Five Reasons Why I Chose the Peaceful Press Preschool This Year

Ten years ago, I was newly graduated with a degree in Elementary Education, meeting with principals and superintendents at our four local school districts and prepping my room for students at the Boys and Girls Club after school program. Each district was different in curriculum, and each building had different homework policies, somehow I managed to keep them all straight and help over 150 students from grades 1st through 12th with homework each day that year. While the days of me working in a school setting are long gone, I wouldn't say I'm a beginner in teaching. 

Last year, I decided I wanted to start 'Tot School" with our oldest where I would be creating my own curriculum. At first, this was so exciting, finding all the activities and worksheets to do each day. But, as we went through the letters, I realized the task for finding activities were much more daunting than a mom of two under two could handle each week. On top of the fact that he was not particularly interested in worksheets... go figure. I'm sad to say that after about a month, we stopped having a formal tot school and just focused on spending more time outdoors and through play- after all, play is the work of a child. 

This year, I knew I wanted to try it again, only a lot different. I wanted less worksheets, lots of time outside, playing musical instruments, looking at different pieces of art, memorizing scriptures and reading LOTS of books. I think one of the beautiful things about homeschool is that you can pull from a variety of education philosophers. 

We pull from Montessori, Waldorf, and Charolette Mason. 

When looking at curriculums, I LOVED the Good and the Beautiful, but I felt we weren't quite ready for the classic education approach. That's when I found The Peaceful Press and their preschool curriculum. 

While we haven't started yet, here's why I chose it:

1. The booklist was filled with books that I already had or ones I could find easily at the library. 

One thing I didn't like about other curriculums was that I would need to buy all of their books that correspond with the lessons. While there's nothing particularly wrong with that, I do love that I didn't have to spend extra money on purchasing books. Even better, the books we don't have, we can borrow from the library. 

2.  The parent handbook has it all!

When I downloaded the 230+ page Parent Handbook, I wasn't fully expecting for everything to be in there. But everything, I mean, she thought of EVERYTHING, to include. Between quick meals, to a daily routine, to help establishing your family's vision, she has it all in this beautiful book.  I printed a spiral bound copy from Office Max. 

3. Each week was broken down by letter, with activities to do Monday through Thursday for every subject. 

At the beginning of each week is a complete week overview, a supply list, and then the lessons for each day. This takes so much of the overwhelming part of finding activities and supplemental things out of the equation. 

4.  Memory scriptures that corresponded with each week's theme. 

I think this is what sold me. Bible memorization. I believe Bible memorization is so so important so having this as a part of the weekly curriculum was a huge proponent for me.  

5. Kindergarten Readiness Checklist 

Last but not least, the readiness checklist. This just gave me peace of mind of things to work towards over the next two years we'll be doing preschool. Also, if you're anything like me, you love a good checklist. 

I can't wait to dive into this curriculum starting this fall! While I make no money or receive anything from recommending this curriculum, if you're interested, you can check it out here.