An Honest Review of Busy Toddler's ‘Playing Preschool’
Juggling parenthood and education is a delicate dance, isn't it? As parents, we're deeply invested in our children's development, constantly seeking resources that nurture their minds and spark a lifelong love of learning. If you're exploring the world of homeschooling (or even just looking for enriching activities for your little one), you've likely encountered the Busy Toddler account on instagram or the Busy Toddler website. Today, I'm sharing our experience with the "Playing Preschool" program.
This post kicks off a four-part series detailing our homeschool journey. Like many of you, I've spent countless hours researching educational philosophies, evaluating curricula, and considering what best fits our family's values and lifestyle. With a three-year-old at the helm, my priority was clear: a program that champions play as the primary "work" of childhood, fostering a natural curiosity and a joyful approach to learning.
My search led me to "Playing Preschool" by Susie, the founder of Busy Toddler, an educational platform dedicated to "bringing hands-on play and learning back to childhood, supporting others in their parenting journey, and helping everyone make it to nap time.” Susie's background as a mom, combined with her Master's degree in Elementary Education and experience as a kindergarten teacher, offers a credible and experienced perspective. This isn't just another trendy program; it's a thoughtfully designed curriculum infused with Susie's signature creativity and practicality, making it accessible for busy parents on a budget.
From Research to Our Reality
We chose "Playing Preschool" in May, planning to begin in September after a big military move. The minimal upfront costs were a huge plus, allowing us to purchase materials after settling into our new home. Susie frequently offers sales (typically around May, August, and Christmas), and we snagged the digital curriculum for a steal at $30. We opted for printing at Office Depot, which, combined with the curriculum, cost around $75. (Parent tip: Spiral binding that allows the curriculum to lay flat is a game-changer!)
After our move, I began gathering supplies. Busy Toddler provides a comprehensive year-long supply list, helpfully broken down unit-by-unit. I created an Amazon cart, initially focusing on key items (sticky notes, whiteboard, markers, dot stickers, masking tape) used in nearly every unit, purchasing what went on sale, and then adding other materials as we progressed.
Our Homeschool in Action
Susie recommends following the curriculum sequentially, as skills are designed to build upon each other. While I was initially tempted to align units with seasons, sticking to the sequence has been incredibly beneficial. The consistent skill development and deeper understanding make following the order worthwhile.
We began by following the daily schedule closely. Over time, I've learned to adapt and adjust, skipping components that don't suit our needs or pace. The curriculum's flexibility is a lifesaver – we even took it on the go! We also seamlessly paused for the holidays and jumped right back in afterward.
Each unit seamlessly integrates science, math, creative activities, dramatic play, literacy, and oracy (rhymes, songs, etc.) through engaging play-based activities. As the "teacher," I know he's absorbing these essential concepts, but for him, it's all about the fun! This is exactly the kind of learning environment I envisioned for our homeschool: fostering curiosity, exploration, critical thinking, and problem-solving through joy-filled playful experiences.
Exploring with an applesauce sensory bin. Skills practiced: measuring, fine motor scooping and transferring skills, and exploring the 5 senses.
My 3 year old is especially resistant to messy things, so this was a big deal for him to touch it and play in this way. He eventually opted for a spoon to swirl it around and scoop, but still had loads of fun and learned so much.
We started with the Apple unit (perfect for fall!), exploring the letter "A" and all things apple. During the unit, we set up a dramatic play apple stand, explored thematic books, compared apple varieties, practiced counting and sorting, and even made an apple pie. These activities weren't just educational; they were opportunities for connection and memory-making. As a parent, it's incredibly rewarding to witness my child's enthusiasm for learning and to rediscover the joy of learning alongside him.
In this example, my 3 year old is sorting apples by color. We also practiced sorting by size, taste, etc. This helped him establish a vocabulary foundation that would be required with all future sorts.
Pros & Cons: The Parent Perspective
Pros:
Simple Setup: The detailed materials list and minimal-prep activities are a lifesaver for busy parents. We need impactful simplicity in our lives!
Philosophy Alignment: Busy Toddler aligns perfectly with my belief in play-based learning. It prioritizes deep understanding over rote memorization, nurturing essential social-emotional skills – crucial for early childhood development.
Flexibility: The structured yet adaptable format makes it easy to integrate into our busy lives, even allowing for learning on the go.
Mastery-Based Learning: The sequential approach promotes a deeper understanding through various learning modalities.
Cons:
Storage: While manageable, the materials do require some dedicated storage space.
Supplementation: No curriculum is entirely comprehensive. We supplement with Bible studies and other resources that align with our family's values.
Final Thoughts
"Playing Preschool" has been a wonderful start to our homeschool journey. My child is engaged, developing a strong foundation of knowledge through play, and, most importantly, loving learning. We plan to continue with Book 2 and highly recommend this program to other parents seeking a joyful, play-based homeschool experience.
P.S. Looks like she is actually still having the sale from December. The program is currently only $29. She also offers the Apple Unit free for you to try and see if it works for you and your family. I highly recommend giving it a try!
