If you’re a parent who wants to do more learning activities with your child but doesn’t want to spend hours planning, gathering supplies, and figuring out what to teach next, you may have come across Learning with Kelsey.
As a mom of a 3-year-old, I personally use Learning with Kelsey with my son. We currently use the preschool materials, and I have really enjoyed having a simple way to bring more learning activities into our days.
What I love most is that the planning is already done for you. The activities focus on play-based learning, early literacy, math, and fine motor skills, and the materials needed for each activity are included.
But I also want to be honest about what Learning with Kelsey is—and what it is not.
In my opinion, Learning with Kelsey is not meant to replace a full preschool curriculum. Instead, I see it as a wonderful addition for parents who want meaningful learning activities without the stress of planning everything themselves.
So, is Learning with Kelsey worth it for toddlers and preschoolers? Here’s my honest experience.
What Is Learning with Kelsey?
Learning with Kelsey is a learning subscription designed to give parents planned activities they can do with their children at home.
The activities are created around early childhood learning and include opportunities to practice skills through hands-on play.
Each Learning with Kelsey box includes 20 themed activities—one for each weekday of the month. The activities are planned around a theme, making it easy to follow along without having to come up with your own lessons.
Depending on the box or age level you choose, activities may focus on areas such as:
- Early literacy
- Letters and sounds
- Early math
- Counting and number recognition
- Fine motor skills
- Matching and sorting
- Hands-on exploration
- Simple preschool readiness skills
One of the biggest benefits is that parents do not have to start from scratch.
Instead of searching Pinterest for an activity, figuring out what supplies you need, and then trying to make the activity work, Learning with Kelsey gives you activities that are already planned.
That can make a big difference when you are parenting, working, caring for multiple children, or simply trying to make learning at home feel less overwhelming.
Learning with Kelsey is one of the many resources parents can use to support learning at home. If you’re exploring different options for your toddler, I created a complete guide to help you understand the different types of learning resources available.
What I Personally Use with My 3-Year-Old
My son is 3 years old, and we currently use the preschool materials from Learning with Kelsey.
I personally love having these activities available because they give us an easy starting point for learning at home.
Some days we may spend more time on an activity, while other days we keep it short and simple. I appreciate that the activities can fit into our regular routine without needing to turn the entire day into a structured school lesson.
At this age, I want learning to feel fun, hands-on, and age-appropriate. Learning with Kelsey makes it easier to offer activities that support important early skills while still allowing my son to learn through play.
It also helps take away the pressure of constantly thinking:
“What should I do with him today?”
The activities are already planned, which means I can spend more time enjoying the activity with him instead of preparing everything myself.
What Skills Does Learning with Kelsey Focus On?
One of the things I appreciate about Learning with Kelsey is that it includes more than one area of learning.
The activities focus on important early childhood skills, including literacy, math, and fine motor development.
Early Literacy
Early literacy activities can help children begin building the skills they will eventually use when learning to read and write.
Depending on the activity, children may practice:
- Recognizing letters
- Exploring letter sounds
- Listening and responding
- Building vocabulary
- Matching letters or pictures
- Developing an interest in books and language
I love that literacy activities can be introduced in a way that feels playful rather than overly academic.
At this age, children are still learning so much through talking, touching, moving, matching, and exploring.
Early Math
Learning with Kelsey also includes opportunities to practice early math skills.
These may include activities involving:
- Counting
- Number recognition
- Matching
- Sorting
- Patterns
- Comparing objects
- One-to-one correspondence
Early math does not have to mean sitting down and completing a worksheet. Young children can learn math concepts through everyday objects, movement, games, and hands-on activities.
Having these types of activities planned makes it easier to intentionally include early math practice in our day.
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor development is another area I appreciate.
Fine motor skills involve the smaller muscles in a child’s hands and fingers. These skills are important for everyday tasks such as using utensils, getting dressed, drawing, cutting, and eventually writing.
Activities that encourage children to pinch, grasp, place, match, move, or manipulate objects can help provide practice.
I especially like that Learning with Kelsey includes activities that allow children to work on these skills while doing something fun.
What Comes with Learning with Kelsey?
One of my favorite things about Learning with Kelsey is that the activities are already planned for you.
The materials needed for each activity are included, which makes it much easier to get started.
Depending on the specific box, you may receive materials such as:
- Activity supplies
- Hands-on learning materials
- Instructions
- Activity ideas
- Printable materials or worksheets when needed
- Materials for practicing early learning skills
I appreciate that the activities are not simply a list of ideas that parents are expected to gather supplies for themselves.
The preparation is already done, which makes it easier to open the box, look at the activity, and get started.
There may be times when an activity uses an everyday item from home, but the main benefit is that you are not responsible for planning the entire experience yourself.
Which Learning with Kelsey Box Is Right for Your Child?
