. Toddlers thrive on rhythm, not rigidity.

2. Follow the Daily Plan (But Flex Freely!)

Each day includes five quick, purposeful activities like:

1. A welcome song or movement game
2. A short book read-aloud
3. A hands-on task (scooping, stamping, sorting)
4. Pretend play or puppet story
5. Letter/color/shape recognition practice

Feel free to do just 3 out of 5 activities if the day is full. Or repeat a favorite one the next day. The goal is engagement, not perfection.

3. Create a Learning Basket

Fill a bin with the week’s materials: red toys, a board book, cotton balls, blocks, a puppet or sock, and a few letter flashcards. Keep it easy to grab and go. This task can be done on Sunday’s after church, or even Saturday evening after bedtime in preparation for the week!

4. Track Progress with the Bonus Tools

Included with the curriculum are:

1. A Daily Routine Chart (great for building structure)
2. A Monthly At-a-Glance Calendar
3. A Print-Friendly Checklist
4. Two Bonus Days for review and nature exploration

You can print and reuse these as many times as you’d like. They’re perfect for portfolios or homeschool record-keeping too!

This Was Made With My Toddler in Mind

I designed this curriculum specifically for my three-year-old son. He’s full of energy, imagination, and independence, and he needs a learning environment that lets him move, talk, try, and try again. I know what it’s like to want your toddler to learn, grow, and be ready for “big kid school,” but also know that they learn best through play and presence, not pressure.

This curriculum lets you be present, not perfect. It offers structure without rigidity, guidance without overwhelm. And it’s gentle enough for a one-year-old to explore but rich enough for a four-year-old to thrive.

You’ve Got This, Mama (or Teacher!)

Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler with a busy house or a brand-new parent wondering how to start early learning at home, this curriculum is here to support you. You don’t need a degree or a Pinterest-perfect classroom. All you need is a little time, a lot of love, and a plan that works in real life.

I pray this curriculum blesses your home as much as it’s blessed ours. May it bring joy, laughter, new words, first letters, and meaningful moments with your little learner.

Because toddlers don’t just need to learn letters… they need to be loved through the learning.

And you, dear parent, are the perfect person to lead the way!

From Our Shop to Your Homeschool:

Recent Homeschool Articles: