PRESCHOOL

We become enamored with men's theories such as the idea of preschool 
training outside the home for young children.  Not only does this put added 
pressure on the budget, but it places young children in an environment 
away from mother's influence.
- Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 515

Our suggestions for young children, at home with their mothers:

Saintly music, the Language of the Gods and the first language to touch a child's heart.  Use Primary songs, Brite Music, and classical music.

Nature Study -- take lots of walks, consider making a nature notebook. (In a non-LDS study, people were asked what things most helped them develop belief in God: hearing sermons, reading scriptures, facing difficulties, etc.  The majority said that contemplating nature was the most convincing thing in bringing them to faith in God.

Scriptures in story -- a nice packet of pictures is available from the Church Distribution Center.  Your ward clerk will have a catalog.  Also available are children's picture readers for the Standard Works, with audio tapes or video tapes.

Children's classic books, to be read by parents.  If it's a true classic, you'll enjoy it as much as your children do. (BYU's Arthur Henry King read A Tale of Two Cities to his friend's children at ages 8 and 9.)

Craft supplies, paper, crayons, washable markers, glue, scissors, etc.

Project supplies:  masking tape, cardboard boxes, string, rope, etc.

Dress up clothes

Puzzles, games, Legos (no child should grow up without Legos)

Home work -- real household responsibilities, mostly done with mother or older siblings

Carefully selected play opportunities

Schedule your time.  Have Family Home Morning every day.  Then have time set aside for studying in which the preschoolers can do puzzles, draw, or build with Legos while you study or read with the older children.

Family Home Evening can be a time for return-and-report, where the whole family can tell stories, perform talents, show projects.  Fathers should have regularly scheduled warm, friendly interviews with their children.  Family Night is no longer a father's night off; it is now a night set apart for a father's attention to his most sacred priesthood responsibilities -- the gentle but purposeful management of his family.