How to "teach" a preschool program / theme based programs...?

[Momof4]

When we are walking outside I'm playing I spy with them to teach colours or I spy a fire hydrant or flag, or purple flowers, and so on. When we pass a police car or other vehicle that interests the children we stop to examine it and we smell the flower gardens and feed the birds, it's all teaching.

I came up with a process where I start with A & #1 the first week of Jan. and get to Z & #20 by the end of Aug. to help prepare the children going to JK but if I have all little ones in care I make it simpler than that. But I love to have themes because I like to get books at the library to match my theme every week and google craft and game and song ideas for the theme.

I have a frog on the wall that we dress according to the weather with clothing and put up sun or clouds. I also have days of the week songs and other similar songs and use flashcards and games to practice letters, numbers, shapes & colours. If they are paying attention to you they are learning. If they are just playing they are also learning how to be a friend and share and co-operate and imagine. Sometimes I think we stress too much, but if we are providing a good variety of toys and textures and materials, especially while crafting then we are teaching.
With all the themes I go over in the 3 years the children are here with me I feel like I've planted many, many little seeds in their brains that they can use when they are at school.