Christian Homeschool Preschool Curriculum – What to Include

I. Introduction

A. The Importance of a Christian Homeschool Preschool

Homeschooling a preschooler from a Christian perspective provides a faith-based foundation that nurtures their relationship with God while developing essential academic and life skills. The early years are crucial for spiritual, emotional, and intellectual growth, making it an ideal time to introduce biblical teachings, prayer, worship, and Christian values.

Christian homeschool preschool curriculum

A Christian homeschool preschool allows parents to integrate faith into every aspect of learning, ensuring that children grow up with a biblical worldview. Through bible stories, scripture memorization, and worship activities, young children learn God’s love and purpose for their lives in a nurturing, home-centered environment.

B. Benefits of Homeschooling for Christian Families

Homeschooling provides flexibility, individualized attention, and a Christ-centered education. Some key benefits for Christian families include:

✔ Faith Integration – Parents can weave biblical principles into every subject, reinforcing Christian morals and teachings.
✔ Stronger Family Bonds – Spending quality time together strengthens relationships and creates a loving, supportive environment.
✔ Customized Learning – Homeschooling allows parents to tailor lessons to their child’s learning pace and interests.
✔ Protection from Secular Influences – Parents can safeguard their child’s spiritual development by choosing Christ-centered materials.
✔ Character Development – Homeschooling prioritizes teaching godly values, responsibility, and kindness.

C. How to Structure a Preschool Curriculum at Home

A successful Christian homeschool preschool balances biblical learning, academics, play, and creativity. Here’s a suggested structure:

✔ Morning Devotions & Bible Time – Start the day with prayer, scripture reading, and worship songs.
✔ Academic Readiness – Focus on literacy, math, and science using faith-based materials.
✔ Creative Play & Exploration – Encourage hands-on activities like arts, crafts, music, and role-playing.
✔ Outdoor & Physical Activities – Engage in nature walks, movement games, and active play.
✔ Life Skills & Character Building – Teach responsibility through chores, social skills, and acts of kindness.

D. Overview of Key Learning Areas with a Faith-Based Approach

A well-rounded Christian preschool curriculum should include:

✔ Biblical Studies – Teaching God’s love, bible stories, and Christian values.
✔ Language & Literacy – Using Bible-based books, phonics, and early writing exercises.
✔ Math & Number Sense – Counting, patterns, and basic math with biblical themes.
✔ Science & Nature – Exploring God’s creation through hands-on activities.
✔ Social Studies & Life Skills – Understanding family, community, and service.

By integrating faith and academics, children develop a strong spiritual and educational foundation in their early years.

II. Foundational Elements of a Christian Homeschool Preschool

A. Biblical Foundation and Faith Development

1. Teaching the Love of God and Jesus Christ

The most important lesson for a Christian homeschool preschool is teaching who God is and how much He loves us.

✔ Read simple Bible stories that focus on God’s love.
✔ Discuss how Jesus cares for all people and wants us to love one another.
✔ Encourage preschoolers to talk about their love for Jesus.

2. Introduction to Prayer and Devotionals

Teaching preschoolers to pray helps them develop a personal connection with God.

✔ Say morning prayers together before starting the school day.
✔ Encourage children to thank God for their food before meals.
✔ Introduce bedtime prayers to end the day with gratitude.

Make prayer interactive by having them draw pictures of their prayers or use a prayer jar to write down things they’re praying for.

3. Reading and Memorizing Bible Verses

Introducing short, simple Bible verses helps preschoolers develop a love for scripture.

✔ Choose one verse per week for memory practice.
✔ Use hand motions or songs to help them remember verses.
✔ Create Bible verse coloring sheets with the week’s scripture.

Example: “God is love.” – 1 John 4:8

4. Singing Worship Songs and Hymns

Music is a powerful tool for teaching faith. Some simple, joyful songs include:

✔ Jesus Loves Me
✔ This Little Light of Mine
✔ The B-I-B-L-E

Incorporate rhythm instruments (tambourines, maracas, or hand claps) to make worship time fun and engaging!

5. Teaching Christian Values and Character (Kindness, Honesty, Patience)

Christian character education should be woven into daily activities. Teach children about:

✔ Kindness – Helping a sibling or friend.
✔ Honesty – Speaking the truth even when it’s hard.
✔ Patience – Waiting for their turn during play.

