Virtual preschool…. I never thought I’d hear those words together, but here we are! My son was supposed to start his second year of preschool (he’s in an extended program due to some delays), but we (and most of the country) find ourselves figuring out how we’re going to learn at home! I am NOT a teacher. Teachers have always amazed me, because teaching children is not at all my strength. But since he starts kindergarten next year, it’s obviously so important to do our best in spite of the circumstances! Here are some things we’ve purchased to help our boys adjust.

The Best Educational Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers:

(Side note, this post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, your price won’t change- but you’ll be helping me feed a toddler who literally eats more than I do!)

First of all, I have really enjoyed reading two Montessori learning books: How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way and Teach Me to Do It Myself. I also have a strong-willed 2 year old, so these books helped me realize the importance of setting up our home in a way that encourages independent skills.

Second, our biggest purchase was a large table and storage bench from Nilo! I learned about this company recently (when I was looking at IKEA kids’ tables, which are nowhere as nice), and I love their solid, all-wood construction. Some reviews mention their furniture being used for two generations and still going strong! The best part is the raised edge, which means toys can’t fall off. The storage bench opens up to show 4 different compartments, but you can take the dividers out. My mother-in-law bought us the double-sided Lego/Duplo plates to go on top, so this table really will serve our kids for years and have great resale value!

The kids do messy activities here, eat here, and now will do preschool activities here. I noticed that they are really enjoying the structure of having their own table to calmly sit at!

We are still waiting to hear about what our school will be providing virtually, but if they don’t do a daily Circle Time video, I’m not worried, because my kids LOVE Ms. Monica’s videos! She does all the typical preschool circle time elements, and uploads a new video every weekday.

Remember that these are 3-5 year olds. So much of their learning comes from play! Don’t stress yourself out trying to plan some big curriculum. We plan on following our school’s plan based on his specific delays, but other than that, I’m leaning on the following elements:

Lots of music (classical, fun dance music, and also singalong hand motion songs like Old MacDonald and Itsy Bitsy Spider)

Toys that Teach Toddlers and Preschoolers:

–Playdoh (this kit has playdoh & tools!)
–Kinetic sand (this is the best set!)
–Magnatiles (budget-friendly brand here)
–Color and shape matching egg toy
–Lace and Trace Pets (good practice for shoes!)
–Dry erase workbook (for tracing letters, numbers, etc)
–Puzzles (and puzzle rack)
–Jungle animal figurines

Books That Teach Toddlers and Preschoolers:

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Five Little Monkeys
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Old MacDonald Had a Truck
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
The Very Busy Spider

I hope these ideas help as we all navigate this very unique season! Ultimately, our kids will just be thrilled to have their mamas and daddys playing with and teaching them. You are doing a great job!!

Is there anything you’d add to this list? Any resources that have been helpful? Please let me know in the comments!! I would love to try them out with my boys. 🙂