One of the most frequently asked questions that I receive is the one about starting the ABCJLM curriculum in the middle of the year. I wanted to cover this topic as I know several people are looking for a preschool curriculum to begin in January.
All four of the ABCJLM curriculum are created to be flexible. Although they are designed to start in August and finish in May, this is simply to match up the holidays with activities in the curriculum. The basic curriculum does not change.
For starters, decide which curriculum to use.
1st – Figure out how many years the has before Kindergarten. A
child who has only one year needs to be doing the 4 Year Curriculum or 5
Year Curriculum if possible so that they are prepared.
2nd – Use the Objective Pre Test to figure out what the child already knows.
3rd – Use the Curriculum Chart Guide to help you decide the best curriculum for what the child already knows.
Next, decide where to start.
All of the curriculum build on themselves in one form or another. The older curriculum even more so than the younger. I would suggest beginning all of the curriculum on Week 1 because of this building factor. Move the holiday activities around as needed. Then choose the pace based upon the child’s needs.
Let me give you some scenarios…
Scenario #1 – Fred is 5 and will be attending Kindergarten in the fall. He struggles with some letter sounds but can write and name all of them. He struggles with gross motor skills and mixed us several of his numbers. He also does not know any Bible stories, verses, or songs. Given this, I would suggest starting the 4 Year Curriculum at the beginning but moving at a faster pace so that you cover two lesson plans in one week. Focus on the Bible stories, songs, and activities that Fred most needs.
Scenario #2 – Sara is 4 and won’t attend Kindergarten for 1 ½ years because you have chosen to red shirt her a year. She knows the basic colors and shapes and knows most of the letters and numbers. I would suggest beginning the 4 Year Curriculum for Sara, moving at her pace. Then in the fall, follow up with the 5 year curriculum to further prepare her for Kindergarten.
Scenario #3 – Tommy is 3 and won’t attend Kindergarten for 2 ½ years. The pre-assessment shows that Tommy knows his colors and most shapes but very few letters. I would begin Tommy at the beginning of the 3 year curriculum. Continue as far as the calendar will allow until August and begin the 4 Year Curriculum.
Scenario #4 – Kate is 25 months and knows all of her colors, many letters and numbers, and most shapes. While this is very advances for a 2-year-old, I would begin Kate on the 2 Year Curriculum because there is so much more to the curriculum than academic concepts. Focus on the Bible stories, songs, social skills, fine and gross motor skills, etc.
So, dive in. Be flexible. Move at a pace that works for you and your child. Most of all – have fun.
Thank you so much! We're starting this August, but just reading the three examples made it so clear where to start with my daughter (3's). Thank you! We can't wait to get started. 🙂
Thanks for providing this curriculum! My daughter is 27 months old and we are considering preschool. However, I feel like we need some structure to our days and I was at a loss as to where to begin and how to incorporate the Bible into our daily routine. Beyond prayer, reading bible stories, and worship… I couldn't figure out how to incorporate it into crafts and fun activities. I'm starting now (the end of October) with the 2 year curriculum, and will try to catch up as we go along. She already knows her shapes, colors, numbers, and letters in both English and Spanish. Should I start with the 3 year old curriculum in her case?
There is a lot more to the 2 year Curriculum than just shapes and colors. I would still do the 2 Year since she is so young. This will allow you to focus on the areas that she is weaker in. You can always add in a little more depth if needed.
I very briefly started the 3s curriculum with my son (who was older than 3.5 at a time) in August, and it just wasn't the right time. My daughter was at an extra-busy stage and I thought I'd better stop for the moment.
Now, my son is 4 years 1 month and my daughter is 25 months, and I think it would be the right time to start.
I don't think he's quite ready for the 4s, so I think I'll go back to the 3s and skip ahead a little as I'd like (and if the activities don't match our season, heh).
Mostly though, I think the 3s, 4s and 5s curriculum looks excellent and I like the Bible and memory verse component especially for this age. I'd hate to miss out on the fun and foundation of year 3 by skipping ahead 🙂
I think I'll just do the 3s for both of them, rather than trying to do 3s and 2s (and my daughter will skip/modify anything that she's not ready for). Or hmm, maybe I'll do the 3s, but also get the 2s worksheets for her.
here's hoping it works out! 😀
Let us know how it works out!
I purchased the 4 yr old curriculum.This is my second home school program I have purchased. I glanced through it when I got it almost a year ago. I haven't touched it since. I'm a mom of 2 kids. I have 2 jobs. I take care of my mother in law who has Alzheimers. I found this curriculum way too time consuming and very confusing. There seems to be hours of prep work to prepare for each week (which was the problem with the other curriculum). I just don't have that kind of time. A lot of printing of materials which means money spent on paper and ink. Buying and gathering of supplies. Buying of books or going back and forth to the library every week (5 books just for week 1). Fifteen worksheets (weeks 1) to find and print. I'm on information overload with all my research on homeschooling (at least 2 years). I really wanted to home school, but will end up sending her to school since I cant find a simple program. Very overwhelmed. Very disappointed.
I am sorry that you feel this way. I sounds like you are very overwhelmed. I can see how doing anything extra with your children would be overload.
I would be happy to talk to you further as the information that you have shared is not correct as there are no requirements to use the ABCJLM Curriculum. I also invite you to join the ABC Jesus Loves Me Facebook group to talk to other mommas who are using the ABCJLM and loving it. Some who have jobs outside the home as well.
God's blessings on your life as you are stretched very thin. I pray you will find rest and hope during this time. I pray that you can receive relief and help soon so that you can do what you desire to do with your children.