One of the things I appreciate about Learning with Kelsey is that there are different boxes designed around a child’s age and stage of learning.
This makes it easier to choose activities that are appropriate for where your child is developmentally.
Learning with Kelsey currently offers several options, including the Toddler Box, Preschool Box, Kinder Prep Box, and Craftivity Box. Each one has a slightly different focus, so let’s take a closer look at what makes them different.
Learning with Kelsey Box Comparison
| Learning with Kelsey Box | Recommended Age | Main Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toddler Box | Ages 2–3 | Sensory play, early language, fine motor skills, colors, shapes, and early counting | Toddlers who are building early learning and hands-on skills |
| Preschool Box | Ages 3–4 | Early literacy, letters, numbers, math, fine motor skills, and preschool readiness | Preschoolers who are beginning to explore letters, numbers, and more structured activities |
| Kinder Prep Box | Ages 4–5 | Early reading, writing, math, pencil control, and kindergarten readiness | Children preparing for kindergarten |
| Craftivity Box | Ages 2–7 | Crafts, creativity, color recognition, and fine motor development | Children who enjoy creative, hands-on craft activities |
The age ranges and activity focus may change as Learning with Kelsey updates its boxes, so I recommend checking the individual product page before ordering.
The Toddler Box
The Toddler Box is designed for children around ages 2–3.
This box focuses on early skills such as:
- Sensory play
- Early language
- Fine motor development
- Colors
- Shapes
- Early counting
This may be a good option for toddlers who are still building confidence with hands-on activities and exploring basic early learning concepts.
If your child enjoys touching, sorting, matching, exploring, and moving objects around, the Toddler Box may be a good place to start.
The Preschool Box
The Preschool Box is designed for children around ages 3–4.
This is the box I personally use with my 3-year-old.
The Preschool Box focuses on areas such as:
- Early literacy
- Letters and letter sounds
- Numbers
- Early math
- Fine motor skills
- Following directions
- Preschool readiness
I love that the activities introduce these skills through play rather than making every activity feel like traditional schoolwork.
For my son, this has been a great way to bring more intentional learning into our days without needing to plan everything myself.
If your child is around 3 or 4 and you want to work on early literacy, math, and fine motor skills, this is the box I would personally look into first.
The Kinder Prep Box
The Kinder Prep Box is designed for children around ages 4–5.
This box focuses more on kindergarten-readiness skills, including:
- Early reading
- Sight words
- Writing practice
- Pencil control
- Counting
- Simple addition
- Focus
- Completing tasks
This may be a good option for children who are getting ready to start kindergarten and need more opportunities to practice early academic skills through hands-on activities.
The activities are designed to help children build confidence with skills they may encounter as they enter school.
The Craftivity Box
The Craftivity Box is a little different from the other boxes because it focuses more specifically on creative activities and crafts.
It is designed for a broader age range and may be a good fit for children who enjoy:
- Art
- Crafts
- Creating
- Color recognition
- Fine motor activities
- Hands-on projects
- Screen-free activities
This could also be a fun option for families who want activities that siblings of different ages can enjoy.
If your child loves making things, painting, gluing, creating, and completing simple crafts, the Craftivity Box may be worth exploring.
Which Box Would I Choose?
If I were choosing based on age, I would start with the box that matches my child’s current stage.
- Ages 2–3: The Toddler Box
- Ages 3–4: The Preschool Box
- Ages 4–5: The Kinder Prep Box
- Ages 2–7 and loves crafts: The Craftivity Box
If your child is between age ranges, I would take a closer look at the activities included in each box and consider which skills your child is currently working on.
I also recommend checking the official Learning with Kelsey website for the most current box details before ordering.
→ Browse all Learning with Kelsey boxes
Does Learning with Kelsey Include Worksheets?
Yes, some activities include worksheets or printable materials when they are helpful for the skill being practiced.
I do not see this as the main focus of Learning with Kelsey, though.
What I enjoy most is the hands-on, play-based approach. The worksheets are more of an additional tool when they make sense for the activity.
For young children, I think it is important to offer a variety of learning experiences. Sometimes that may include a printable page, while other times it may involve matching, sorting, manipulating objects, or playing a game.
The combination makes the activities feel more flexible and age-appropriate.
Is Learning with Kelsey a Curriculum?
This is something I want to be clear about.
In my opinion, Learning with Kelsey is not a complete curriculum.
I see it as a wonderful addition to our learning at home rather than something that replaces a full preschool curriculum or a complete educational program.
A full curriculum usually includes a broader scope and sequence, ongoing goals, planned instruction, and coverage across many areas of development.
Learning with Kelsey gives parents planned learning activities that can be added to their routine.
For our family, that is exactly what makes it useful.
I do not need it to be our entire preschool plan. I love it as a resource that gives us meaningful activities to do without adding a lot of planning and stress to my day.