Use Bible stories to illustrate these values, such as:
✔ The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) for kindness.
✔ Daniel and the Lion’s Den (Daniel 6) for faithfulness.

6. Learning About Biblical Stories and Heroes

Introduce Bible heroes in a way that makes their stories relatable.

✔ Noah’s Ark – Trusting God.
✔ David & Goliath – Courage in challenges.
✔ Jonah & The Whale – Obedience and second chances.

Use puppets, felt board stories, or role-playing to bring these stories to life.

B. Academic Readiness with a Christian Perspective

Preschool academics can be taught through hands-on learning, stories, and play while keeping a biblical foundation.

1. Language and Literacy Skills

a. Introduction to Letters and Phonics
✔ Teach letters using biblical themes (A for Ark, B for Bible).
✔ Use flashcards or sandpaper letters for tactile learning.

b. Reading Bible-Based Storybooks
✔ Read short Bible stories daily to build listening and comprehension skills.

c. Learning to Write Name and Simple Words
✔ Start with tracing activities using Bible words like “God” and “Jesus”.

d. Christian Copywork (Writing Short Bible Verses)
✔ Have preschoolers copy simple Bible verses to improve handwriting.

Example: “God made the world.” – Genesis 1:1

2. Math and Early Number Sense

Christian homeschool preschool curriculum

a. Counting and Number Recognition with Biblical Themes
✔ Count animals on Noah’s Ark or loaves and fishes from Jesus’ miracles.

b. Shapes, Patterns, and Sorting Activities
✔ Use crosses, stars, and hearts to introduce shapes.

c. Basic Addition and Subtraction with Hands-On Methods
✔ Use small objects like pebbles or grapes to practice adding and subtracting.

d. Learning About Time and Calendars (Christian Holidays & Seasons)
✔ Teach days of the week using a Bible story schedule.
✔ Discuss Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving as part of God’s plan.

3. Science and Nature Studies

Teaching preschoolers about science from a biblical worldview helps them see God’s handiwork in creation. Science lessons should emphasize wonder, observation, and appreciation of nature, reinforcing that God is the Master Designer of everything.

a. Exploring God’s Creation (Animals, Plants, Weather)

✔ Discuss how God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).
✔ Explore different animals and their habitats, discussing how God designed each creature uniquely.
✔ Talk about how plants grow and God’s role in sustaining life (Matthew 6:28-30).
✔ Observe weather patterns, explaining how God controls the seasons (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Activity Idea:
✔ Take a nature walk and have your child find things God made—birds, leaves, clouds, and flowers.

b. Simple Science Experiments with a Faith-Based Perspective

✔ Make a rainbow in a jar and talk about God’s promise to Noah.
✔ Grow a bean in a cup to show how God provides for plants.
✔ Freeze water and let it melt to discuss how God created different states of matter.

Activity Idea:
✔ Create a “God’s Creation” observation journal where children draw what they see in nature.

c. Seasons and How They Reflect God’s Design

✔ Explain how seasons change because of God’s perfect design.
✔ Talk about how spring represents new life, just as Jesus gives us new life (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Activity Idea:
✔ Make a season wheel showing how each season reflects God’s order.

d. Observing Nature and Giving Thanks for Creation

✔ Teach gratitude by thanking God for the beauty of His creation.
✔ Encourage children to care for the earth as God’s stewards.

Activity Idea:
✔ Have a “praise walk” where kids thank God for everything they see outside.

4. Social Studies and Life Skills

Teaching preschoolers about their family, church, and community fosters a sense of belonging and Christian service.

a. Understanding Family, Community, and the Church

✔ Teach that family is God’s gift and the church is a spiritual family.
✔ Read Bible verses about honoring parents (Exodus 20:12) and helping others (Galatians 6:2).

Activity Idea:
✔ Draw a family tree and discuss how each family member has a role in serving God.

b. Learning About Missionary Work and Christian Service

✔ Share simple missionary stories like Amy Carmichael or Jim Elliot.
✔ Teach that God calls us to help others, pray for the needy, and spread His love.

