I'm so excited to start this new journey. If you'd like to try out our monthly preschool lesson plans, you can go to the links below! Get my new Monthly Homeschool Preschool Curriculum and Lesson Plans here: ➡️ My website: bymandymaltz.com/shop/preschool-lesson-plans ➡️ Teachers Pay Teachers Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Handmade-Homeschooler-By-Mandy-Maltz

Thank you! Occupational Therapists say that the most important things are to let preschoolers play outside (3-4 hours a day) and read books to them... plus arts, crafts, play-doh, and music. Families can teach them letters, counting, colors, shapes, and more during those activities. 💖💖💖

I have been perplexed for years as to why preschool is a thing. When I was a nanny to a three year old boy I couldn't believe how many people asked why he wasn't in preschool. They weren't taking into account that I was reading to him every day, taking him to the park, taking him to the library and just letting him be a kid. I have only gotten more questions about my boys being at home now that I'm a mom.

More than the money, pre--school stole the time I could have spent with my kids. I wish I knew then what I know now. I am keeping my last three home now and am going to do my best. My youngest is supposed to start 5K, this is such a blessing to us. I'm on board, so keep it coming! Huge thanks!

My oldest child went to first grade not recognizing all her letters. She finished her bachelors degree number one in her class. Obviously what she didn’t learn from 0-6 academically by staying at home and a play based kindergarten didn’t hold her back at all.

YES! The honest truth is that preschool was all about childcare and they've turned it into something with a different name. I've had moms messaging me for curriculum recommendations for their 18-month olds. I don't judge them at all, but it saddens me that they even think that it's necessary. When my babies were that age they just played with dirt and pulled all the plastics out the drawers. They were learning plenty just by exploring the world around them. :)

I am so glad that you were so honest! I was a preschool teacher at a top of the line school. I had the 2 1/2 to 3 year old class and love it. The parents paid $250 a week and I had 17 kids in my class. But for some reason the school could not provide my class (which brought in $17,000 in monthly tuition) the supplies need for the crafts they had listed in the curriculum that the school wrote. Three kids covered the cost of payroll for myself and the other teacher in the class, as I only made $9 per hr. I understand they have overhead and had franchise fees but they could not come up with $50 a month for craft supplies? The other teacher and I would use our own money to buy the supplies to make sure the kids could do everything. On top of this money issue the school seemed to have, most of the teachers hired had no experience and are not people I would want watching my children! Because of the actions of other teachers, I made my last day the day I went into labor with our first child. I have always tried to tell my friends that what you think you are paying for is not always what it seems! I also add that being a stay at home mom of 4 and homeschooling is the best decision my husband and I made! Yes money can be tight sometimes, but nothing is worth these amazing moments with our children. They only grow up once after all.

Oh my goodness, preach! I’m so glad someone is finally saying this. 🤣

I sent my first 3 to preschool because that was what I was told a good parent did. My oldest' teacher told me point blank, preschool is just teaching them to get in a line, and be quiet for circle time. Skills that are helpful in Public School kindergarten, but pretty much useless in homeschool. 😅 And just in life in general. 🤷‍♀️ They had fun, and I don't regret it, but seeing other mamas shell out tons of money for a homeschool preschool curriculum does seem silly. Also just comes from a place of parents not wanting to fail their children. Glad you spoke out! 👏👏💕💕

My oldest is 3 1/2 and everyone seems to be asking me why she is not in preschool. I tell them how much it costs and it shocks them. I even have a friend who will be going back to work so she can send her two kids to preschool because she thinks they need the socialization!!! Her entire paycheck will be paying for her two kids to be in preschool. I spend about 20 min a day focusing on learning letter sounds. We play, do chores, bake, read, have play dates, and we have dance class once a week. I think my girls have a great life and I think I’m doing a good job, we don’t need preschool.