If you are looking for a complete preschool curriculum, you may want to use Learning with Kelsey alongside other resources.
But if you are looking for fun, planned activities that support early learning, I think it can be a great fit.
What I Love About Learning with Kelsey
There are several reasons I personally enjoy using Learning with Kelsey.
The Planning Is Already Done
This is probably the biggest benefit for me.
As a mom, there are already so many things to think about each day. Having learning activities planned and ready to go takes away a lot of the mental load.
I do not have to spend time searching for ideas or deciding what skill we should practice.
It Supports Play-Based Learning
I love that the activities focus on learning through play.
Children can practice early literacy, math, and fine motor skills while participating in activities that feel fun and hands-on.
That is important to me because I want learning to be a positive part of our day.
It Makes Learning at Home Feel More Manageable
Sometimes the hardest part of doing learning activities at home is simply getting started.
Having a box with activities already prepared makes it easier to fit learning into our routine.
It does not have to take up the entire day. You can choose an activity, follow your child’s interest, and move on when they are ready.
It Includes Materials for the Activities
I appreciate not having to gather every supply myself.
Having the materials included makes the experience feel much more convenient, especially on busy days.
It Covers Multiple Early Learning Skills
I like that Learning with Kelsey includes literacy, math, and fine motor activities rather than focusing on only one area.
This gives us a variety of ways to practice important preschool skills.
Are There Learning with Kelsey Boxes I Haven’t Tried?
Yes.
Although I personally use Learning with Kelsey with my 3-year-old and have had a great experience with the preschool materials, there are still many boxes that we have not tried yet.
I want to be transparent about that because I can only speak from my own experience with the materials we have used.
If you are considering a different age level or box, I recommend looking closely at the details for that specific option.
The activities, materials, and skills may vary depending on the box you choose.
That does not mean the other boxes are not worthwhile. It simply means I have not personally used all of them, so I do not want to make claims about something I have not experienced firsthand.
Is Learning with Kelsey Worth It for Toddlers?
In my opinion, absolutely.
I think Learning with Kelsey is worth considering for any parent who wants learning activities without the planning and stress.
It is especially helpful if you:
- Want activities planned for you
- Enjoy learning through play
- Want to practice early literacy and math
- Want to work on fine motor skills
- Prefer hands-on activities
- Feel overwhelmed trying to plan learning activities
- Want simple activities to use at home
- Are looking for an addition to your current learning routine
For me, the biggest value is the time and mental energy it saves.
I love being able to open the materials and have an activity ready instead of spending time figuring out what to prepare.
That convenience makes it much easier to consistently offer learning opportunities at home.
Who Might Not Need Learning with Kelsey?
Learning with Kelsey may not be necessary for every family.
If you already enjoy planning your own activities, have plenty of supplies at home, or use another complete learning program, you may not feel that you need a subscription box.
It also may not be the right fit if you are specifically looking for a full curriculum that covers every subject and provides a complete preschool plan.
For me, though, I do not see those things as drawbacks. I see Learning with Kelsey as a resource that can be used alongside other activities and learning experiences.
You can use it as much or as little as fits your family.
How I Would Use Learning with Kelsey at Home
I would keep it simple.
You do not need to complete every activity in one sitting or turn it into a long lesson.
Here are a few ways you could use it:
Add One Activity to Your Day
Choose one activity and make it part of your normal routine.
This could happen in the morning, after breakfast, during quiet time, or whenever your child is interested.
Follow Your Child’s Interest
If your child loves an activity, allow them to repeat it.
Young children often learn through repetition, so doing the same activity more than once can be valuable.
Keep It Short
Some activities may take longer than others, but you do not have to force your child to continue if they are finished.
Short, positive learning experiences can be more enjoyable than trying to complete a long activity.
Use It Alongside Books and Everyday Play
Learning with Kelsey does not have to be the only learning opportunity in your child’s day.
You can also include books, pretend play, outdoor exploration, sensory play, and everyday activities such as counting, sorting, cooking, and helping around the house.
Final Thoughts: Is Learning with Kelsey Worth It?
After using Learning with Kelsey with my 3-year-old, I personally think it is a great resource for parents who want planned, play-based learning activities without the stress of doing all the planning themselves.
I love that it focuses on early literacy, math, and fine motor skills. I also appreciate that the materials are included and that worksheets are used when they make sense for an activity.
I would not consider Learning with Kelsey a complete curriculum. Instead, I see it as a helpful addition to our learning routine.
And honestly, that is what makes it so useful for me.
As a mom, I want to provide meaningful learning experiences for my son, but I also do not want every activity to require a lot of preparation.
Learning with Kelsey makes it easier to bring learning into our days in a way that feels manageable, hands-on, and fun.
If you are looking for learning activities without the planning and stress, I absolutely think Learning with Kelsey is worth exploring.