Preschool students continuously discover new ideas and concepts about the world around them. Choosing age-appropriate curriculum themes for preschool students will expand on the discoveries that are already taking place. Themes that allow for hands-on exploration and learning offer the best opportunities for preschool students. Many preschool curriculum ideas offer various subcategories for the classroom.
All About Me
Many topics fall under the All About Me curriculum theme. Body parts, functions of the body and the five senses work well for this theme. Family relationships and friendships provide the basis for many preschool activities. This curriculum idea can expand to include lessons about the community.
Colors
Most preschool students can likely identify basic colors. Preschool curriculum based on colors can expand on this knowledge. Preschool color activities can include mixing of primary colors, differentiating between similar shades of the same color and identifying less common colors. Many art-based activities fit with this theme.
Food
A food-based curriculum theme for preschool students offers many possible directions. Nutrition and healthy eating is important for preschool children. Cooking lessons offer preschool students the chance to improve listening skills, follow directions, and practice math skills. A field trip to a grocery store and a mock grocery store play area in the classroom are hands-on food-based activities for preschoolers. Students may also enjoy learning about restaurant operation.
Letters
Letter recognition is an essential skill for preschool students. Selecting a letter of the week gives students the opportunity to learn each letter over an extended period of time. Base the activities for the week on the letter. For example, letter A week could include apple print painting, animal masks and homemade applesauce.
Music
Preschool curriculum based on music introduces students to different cultures and styles of music. Music activities can focus on rhythm and beat, dance moves or musical instruments. Make homemade musical instruments or help students create a new dance. Use music in transition activities, or during free time. Incorporate music throughout the day.
Animals
Animals are a popular preschool curriculum idea. The curriculum can focus on any type of animal from farm to ocean to jungle animals. Students will enjoy learning more about their favorite animals, as well as discovering new animals. A trip to a local zoo or farm allows preschool students hands-on experience.
Seasons
Preschool students are likely familiar with the seasons. Curriculum activities based on the seasons will build on this knowledge. Weather activities and learning the months of the year easily blend with the seasons curriculum theme.
