Choosing the right kindergarten curriculum can feel overwhelming for anyone, especially when they’re trying to balance academics, emotional development, and a love of learning. I believe early education should be joyful, accessible, and confidence‑building… not stressful. It also shouldn’t be expensive or emotionally taxing on the parents. Learning through play is the best way for things to stick at this age so the more fun for the learner… the better! Here are four of my favorite structured resources for helping young learners thrive at home or in a classroom setting. I do not get any compensation for suggesting ANY of these. They are just my favorite resources.
✏️ Handwriting Without Tears
Handwriting Without Tears is a gentle, developmentally appropriate handwriting program designed to make writing feel approachable rather than intimidating. The entire curriculum is expensive at about $140 but if you just purchase the workbooks, you can find them online for about $15.
Click Here to take you to curriculum
Why I love it:
Helps kids build fine‑motor skills without frustration
Uses simple, multisensory techniques that work for all learning styles
Breaks handwriting into small, achievable steps
Encourages confidence through fun, hands‑on activities
⭐ Starfall
Starfall blends phonics, reading practice, and interactive games in a way that feels like play… not work. The program has a free portion online but you get a lot more if you do their subscription for $35 for a year. Starfall also offers physical curriculum for around $20.
Click Here: for ONLINE Curriculum or PHYSICAL Curriculum
What makes it great:
Supports early reading, math, and vocabulary
Free or low‑cost access for families
Engaging, self‑paced activities
Strong phonics foundation
📚 Bob Books
Bob Books are a classic early‑reader series designed to help children build confidence as they take their first steps into reading independently. Each set is about $12 so they are fairly affordable.
Why they’re so effective:
Simple phonics‑based stories that build skills gradually
Short, approachable books that help kids feel successful
Clean illustrations that support — not distract from — the text Perfect for emerging readers who need repetition and gentle progression
Bob Books pair especially well with Starfall and other phonics programs, giving children a tangible way to practice what they’re learning.
💛 Emotional ABC’S
Academic skills matter, but emotional skills shape a child’s entire learning experience. Emotional ABC’s is one of the most effective social‑emotional learning programs for young children. The program ranges monthly from $16 for a single child or $20 for a family. There is a free trial so you can check it out. It is a bit pricy but is well worth the cost to help teach emotional regulation early.
Click here for the Emotional ABC’s Website
Why it stands out:
Teaches emotional awareness in kid‑friendly language
Helps children identify feelings and respond with healthy strategies
Builds resilience, empathy, and self‑regulation
Supports smoother transitions and fewer meltdowns
These four resources complement each other beautifully…
- Handwriting Without Tears builds fine‑motor and writing confidence
- Starfall strengthens early literacy and foundational academics
- Bob Books support early reading with simple, confidence‑boosting stories
- Emotional ABC’s nurtures emotional intelligence and self‑regulation
Together, they create a balanced, developmentally appropriate kindergarten experience that supports the whole child… mind, heart, and hands. If you were to go all out and purchase everything you would have a years worth of curriculum for around $
Kindergarten Reading Recommendations (ages 5-7)
– The Day the Crayons Quit
– The Girl and the Dinosaur
– Leaf
– Little Sock
– Don’t Forget to Remember
– Woodland Dance! (Boynton on Board)
– Your Forest (Your Places)
– The Shapes Trilogy Series 3 Books Collection Set By Mac Barnett (Triangle, Square, Circle)
– A Little SPOT of Feelings: Emotion Detective
– Hello, Ninja
– Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm
– The Entire List can be found here: Amazon