Toddler and preschool learning at home

Children from one to five learn through short, hands-on activity and a lot of repetition. These guides explain what is typical at each age, using the public milestone lists from the CDC and Head Start, and show simple ways to practise at home or in a small group without turning play into school.

10 guides

Toddler and preschool
Kindergarten Readiness Checklist: Skills That Matter Most
A printable kindergarten readiness checklist built on the five Head Start learning areas and the CDC's 4-year and 5-year lists. A guide, not a test.
7 min read
Toddler and preschool
Busy Book Ideas by Age, and How to Make One That Lasts
Busy book page ideas for ages 1 to 5, how to make one with a binder and hook-and-loop dots, how to store loose pieces, and the safety notes that matter.
6 min read
Toddler and preschool
Fine Motor Activities by Age: Toddlers to Kindergarten
What hands can do from age 2 to 5 according to the CDC, AAP and Head Start, plus six simple fine motor activities for each age using things from home.
7 min read
Toddler and preschool
How to Teach a Child to Write Their Name, Step by Step
A seven-step way to teach a child to write their name, with what the CDC, AAP and Head Start say about ages, capitals and lowercase, and tracing.
6 min read
Toddler and preschool
Letter of the Week: How It Works, Plus a Sample Week
How letter of the week works for ages 3 to 5, with a Monday to Friday sample week and an A to Z table of simple activity ideas, one for every letter.
9 min read
Toddler and preschool
Preschool at Home: A Simple Plan for Ages 3 and 4
A simple preschool at home plan for ages 3 and 4: a weekly rhythm, a 60 to 90 minute morning in short blocks, supplies and what to cover by area.
6 min read
Toddler and preschool
Scissor Skills by Age: What to Expect and How to Teach
What the AAP and Head Start say about scissor skills from age 3 to 5, why no official step-by-step age chart exists, and a safe order to teach cutting.
6 min read
Toddler and preschool
What Should a 2-Year-Old Know? Milestones and Activities
What most 2-year-olds can do by age 2 and at 30 months, according to the CDC, with calm play ideas for words, colors, hands and routines.
7 min read
Toddler and preschool
What Should a 3-Year-Old Know? A Calm Checklist
A calm look at what most 3-year-olds can do, from the CDC, with Head Start goals kept separate and simple ideas for name writing, letters and scissors.
7 min read
Toddler and preschool
What Should a 4-Year-Old Know Before Kindergarten?
What most 4-year-olds can do, according to the CDC, what the 5-year list adds, and how Head Start goals differ, with simple ideas for home.
7 min read