Thank you for being so open and honest! I totally agree with you. Honestly all you need is some playdoh, games, puzzles and art supplies ☺️

I appreciate this honesty, I was a lifelong nanny to a few families and I always thought these kids were so overscheduled with classes I took them to but also I felt were so basic because the kids and I were always doing the educational play at home, I always wished they would just let us be... I'm stoked to finally be a homeschooling mom like I always dreamed of! happy I just stumbled upon your ch! thank you for all the info

100% yes! I bought the TGATB for my Preschooler, and I have discovered that is was not necessary at all. I thought I would use it as a way to "intentionally" spend time with my little one, but she wanted to spend time with me by drawing, doing art (even writing letters and numbers with sidewalk chalk and paint is better than a workbook), and all of that is 100% free and something she actually LOVES. ❤❤❤

Yes! I'm so glad I'm not the only one that feels this way! Thank you for this direct and honest video.

Thank you for this valuable resource and speaking so much truth! Love all your videos and wisdom!

This is perfect timing, thank you!! I'm planning to start homeschooling my 3 year old but was going to put her in preschool 2 mornings a week this year. With the pandemic kicking back up, I'm getting hesitant about that and am thinking to continue keeping her home. I appreciate your honesty, and your hard work putting something together! Open and go will make my life a lot easier if I change our preschool plans last minute!

This is so true. I worked as a director of a child care center and even then I couldn’t afford to send my three kids there on my salary. Ridiculous. And for what? The same things I could be doing at home with them. I quit and I’m a stay at home mom and couldn’t be happier.

I always tell parents that I work with, why have a child do a worksheet about matching socks when everyone has an ACTUAL laundry bin with socks to be sorted and matched. I still think including your preschooler in all your daily activities and letting them help you along with reading the best of literature(which will cover shapes, counting and colors) and lots of outdoors exploring and play is all that is needed. But I fear things will only get worse as universal taxpayer funded preschool is being implemented more and more. And there is a pressure for homeschoolers to do it "better" which means more and earlier. And as a mom of a couple of late readers, this can be very damaging whereas filling their lives with a stimulating environment and stimulating activities will prepare them for when they are ready to learn. Public school labeled my one son as "at risk for reading" in kindergarten. He started reading in 2nd grade. Now he reads JC Ryle for fun. Read Dr.Raymond Moore. Better late.

I did themes for my preschool homeschoolers as well. We always go Apple 🍏🍎 picking in September. Then we do pumpkins in October, leaves November, December Winter ❄️ Holidays, etc... I never used a box curriculum for preschool with my kids. We have done Montessori inspired shelf work activities and lots of read alouds, field trips and park days. These are the fun times to get them in the kitchen baking bread and doing all the fun songs and finger plays.

I'm relieved by this. I actually only do about that amount of learning a day anyway! I am sending him to preschool in person too but that's because of socializing but it's only 6 hours a week and inexpensive.

Whew! How refreshing it is to see someone speak truth. There is a lot of truth among the channels but for someone to be so bold! 😳 thank you for this! Many need to hear this and I am one of them! Starting homeschooling is a mental challenge for a ton of parents because of confidence. I wish so much that I knew this with my oldest! I regret every moment we spent trying to drill his mind! Mom fail!🙋‍♀️🤦‍♀️

Thanks for this!! The temptation is real to spend the money that I really done have!

Great job Mandy!! 🙌🏻

Good info. I never understood preschool. I didn’t send my boys and you are so right they learned everything they needed (that other kids learned in preschool the years before) within the first couple months of kindergarten!! And they did great. I felt like we were possibly behind but they both did so good.

Love this video! I have a 4yo and trying to figure out whether or not I should homeschool my kids. Also trying to figure out the appropriate curriculum for my baby. 15 minutes sounds so accurate.! I set a timer for an hour and literally at 30 minutes he was done… but he pushed through. Thanks so much 💘

I think this is so important!! My kiddos will be going to preschool due to the fact it provides OT, PT and speech therapist all in one place. But thankfully doesn’t cost us a thing. But if they didn’t require those extra therapies, I would be doing preschool from home like I plan to do from grade 1 and above (as therapy I listed stops being free anyway).

Hi Mandy!! I have watched a vast majority of your video's, but THIS one made me Hit The Subscribe Button. Thank YOU!! I am over literally stressing for a curriculum for my Kinder & this Sooo put my mind and heart at ease. Thank you beyond words can express :)

Thank you for this! This is so helpful.

I love how real you are! Thank you!

