From the moment that I opened the package, I was impressed. This is not a thrown together at the kitchen table kind of book. Complete with laminated covers, spiral binding (which is fabulous for keeping it open), and it’s very own bar code and ISBN number – this is a very professionally made curriculum.
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This book is not only great for homeschoolers (or those that are not planning to homeschool in the future, but just want a preschool curriculum for use at home), but it’s also perfect for teaching a preschool co-op class (or maybe a small class that is offered at your parish, for instance). In order to make it even more accessible, I really loved that Lacy set up the teacher scripts in two different sections – one to use if you’re using it in your home and one to use if you’re using the curriculum in a classroom. If you’ve ever tried to homeschool from a book written for use with a whole class, you’ll appreciate the homeschool scripts!
Maybe you’re not one who likes to use scripts (I don’t). Don’t worry – the book is not solely based on scripts. They just help to give you a set up for structuring your lessons. You can actually use your own words, if you want.
Catholic ABCs also includes sections on the basic daily lesson structure, finger plays and songs (which are too cute!), food activities, crafting with kids, five unit studies based on the liturgical year, and then 26 two-page spreads – one for each letter of the alphabet. I loved that each of these includes a saint, a related (by letter) short Scripture verse (perfect for even small children to memorize), a craft idea, and more.
This book is so well done, and so obviously full of Lacy’s zeal for hands-on education, that I couldn’t help but think, “Hmmm…maybe I should teach preschool at our co-op again sometime.” Since that can be a pretty exhausting task, that is saying a lot for this book!
I really love Catholic ABCs curriculum, and highly recommend it for anyone educating preschool-aged children, whether it be at your home, at a co-op, at a preschool, or in your parish. With Christmas just around the corner, this could also make a great gift for a preschool parent or educator! I just can’t recommend it enough!
Angie can be found writing at Many Little Blessings about faith, family, and household management. She is also the founder of The Homeschool Classroom and Catholic Mothers Online. Angie is also an artist and a blog designer
Disclosure: I received this book at no cost to review it, and was able to keep my review copy. I was not compensated in any other way. While I do consider Lacy to be a friend of mine, this is a completely honest review of what I felt was a fabulous resource.
We purchased this book to use in our Homeschool Co-op this year for our preschool classroom, and this has been a blessing from above! It is wonderfully structured, easy to teach, and the kids adore the fun songs we sing as well as the crafts that we do. It is nice to hear the kids after the co-op is over teaching the moms a song about creation, and the moms excited to see that there is more to the preschool classroom than just playtime, they are also learning about our rich Catholic Faith!
Hello. I know this post is old but I just discovered this book and am very interested in it. In my search for reviews on the publication, I am happy to see that it is receiving wonderful feedback. I know the title says it, but do you think this book would be good for primary school kids? My daughter will be starting 1st grade and I would like to incorporate more Catholic education at home. This book sounds great but I’m wondering if you think it is too young for a 1st grader. Thanks so much for your input.