Hands on Homeschooling: Age 4 is a homeschool curriculum created specifically for preschoolers. It is based on the skills list for 4-year-olds that was included on the Homeschooling Preschoolers website, which is no longer in operation. This skills list is now found on the Hands on Homeschooling website. The activities and lessons are designed to help your 4-year-old develop basic skills in the following areas: reading, writing, readiness, arithmetic, science/health, Bible/spiritual growth, social studies, physical movement, manners, and personal care.

The curriculum comes in a 3-ring binder and has monthly lesson plans for September through May. Each month's plan has a weekly review and a daily plan. For each activity, there is a stated purpose, a list of materials needed, and directions to help the parent plan for the week. In addition, the curriculum includes alternative activities, patterns and worksheets, and an index.

Other than the various materials you will need to obtain, this curriculum has everything you need to provide a solid program for your child. I particularly liked the focus on all the different areas of development, which promotes a total academic experience within this positive and interactive curriculum. Hands on Homeschooling is written in a structured manner, and is intended to be followed as such. This structure may not be for everyone. Many children flourish in such a program, but others may need more flexibility in their school day. Knowing your child's learning style would be very beneficial as you determine if this curriculum will work for your family.

I enjoyed using this program and would recommend it to others who have preschoolers in their home. It is very thorough and touches on each area of development while educating the parent regarding the academic expectations for a 4-year-old. It makes educating a preschooler very simple!

Product review by Christy Sensenig, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, January 2008