Thank you for your honesty and the real deal!

This is so helpful!!! Thank you 🙏❤️

My son is going on 4 and my daughter is going 3 this month as well. I will definitely purchase this for them. Thank you!

I've been of the belief that the only "preschool curriculum" you NEED is a library card. Read with your kiddo and take them to free story times to get an idea of how procedures work. However, I do think the idea of preschool being so important comes from trying to even out the differences among kids entering kindergarten. Amazing how at the same age you can have a kiddo who has never seen an alphabet and another reading short chapter books.

Thank you for your honesty. I knew as a teacher I would homeschool my kids. I was a high school English teacher for two years. I left after our eldest was born three years ago. We learn at home. I worked in a daycare and was "lost" as what to do with them, because they're was no curriculum. It was just getting them ready to go into public school. I started using flashcards, posters, and books when my daughter was one, but felt it wasn't enough, so I bought a curriculum. Now, I'm having a change of heart with continuing use with a "curriculum". I'd rather do circle time and read books. Your video is just confirmation for me. You've given great insight into the preschool years. Thank you.

I did see your disclaimer about most, not all preschools. We put our son in a Christian preschool at 4. I don’t regret it at all, and it wasn’t for the status. He had opportunities to worship with large groups of children and do craft activities I hate to do. lol He did a lot of Biblical activities. Seat work wasn’t a priority at all. The money supported Christian teachers/mothers who needed flexible additional income during school hours. Their youngest could stay with them. I got a MUCH needed break! Terrible 4s!! We wouldn’t have considered it if the only options were secular. That would have been a waste of money for us.

We came from Japan, Yokosuka Japan. We loved it so much and hope to get orders there again one day.

It's videos like yours that make me appreciate that I live and work in Washington DC. Since 2016 Washington DC has Free Full Day Universal Preschool starting 3 year-old's (by September 30). They also have 6 Free Head Start programs for eligible families locate it in Elementary schools. I'm waiting for the rest of the country to catch up.

My friend was trying to find childcare for her 3 year old son while she worked. It was actually cheaper for him to go to preschool than a daycare. He had fun, made a lot of friends, and was safe while she was working. She said if he learned some good stuff while doing it then it was just a bonus lol.

Thank you for Reaffirming what I already thought

I didn't even use a kindergarten program with my daughter.😱 This is our second year of homeschooling. Had no problem starting with level 1(grade 1) curriculum.

I 100% agree! We are homeschooling our son. He is 4. This fall we will start Preschool and it will be all hands on play learning! My older son who is now 22 went to public school from Preschool on and unfortunately I had to work full time at the time I was raising him. I am now a stay at home mom and we plan on doing things completely different after going through all the years of challenges that we wished we could have fixed for my older son. Especially with the way things are now in public schools, we are so excited to give our little one a completely different experience and education that is tailored to his learning style and what is truly important to our family. ❤

I paid $20 for Preschool Palace when mine were in preschool and pre-k. All the lesson plans, activities, and worksheets were included all on one disc. I used it for 2 years! Most of the activities and crafts were created from basic kitchen or house hold items or things I had already bought for my kids in general. So yes! Please don't dump a ton of money into preschool or pre-k curriculum or even Kindergarten...😬 Invest in a good reading program for Kindergarten and make the rest educational fun and games. ☺

Thank you..this is exactly what I have been looking for. Also this is exactly what i have been thinking . I bought an expensive big preschool curriculum and it has FLOPPED. Lol. Im looking forward to giving this a try for my 4 year old!

So very very true!!! Im a grandparent and teaching my grankids numbers. colors shapes (the oldern ways) and to their parents surprise..not even kindergarten could teach them where they had to pay a lot of money...

Awesome!! I will definitely join you. Two year old twins. Thanks for doing this ❤️

Looks like I missed the free curriculum. Great advice there, thank you so much.

