My husband would say that little ones are like geese. They wake up in a new world everyday. For toddlers and preschoolers, each day brings new adventures and new lessons to learn. Young children don’t need a lot to learn with, other than a loving parent to encourage and guide (and answer the eternal question of why?).

Below is a list of items for your young child’s curriculum. No age range or instructions are included because all children and families are different. Children will invent what to do with the items. Their invented ways may not be traditional methods, but as long as it is safe, allow them to explore and learn. The key for everyone is to have fun.

  • crayons, pencils, paint
  • scissors, glue, paper
  • play dough, finger paint
  • swing set, roller skates, cycle
  • puzzles, sewing cards
  • picture books, read-aloud books
  • Bible
  • magnifying glass, bug jar
  • collecting box, dress-up box
  • tape or CD player
  • games, things for sorting
  • a warm lap to sit in
  • play money
  • items to play store (can be found in your cupboard)
  • dolls (generic dolls and not character dolls)
  • sidewalk chalk
  • mini-sandbox (a dishpan with clean sand)
  • large beads or macaroni to string
  • large appliance boxes
  • blankets and chairs to make forts and tunnels
  • magnetic letters
  • a white board and erasable markers
  • small sticky notepad
  • small shovel, bucket, dirt, and water