Fifteen years ago, I was just days away from sending my oldest to kindergarten and preparing to welcome baby #4. Life felt full—full of joy, full of activities, and full of change. But in the midst of it, I was committed to being intentional with the two little ones still at home. ABCJesusLovesMe provided the structure I needed. During that season, I wrote a blog post sharing seven ways to begin the school year strong.
Fast-forward to today, and I’m still amazed at how timeless these tips are. Whether you’re starting your first year or you’ve used ABCJesusLovesMe before, I hope these seven classic suggestions give you clarity, encouragement, and peace.
💬 If this post encourages you, would you take a moment to share it with another mom or teacher? Let’s build each other up!
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1) Choose the Right Curriculum for the Child
While the five ABCJesusLovesMe Curricula may look similar, each one is carefully designed for a specific age and stage of development. Unless the child has cognitive or language delays, or is very close to a birthday, choose the Curriculum that matches the child’s age. For example, a 3-year-old should begin with the 3 Year Curriculum. Each Curriculum builds on the previous one, so always begin at Week 1, even if the material feels familiar. This ensures nothing is missed.
And I know it might sound like a sales pitch, but if it’s possible, I highly recommend ordering the Complete Preschool Curriculum Bundle. It will save you time (and honestly, probably money). It includes the most updated ideas, simpler explanations, and more play-based activities. That means less prep and more fun.
Families: But—please hear me—if the Complete Curriculum isn’t an option for your family, don’t stress. That’s exactly why the Basic Curriculum is available for free for family use. It’s what I used with my own children, and it still provides a solid foundation for learning. (Preschools, remember that purchasing Licenses is required for use.)
If you desire only Bible curriculum, the Old and New Testament Bible learning is perfect for home, preschool, or church (Sunday School) for ages 3-10 years.
2) Gather and Prepare Supplies
Once you know what Curriculum you’re using, begin collecting the supplies needed for the first few weeks – books, games, art supplies, and a children’s Bible. If you don’t already own the Book of the Week, place a hold at your local library or purchase it from Amazon or your favorite retailer.
If you ordered the Curriculum Bundle, take time to print off the digital downloads you plan to use. One of my favorite tools was the travel-size memory verse cards. I covered them with clear contact paper, punched a hole in the corner, and placed them on a ring. We kept them in the van to use while driving or waiting at appointments—super easy and effective.
If you’re using the optional Betty Lukens flannelgraph to share the Bible stories, now is the time to rough cut the flannelgraph Bible characters needed for the stories.
3) Set Up a Child-Sized Craft Space
Most learning at this age should happen through play and everyday activities—while folding laundry, brushing teeth, or mixing cookie dough. But when it’s time for handwriting or crafts, a properly sized space is important. A child-sized table or desk with a chair that allows for 90-degree elbow bends and feet flat on the floor makes a big difference in posture and muscle use. The child-size chair will allow the child to sit on the edge of the chair, using their abs to sit up straight.
Creating a beautiful classroom space might sound fun, but don’t let Pinterest pressure you. What truly matters is creating a space that supports consistent, purposeful learning through repetition.
4) Familiarize Yourself with the Curriculum
Before you begin, read through the Week 1 Lesson Plan—maybe even a few times. It outlines the objectives and activities for the first week and explains the “why” behind what you’re doing. That context will help everything make more sense.
If you get to Week 2 and something doesn’t click, go back to Week 1. It’s packed with important details that set you up for success.
5) Start Slowly
Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor will your child learn to read or write in one seating. It’s a process that happens through repetition, conversation, and intentional play.
Start with one activity from the Lesson Plan. Do another when you feel ready. Slowly, you’ll find a rhythm that works for you. Some days will go smoothly. Others will be hard. That’s completely normal.
I encourage you to spread Week 1 over a two or three-week period. Use the extra time to set expectations for behavior and routines. This time is foundational for preparing the child to expect repetition and structure – keys to a great year of learning.
6) Get Connected
This journey is so much easier when you’re not doing it alone. Join the ABCJesusLovesMe Facebook Group where you can ask questions, share ideas, and connect with other parents and teachers. I’m in the group, too, so I’d love to chat with you there!
Also, subscribe to the ABCJLM Weekly Newsletter, and follow the Parenting to Impress Blog and Podcast. These are packed with helpful ideas to support the child’s academic, Bible, and developmental growth.
7) Invite God to Lead Your Time
Psalm 127:1 reminds us: Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
You can have the best curriculum, the best setup, and the best plans, but if God isn’t part of it, it will be exhausting and fruitless. Each morning, take a moment to ask Him to lead—your time, your teaching, your heart. That’s where true success comes from.
You’re Not Alone
Starting a new school year can bring both excitement and stress. Whether you are a teacher, parent, or grandparent, you’re not doing this alone. God is with you, and so is the ABCJesusLovesMe community.
Whether you’re using the 2 Year Curriculum with a toddler who has years before kindergarten, or you’re giving an older child a solid foundation before kindergarten, these early years matter. And you are equipped—one step, one day at a time.
Need a 1:1 Training with Heidi?
I am currently offering a 1-hour personalized video training for you or your team.
Use this time with me however you’d like:
- Get an overview of the Curriculum
- Learn how to establish routines
- Discover how to use the Lesson Plans effectively
- Ask specific questions about the Curriculum
For families or preschools, there are only a few spots available this month—grab yours soon! The cost is only $100.
Want a full training? Fill out this form and we will get it scheduled.