Hello! I hope this message finds you well! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us in order to help other parents that are trying really hard to make the best educational decisions for their children! As an Ealy Childhood professional with 15+ years of experience, I respectfully disagree with some of what you are sharing. I have worked in a number of early childhood programs in various capacities, taught college early childhood college courses and provided technical assistance and consultation services for programs in order to increase overall program quality. I also have a bachelor's degree in Child Development, Early Education & Family Studies and a Master's in Educational Leadership in Early Education. I share all of this to support the fact that none of what I am sharing is simply my opinion, but instead derived from years of education and experience. I'm choosing to respond to your video with hopes of helping parents that are on the fence about sending their child to a "high quality" preschool program. There are many factors that parents should be aware of when selecting a preschool program that meets their child and family needs! Some of those factors include curriculum selection and implementation, program quality rating (although this is not always the best indicator of quality), child-teacher ratio, teacher education & training, program philosophy, parent involvement, the connection between home and the program, and many other factors. A high-quality program will consider all of these factors and should be able to effectively communicate all of this to potential parents’ families. Young children learn primarily through play (the primary method of learning and development for children ages 0-5) and educational concepts should be introduced in a developmentally appropriate way and should incorporate many of their interest! The Creative Curriculum does a wonderful job of walking educators through appropriate techniques to teach young children, everything from how to set up the environment for learning, selecting the best learning materials to selecting appropriate topics and ways to facilitate effective learning (how to actually teach). It's unfortunate that preschool is not included in the public school system for all children and families, and this allows the space for preschool/childcare business to open up for profit programs. It's important to note that many preschool programs have to charge high prices in order to hire and retain high quality teachers (those with degrees and experience) as well as to operate the actual program (building lease, utilities, purchase learning materials and curriculum, purchase food, etc.) because these programs are not federally, or state funded (unless they are a non-profit program with their own family/child requirements to attend). Here is a wonderful video created by the Childcare Aware organization that illuminates this ongoing issue! I hope all of this helps someone to make the best decision for their child/family!

OMG, you have SAVED my tail! I'm going to my first homeschool conference in 2 weeks and I was gearing up to purchase curriculum. I've been a little anxious, feeling a little lost (so much info out there!) and just praying about this new journey. My son is 3.5 and I was worried that maybe I'm a little behind, but he does know quite a bit as it is. I feel so relieved! Thank you for so much for sharing this.🙏🏼❤️😊

Thank you for this! My son just turned 3 this week but he wants to be apart of his other siblings during “school time” I haven’t bought anything because I planned on singing ABC’s, counting to 10, colors but he wants pages like his siblings.

Thank you. Thank you 💕

Your fall bundle looks great. Will there be more available? I would be interested in bundles for the whole year. 😊

This is a great video.

I am so so sick of the ~socialization~ lie. It drives me insane! Young children need their PARENTS, and ideally siblings! THAT is the socialization God designed them for. I really appreciated this video. I am currently getting together some resources from my toddler because she always wants to "do school" like her older brother, and I know I have a lot on my plate and will totally be picking out some lesson plans that do the thinking for me. But that's the only reason, to help me amuse her while I teach our 7yo! She doesn't NEED the formal teaching, lol. We do soooo much as a family and I can see how much she's learning. :) I will DEFINITELY be checking out your preschool stuff! I just need to buy a proper printer at some point, haha.

I did buy some really nice quality manipulatives for the preschool/kindergarten level, and I found that to be a solid investment. I also have multiple kids and they will all use it as they get to that age. It was on the expensive side, but I don't regret it and would do it again. I always thought that school was about worksheets, but hands-on things have been so valuable for my family.

Thank you 🙏

I honestly did put my kids in a daycare around 3 years old a few days a week just to give myself a break. It wasn’t because I thought they needed curriculum or to learn something, yet they did take time to read and teach them which I appreciate. Depending on my time and schedule with my 1 year old I may do the same with him as well.

Whew girl...you just saved me from spending $50-75 on a well known company's preschool curriculum. Thank you!!

Two year olds in preschool is just a fancy word for daycare. There's no way they can learn in any kind of formal way.

yes yes yes!! I've had so many people judge me for not sending my daughter to school to "make friends" but it is so stupidly expensive for something I can do at home.

PREACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wanted my son to go to preschool because I mainly want him to make friends but I can't afford to put him to put in preschool

Thank you for being honest. I am a former teacher, I know this is a fact!

