How to Start Preschool Homeschooling with Confidence and Joy
Preschool homeschooling doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or stressful. In fact, some of the most meaningful early childhood education happens through picture books, nature play, and hands on learning—not worksheets or rigid schedules.
At The Peaceful Press, we believe in a gentle, joyful start to homeschooling—one rooted in connection, consistency, and wonder. Whether you're new to homeschooling or simply looking for a slower, more intentional rhythm, these ideas will help you build a peaceful preschool homeschool routine that nourishes your child’s mind and heart.
1. Living Books: The Heart of Charlotte Mason Preschool Homeschooling
Charlotte Mason famously said that children deserve “living books”—well-written stories that stir the imagination and nourish the soul. For preschoolers, read-aloud picture books are one of the most powerful learning tools. They help:
Build rich vocabulary
Foster curiosity and imagination
Strengthen the parent-child bond
In a Charlotte Mason-inspired preschool homeschool, you don’t need formal reading instruction. You just need to read aloud—daily and delightfully.
That’s why our Peaceful Preschool curriculum is built around high-quality booklists, featuring timeless titles like Blueberries for Sal, Corduroy, and The Little Red Hen, paired with hands-on learning activities that bring each story to life.
Get the Free Booklist Here!
2. Nature Play: Outdoor Learning for Preschool at Home
“Never be within doors when you can rightly be without them.” – Charlotte Mason
Nature-based learning is central to Charlotte Mason education, especially in the early years. Outdoor play isn’t just recess—it’s science, art, and sensory development all rolled into one.
Our Peaceful Preschool Volume 2 offers a seasonal preschool homeschool curriculum that embraces outdoor discovery and creative exploration.
Try these simple nature-based preschool activities:
Collect leaves and create leaf animals
Build bird nests from sticks and grass
Paint rock bugs
Create seasonal sensory bins with natural materials
A daily nature walk can serve as your science lesson, movement break, and memory-maker—all in one.
3. Connection and Consistency: The Real Preschool Curriculum
Preschoolers don’t need a packed schedule—they need secure relationships and predictable rhythms. When your child feels connected and knows what to expect, learning flows naturally.
The most effective homeschool preschool routine includes:
Gentle morning time rituals
Healthy, protein rich meals
Repeated favorite books
Unstructured time for play and exploration
At The Peaceful Press, we prioritize relational homeschooling that focuses on the whole child—emotionally, spiritually, and academically. Our Chore and Routine Pack can help you set up a visual schedule for your children, and our Preschool at Home workshop on Youtube can help you nurture a peaceful rhythm.
A Simple, Gentle Start to Your Preschool Homeschool Journey
You don’t need to recreate a traditional classroom at home. What you need are quality books, nature-rich experiences, and a consistent, loving presence.
If you’re seeking a gentle, open-and-go Charlotte Mason preschool curriculum, our resources are designed to support you with:
Weekly preschool book recommendations
Letter recognition and early phonics
Fine motor and sensory play
Seasonal recipes and hands-on nature prompts
Practical life skills for nurturing independence
Whether you're just beginning or looking to simplify your homeschool rhythm, our award winning curriculum, The Peaceful Press is here to support your journey with beauty, connection, and purpose.
Ready to Begin Your Preschool Homeschool?
Explore our bestselling Preschool Homeschool Curriculum and give your child the gift of joyful, wonder-filled learning.
We have print and digital options, and the lessons are open and go with basic household items and stories that are easy to find as Youtube read alouds or at your local library.
Preschool Homeschool FAQ: Gentle, Nature-Inspired Learning at Home
1. What is a the Peaceful Press preschool homeschool approach?
the Peaceful Press preschool approach focuses on living books, nature exploration, and hands-on experiences rather than formal academics. We incorporate Montessori philosophy to teach practical and motor skills to young children, and the virtuous literature, habits, and nature time of a Charlotte Mason homeschool. It's a gentle, relationship-centered way to introduce young children to learning through stories, outdoor play, and rhythms rooted in connection and wonder. Our founder, Jennifer Pepito used this method for over 27 years to raise thoughtful, well educated children who embrace her Christian values.
2. Do I need a formal curriculum to homeschool preschool?
No, formal curriculum isn’t necessary at this age. However, many parents find that using a gentle, open-and-go preschool homeschool curriculum—like The Peaceful Preschool—helps provide structure and inspiration without stress or overwhelm.
3. Which preschool volume should I start with?
Peaceful Preschool Volume 1 will introduce your children to the alphabet, letter sounds, and counting, and Peaceful Preschool Volume 2 will build on those lessons. We recommend starting with Peaceful Preschool Volume 1, followed by Volume 2.
4. How do I include nature play in my preschool homeschool day?
Nature play can be as simple as taking a walk, collecting leaves, building fairy houses, or noticing the birds. Outdoor time nurtures physical, emotional, and cognitive development—and it aligns beautifully with Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on learning through nature. We include weekly nature play activities in all of our homeschool resources.
5. What should a daily preschool homeschool routine look like?
A preschool routine should feel joyful, consistent, and developmentally appropriate. We recommend a morning time rhythm with the story of the day, a song or hymn, and a poem of scripture verse. Then spend a few minutes doing the Peaceful Preschool art and motor skills activity. It's a good idea to break up quiet seat work with the included large motor activities.
6. What is included in The Peaceful Press Preschool Curriculum?
The Peaceful Press Preschool Homeschool Curriculums include:
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Weekly picture book recommendations
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Letter recognition or early phonics
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Counting and early math concepts
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Nature-based activities
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Fine motor and sensory play
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Recipes, seasonal crafts, and more
These plans are designed to be open-and-go, developmentally appropriate, and rooted in joy and connection.
We include four days per week of lessons in a simple flow.
Read a picture book (or watch a Youtube read aloud)
Do a phonics activity. This might be tracing a letter in salt or glitter glue, glueing small items to the letter, or doing auditory letter memory work.
Do a counting activity. You might count rocks, or pom poms or measure ingredients for a recipe.
Fine and large motor skills. These skills prep your children for later academics and include rolling, using clothespins, playing with playdough, baking together, and more.
Art and practical life. Making a bunny puppet, cutting out a felt scarf, or sorting a beach basket are all examples of art and practical life skills that we include.
7. Can I use this curriculum if I’m new to homeschooling?
Absolutely. The Peaceful Preschool is perfect for new homeschoolers. It's simple to implement, family-centered, and supports a calm and confident start to your homeschool journey.
Get Started on Your Homeschool Preschool Journey Today
