How it works

cómo funciona

Four simple steps paso a paso

1. Pick a theme
Start with the season you're in. Each theme runs about four weeks, and you can begin any day.
2. Read the short guide
It gives you the rhythm for the day, the week and the month, plus a gather list of what to have on hand.
3. Do one activity
Pick one, set it up in a few minutes, and let it be enough for today. Print the cards if you like.
4. Follow your child
Too hard? Step back a level. Too easy? Move up. Every activity tells you how.

Three levels tres niveles

Begin

For new or younger learners, about 2.5 to 3. Lots of hands-on, few words.

Build

The heart of the activity, about 3 to 4. A little more to count, name or do.

Stretch

For ready learners, about 4 to 5. Plan, explain, compare and try it their own way.

The ages are a loose guide. Your child might be at Stretch for counting and Begin for scissors. That's normal.

A real activity una actividad

The Leaf Sorting and Pumpkin Seeds activity cards

Leaf sorting, from Leaves and Pumpkins

Collect fallen leaves together on a walk. Bring them home and spread them on a tray.

Begin

Sort onto two color cards: red and yellow.

Build

Sort by color and name them. Mix up, then sort again by size: big and small.

Stretch

Sort by shape. Sort one pile two ways and tell the rule.

la hoja lah OH-hah, leaf rojo ROH-hoh, red grande GRAHN-deh, big

Safety: leaves from the ground only. Never touch mushrooms or berries. Wash hands.

Full, Lean or Survival a tu ritmo

Every guide plans three kinds of weeks. Full when you have the time and energy. Lean when life is busy. Survival when someone's sick or it's all just a lot: one small thing a day, and it still counts.

Questions preguntas

Do I need to speak Spanish?

No. Every word has simple pronunciation help, and the songs are easy to learn together. Many families learn right alongside their child.

Is it religious?

No. Little Seasons is secular. Themes follow nature and the seasons.

What do I need to buy?

Very little. Activities use things from your kitchen, yard and craft drawer. Each guide has a gather list.

Is it a full curriculum?

Yes, for ages 2.5 to 5. The themes cover 76 skills across nine areas, matched to the federal Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, and every skill comes back in more than one season.

How do I get the files?

It's a digital download. You print at home on letter or A4 paper. Nothing is mailed.