I forgot to say i have no former training or teaching degree and i dont own a laptop or computer. I only use my mobile phone..i write out everything for my kids to learn besides all my learning and teaching involves playing ..singing etc

Thank you for this honesty!! This is something I knew (and i think most moms know). Why do our kids need to go to preschool?! My parents ask me about preschool, other moms ask and make it a big deal. But then i hear its mostly socialization and play time....why would i pay upwards of $300 a month for a couple days of this? My kids socialize regularly, specifically at daycare on sunday at church! I have been researching up and down for 3 year old curriculum at home, and this just makes so much sense. There isn't much out there till they are four it seems anyways. So I've been stressing for nothing. I am about to have 3 kids under 3 1/2 and I'm so relived i don't need to stress a preschool curriculum yet!

I totally agree with you that children don't need preschool, if the child is a typical child. Now if you have a special needs child you may want to send them depending upon the child but other than that I would not pay for preschool. For my children even the three with special needs we did Sonlight preschool, we are book lovers we have lots and lots of books but I did purchase it used.

I’ll say it’s good for socialisation

I'm so excited to see what you have created!

I unfortunately have to have some curriculum for my TK because I’m using California’s funds. I really just enrolled her so I don’t have to pay for her gymnastics classes. I’m now looking for a simple math curriculum :( I doubt it has to be a real curriculum though…

Haha, I didn't even watch this and agree fully. I don't even formal school until age 7. From age 7 to 10 my children start from scratch and are doing sixth grade curriculum by age 10.

Thank you for this! What are your thoughts on kindergarten homeschool curriculum programs? I have a soon to be 5 year old and was thinking of getting the Abeka curriculum

So I sent my son to prek but it was only $175 a month. I was putting him into a school my daughter went to... they Made the kids test in because of my daughter the teacher said they didn't want to have to teach as much as they had to do for her... they are now homeschool.

What do you recommend for Kinder

I'm teaching my lovely 3 year old TGTB. I tried to do unstructured learning with her but she was upset with us for not giving her more, more, more so I put her with TGTB. When I heard $500-1,000 my whole mouth dropped. I don't even spend that on my K learner.

I’m new homeschool I just withdraw my daughter I need help I can’t found any curriculum I work a full time job with 2 days off I need something where I’m not the only responsible for my kid education I need online and supplements on books

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

I’ve never looked into sending my kids to preschool but every time I look at homeschool curriculums for preschool and kindergarten that cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars I’m like what the heck?! Absolutely not.

Mandy, do you feel like this could also be used for pre-k? Or do you have pre k curriculum on teacher pay teacher? I only saw preschool and kinder

My question is, once my kids reach elementary I want to strictly home school. Eeekkk I'm overwhelmed!! But i don't want to teach all the bull crap they teach in school. They need to know how to read, write, spell, add subtract, multiply, divide, education on healthy and safe cooking, cleaning and maintaining a home, business "LLC, business credit, loans, etc" managing a good credit score, difference in good and bad credit, assets, liabilities, capital, influence and communication, public speaking, emotional regulation and communication, learning time, time management, smart goals and decisions. All the things that I know will set them up for success in life. Instead of Ay+c÷7b=ys5 iv never in my life ever put that to use. Iv asked 2 doctors and they said they've never used anything from college in their practice. A family friend is a multi millionaire and he has said he's never used half the crap they push down these kids throats. I will not waste my time or my kids time teaching them garbage fillers. But I also don't have much money to spend on Montessori curriculum and programs.

👏👏👏👏👏👏

I feel like most parents (given the stats on how many families have 2 working parents) put their kids in preschool because they are working and need care for their child, not because they are truly concerned about them learning skills to prep them for kindergarten.

People are paying for childcare so they can work more than the education, so you have to pay for that.

I feel like maybe this video misses the big issue (at least for my location). Both parents have to work and preschool = daycare. I mean literally it's just another term for daycare ($1500+ a month minimum regardless of the name). I've never known anyone who sent their kid to preschool because they wanted to 🤷 Maybe this is a regional thing.

😆💞💖💞

As a 63 year old mother of 4 and a grandmother, preschool is a waste of your hard earned money. If you need childcare, hire private. These preschools are not teaching nothing.