Little Saints Catholic Preschool Program

Little Saints Catholic Preschool Program is a preschool curriculum I bought two years ago for George when he was only 3 years old.  I came to know about this program through one of the blogs I read and I loved the ideas she shared about this curriculum.  It was put together by a catholic mom with the help of few friends and she has done a terrific job bringing all aspects together which are very necessary for a preschooler.  It was not very expensive either.  

This program is with classical disciplines and explores 40 themes geared to the interests of preschoolers.  At the beginning of each theme is a list of outstanding children’s picture books, many of them classic, which are related to each subject.  These books provide the foundation upon which each lesson builds.  It also incorporates poetry, nursery rhymes, traditional finger plays, music appreciation, art and learning games which utilize all five senses and develop cognitive skills.   

We do this format in such a way that we begin with the word of god, song, story time.  The story time takes a pretty good amount of time since sometimes they would want to read the same book again and again.  The best part about homeschooling is that we can be flexible and work according to the kids readiness.  

The learning game for the lesson At the Supermarket.  They are really playing how they will shop at the market.  

Making 3D Vegetable by stuffing tissues inside a carrot made of paper

Once the story time is over we go into doing the learning game which could be time consuming depending on what kind of game it is.  Sometimes it could be an obstacle course which takes a good amount of time and energy or otherwise it could be matching pictures or a puzzle.  Depending on the time it takes we do the art project after we take a break. 

The books we read for each lesson is already suggested in the lesson plan.  Most of these books I have been able to find in the library.  Even though the book recommends you to buy them I personally don’t have the money to go buy these expensive books and since I find most of them in my local library it works out perfectly for us.  

This was the art project for the Lesson Pets and Pals

Learning game from the lesson Pets and Pals

This program definitely puts a lot of work on the mom.  As you can see in the picture I had to cut out all those fishes and attach the paper clips.  Make the pipe cleaner and stick a magnet to it.  I always prepare the night before but there are times when I have even prepared things that morning.   It can take some time and you need to have the items in hand ahead of time so that way you don’t have to run to the store each time. The directions for each game and art work is given to us.  The extra materials can be used with as many kids as you want since we are taking copies of each activity.  So once you buy this curriculum you can use it with all your children.  

This was so much fun.  They enjoying fishing with their magnet rods

The other thing I like about this program is that several bible stories and feast day celebrations, Christian symbolism and character building opportunities are woven throughout the program year.  Little saints is intended to supplement formal religious education through concrete experiences.  

The music appreciation part of the program is something very beautiful and attractive to the kids.  You would never imagine these well known classical pieces like Mozart and Beethoven would be liked by a 3 or 4 year old.  I was so surprised to find out how much children pay attention to the music and how this music can really quiet them down and help them focus on the project they are working on.  Not only do I play these music while they are doing the art project but I use it anytime when they are doing any kind of silent work in their school room.  I would have never expected George to be even paying attention to the classical songs but he loves it and he enjoys it.  This really brings the creativity in them and also helps them to start appreciating music from a very young age. 

Art Project for the Lesson Children around the World

Making a homemade Pinata.  Learning about the continent South America

We used light sabers to break the pinata..haha as you can tell children enjoy this stuff and they have so many opportunities to learn about continents and the World in such a creative way

Eating the goodies I put inside the pinata

This program divides the lesson plan for each month.  We don't have to follow it and we don't have to do all 40 lessons.  We can pick and choose the ones that are important to us and the ones that we think will help our children.  Some of the lessons we have finished are I belong to God, Alphabet Fun, My five senses, Number fun, My family, In the country, My Family, Its about time, Colors, Fall is here, My home and neighborhood, At the supermarket, Pets and pals, Children around the World, Life in the city, Winter Fun, My America /The presentation.  I have included some of the pictures here so you get an idea how things work.

Art Project for the Lesson Life in the city (making a skyline)

Creating a city with all the things we have at home.  This was the art project for the Lesson Life in the city

They had  a zoo, airport, buildings, church, train lines, roads etc

Art Project for the lesson Children around the World.  It shows how God is watching over the whole earth and the golden rays is a sign of his love that is being poured out to all of us every day.  

Art work from the lesson Pets and Pals

This is from Winter Fun learning how the ice melts and how water becomes ice.  Evaporation, how it snows etc

Learning about America

Making Abraham Lincons Cabin

Cabin almost done

Learning game from the Lesson In the Country

Art project from Number Fun

From the Lesson I belong to God

Project from I belong to God.  Making a picture album for the child to look back from their day of birth up till now

Love these books

If you would like to buy this curriculum for your own children you can get it at Little Saints Preschool Program.  You can also find a more detailed description of these program lesson by lesson at Shower of Roses