Activity Idea:
✔ Have a missionary prayer map where kids pray for different countries.

c. Exploring Different Cultures with a Biblical Worldview

✔ Teach children that God made all people unique but loves everyone the same.
✔ Explore how different cultures worship God, using stories from missionaries.

Activity Idea:
✔ Cook a simple meal from another country and pray for the people who live there.

d. Teaching Responsibility and Daily Chores as Acts of Service

✔ Explain how doing chores is a way to serve the family (Colossians 3:23).
✔ Encourage tidying up, setting the table, and helping parents.

Activity Idea:
✔ Make a chore chart with simple tasks and a Bible verse about serving.

III. Daily and Weekly Schedule Planning

A structured routine helps preschoolers feel secure while allowing for flexibility.

A. Creating a Flexible Yet Structured Routine

✔ Keep the day balanced between structured learning, creative play, and physical activity.
✔ Maintain a consistent routine but allow flexibility for child-led learning.

Example Schedule:
✔ 8:30 AM – Morning Devotion & Prayer
✔ 9:00 AM – Bible Lesson & Memory Verse
✔ 9:30 AM – Language & Literacy
✔ 10:00 AM – Snack & Outdoor Play
✔ 11:00 AM – Math & Hands-On Activities
✔ 11:30 AM – Arts, Crafts, or Music
✔ 12:00 PM – Lunch & Rest Time

B. Setting Up a Dedicated Learning Space with Christian Themes

✔ Create a calm and inviting area with biblical posters, a children’s Bible, and a prayer corner.
✔ Use a low shelf for books, flashcards, and hands-on materials.

C. Incorporating Daily Bible Time and Morning Devotions

✔ Start the day with prayer, Bible reading, and a simple worship song.
✔ Use a Bible storybook to teach one lesson a day.

D. Using a Rotational Schedule for Different Subjects

✔ Rotate between Bible, reading, math, science, and creative play to keep learning engaging.

E. Balancing Work and Play with Purposeful Activities

✔ Incorporate movement activities related to Bible stories (e.g., marching like Joshua’s army).

IV. Bible-Based Activities for Preschoolers

A. Bible Storytelling and Role-Playing

✔ Act out David and Goliath, Noah’s Ark, and Jonah and the Whale using costumes or toys.
✔ Use felt board stories to illustrate biblical events.

B. Arts and Crafts with Christian Themes

✔ Make a Days of Creation collage.
✔ Create prayer jars or blessing boxes.
✔ Paint Bible verses on DIY bookmarks.

C. Hands-On Activities for Christian Learning

✔ Build Noah’s Ark with blocks.
✔ Create a “Fruits of the Spirit” tree.
✔ Use a sensory bin for Red Sea crossing or manna from heaven.

D. Music and Movement with Worship Songs

✔ Sing “Jesus Loves Me,” “This Little Light of Mine,” and “The B-I-B-L-E.”
✔ Use rhythm instruments for interactive worship.

E. Simple Service and Kindness Activities

✔ Make cards for church members.
✔ Encourage kindness challenges at home.

V. Choosing Christian Homeschool Preschool Resources

A. Bible-Based Preschool Curricula Options

✔ My Father’s World – A complete Christian preschool program.
✔ Abeka Preschool – Strong phonics and biblical integration.

B. Christian Books and Storybooks for Preschoolers

✔ The Beginner’s Bible – Perfect for young children.
✔ Jesus Storybook Bible – Every story points to Christ.

C. Online Resources and Apps for Christian Learning

✔ Superbook Bible App – Animated Bible stories.
✔ Bible App for Kids – Interactive Bible learning.

D. Faith-Based Educational Games and Toys

✔ Bible puzzles and board games.
✔ Memory match games with Bible characters.

VI. Character Development and Biblical Values

Teaching biblical values and character development is one of the most important aspects of a Christian homeschool preschool curriculum. By instilling godly virtues, preschoolers learn to love, obey, and serve God and others from a young age.

A. Teaching the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

The Fruits of the Spirit are foundational Christian virtues that shape a child’s heart, actions, and relationships. Preschoolers can learn about these qualities in simple, tangible ways.

