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Hey everyone!

I'm new and am going to be doing some preschool stuffs with my DS who is 3. Planning to start next month. Have some people who were totally against it but he wants to learn so considering that (and the fact he LOVES doing "school" things and even has a favorite spot at the kitchen table for it) I'm going ahead with it. Maybe it's because I'm doing online college?

Anyway, I've been looking around and I think I know what I'm going to do. So first off, any suggestions on things for a 3 year old munchkin? He loves art and I even have his own easel. He has tons of file folder games I've made, some workbooks he's attempting to break the speed record with, and we've read more books than I can count. We go out hunting for bugs, birds, flowers, you name it. I keep him busy but he seems to want more "school" type stuff because when his grandma gave him some workbooks, ohh, he was delighted. And again, maybe because he sees me working in my books and such for college. But his behavior has improved soo much! So "school" it is.

I was looking at Animal Play and it seems really interesting. Does anyone use it? My son adores animals so I think he'd like it. Does it take a lot of time? I also work from home so something that takes like six hours a day would not work for us at this time. (one reason he's not going to headstart, even if he got in since they only have one in the county. 8 hours? No.)

Right now I have a balanced thing where I work a bit (writer) and he "works" on his art or making a puzzle or whatever. Then just time to spend with him and he shows me what he worked on and I tell him what I did. Then back to work, then show and tell, and so on. We also do a lot of crafts, baking, making bugs out of rocks, and so on.

Animal Play looks like it has a bit more of the structure we need so I was just wondering what impressions are about it? Do little ones enjoy it and is it easy to teach? Is it extremely religious? I don't mind some religion but something like Abeka is a turn off for us.

Thanks!

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Are you talking about Animal Play by Teach Me Joy? Joy is a member on here. I'm sure she can answer your questions. Her stuff is pretty new, so I'm not sure how many people you'll find who have completed the curriculum. I haven't used it but I believe there are others on here who are planning on using it this year. I can tell you that her handwriting curriculum is fantastic.

Leigh

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I forwarded this to Joy and I am sure she will answer your questions soon! Her stuff is 50% off right now.

I will tell you, I have it (I have all her stuff), and it is super cute. My tot just turned 2 and I don't think she is ready just yet, but when she is, we will use it.

It is Christian and there are Bible verses and such. I don't think it is too much and if you wanted to skip that, I am sure you could. Even for non-Christians, the virtues taught are great for all kids. It is even better to teach them about their creator though! 

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Hi Shadowfire!

I'm thrilled you are interested in my curriculum.  I designed animal play after struggling with my K4 year with my little boy.  I guess you could say that I designed the early learning curriculum I wish I had had!  I am now using it with my 3 year old and she loves it. 

It is not time consuming at all.  If you cover everything you could easily do it in under an hour, or you could take a little longer if you added in extra books and such.  I don't think the Bible is overkill with Animal Play.  I have a Bible time scheduled, but I don't really add too much into the rest of the subjects.  I love the Bible and I love teaching it to my children, I just don't think it's necessary to teach it across the curriculum.   The Bible Rhyme book I chose because it tells the Bible stories in such a wonderful rhyming way.  I think it's an awesome literary resource that anyone can enjoy.

My goal with this curriculum was to make learning fun and get children excited to do "school".  It sounds like you've already done that!  Keep up the good work on all the extras you do.  It sounds like you have a very learning rich environment already!

Let me know if I can answer any more questions!

Joy