✔ Love – Showing kindness to siblings and friends.
✔ Joy – Being thankful in all circumstances.
✔ Peace – Learning to share and avoid arguments.
✔ Patience – Waiting their turn during play.
✔ Kindness – Helping parents or friends.
✔ Goodness – Choosing to do what is right.
✔ Faithfulness – Praying daily and trusting God.
✔ Gentleness – Using kind words and actions.
✔ Self-Control – Managing emotions and behavior.

Activity Idea:
✔ Create a “Fruits of the Spirit” tree where each “fruit” (paper cutouts) represents one of these values.

B. Learning About Honesty, Respect, and Obedience Through Stories

Preschoolers learn best through storytelling, so use Bible stories to illustrate godly virtues.

✔ Honesty – Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11).
✔ Respect – David showing respect for King Saul (1 Samuel 24).
✔ Obedience – Jonah’s story (Jonah 1-3).

Activity Idea:
✔ Role-play real-life scenarios where kids choose to be honest, respectful, and obedient.

C. Practicing Gratitude and Thankfulness Daily

✔ Teach preschoolers to thank God every day for what they have.
✔ Memorize Psalm 136:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.”

Activity Idea:
✔ Make a Thankfulness Journal where kids draw or write things they’re grateful for each day.

D. Encouraging Generosity and Helping Others

✔ Teach children to give to others joyfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).
✔ Help them pack food for the needy or donate toys to children’s ministries.

Activity Idea:
✔ Have a “Giving Jar” where kids collect coins for a missionary or charity.

E. Developing Patience and Perseverance Through Challenges

✔ Teach that God helps us grow through struggles (James 1:2-4).
✔ Encourage kids to keep trying when they struggle with learning new skills.

Activity Idea:
✔ Read The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8) and discuss why patience and perseverance matter.

VII. Physical Activity and Outdoor Learning

Christian homeschooling should include plenty of movement and outdoor exploration. Preschoolers learn through active play, and the outdoors provides a wonderful way to appreciate God’s creation.

A. Exploring Nature as God’s Creation

1. Taking Nature Walks and Observing God’s Handiwork

✔ Go on a nature walk and point out things God made (trees, flowers, birds, clouds).
✔ Teach Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God.”

Activity Idea:
✔ Collect leaves, rocks, and flowers for a nature craft or journal.

2. Planting a Garden and Learning About Growth in the Bible

✔ Teach how God makes things grow (1 Corinthians 3:7).
✔ Let kids plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables.

Activity Idea:
✔ Use “Parable of the Sower” (Matthew 13:1-23) to explain how faith grows like seeds.

3. Collecting Leaves, Rocks, and Flowers to Create a Nature Journal

✔ Have kids draw and label what they collect.
✔ Encourage them to thank God for His creation in their journal.

B. Active Play with a Biblical Theme

1. Obstacle Courses Based on Noah’s Ark or the Israelites’ Journey

✔ Set up an indoor or outdoor obstacle course where kids “gather animals” (stuffed animals) for Noah’s Ark.
✔ Create a Red Sea Crossing challenge using pillows or pool noodles.

2. Simon Says with Christian Themes (Follow Jesus, Be a Good Shepherd)

✔ “Simon says pray to Jesus.”
✔ “Simon says march like Joshua’s army.”

3. Animal Movements Inspired by Bible Stories

✔ Hop like the frogs in Egypt’s plagues.
✔ Fly like the dove from Noah’s Ark.

VIII. Special Christian Holidays and Celebrations

A. Teaching About Christmas with Christ at the Center

✔ Read Luke 2 and emphasize that Christmas is about Jesus’ birth.
✔ Make a simple manger craft to retell the Nativity story.

B. Celebrating Easter with a Focus on Jesus

✔ Read Matthew 28 about Jesus’ resurrection.
✔ Use Resurrection Eggs to explain the Easter story.
✔ Make a tomb craft showing how Jesus rose again.

C. Learning About Thanksgiving from a Christian Perspective

✔ Teach Psalm 100:4 – “Enter His gates with thanksgiving.”
✔ Make a Thankfulness Tree with Bible verses about gratitude.

D. Observing Other Christian Holidays

✔ Pentecost – The coming of the Holy Spirit.
✔ Good Friday – Remembering Jesus’ sacrifice.
✔ Missionary Days – Learning about Christian heroes.