A question that I get asked a lot is "how do you homeschool with a toddler?" This is a big concern for many people wanting to make the jump into homeschooling.
We started homeschooling when my second daughter was eight months old. My biggest tip with a baby or toddler is to utilize nap time. I would put her down for a nap and then do school with my oldest. This worked GREAT...until she stopped napping- ha!
I'm going to be honest! When she stopped napping, there was definitely an adjustment period where I had to learn how to juggle entertaining her while schooling my oldest. But I'm happy to report that we have a routine down now and homeschooling with a toddler and/or a baby (I currently have a baby too) is 100% doable!
Three things I do that help a lot:
I spend 10 minutes of one-on-one time with my toddler before starting with my oldest. This helps her feel like she got time with me so she doesn’t feel left out while I’m schooling her sister.
I make sure she has had a snack beforehand or let her eat a snack while we start. Not only does this buy me some time but nobody wins with a hangry toddler :)
I plan an activity for my toddler to be involved in! Here are some of my three-year-old's favorites:
Tangrams- I love these wooden ones!
Magnet cubes- These are so easy and fun for kids to stack!
Playdough- We make our own (it is SO soft) and I give her cookie cutters.
Kinetic sand- This is surprisingly not messy and is great sensory play.
Books- I like to check out books from the library so they are new to her.
Puzzles- These ones with chunky pieces are the best for little hands!
Dot markers- You can find so many free dot art printables online.
Coloring/painting- Crayons, colored pencils, markers, watercolor paints
Sensory bins- Rice, dry beans, and dry noodles are our staples.
LCD drawing tablet- We love these!
Dry erase coloring- She uses a mini whiteboard and has so much fun with this!
Melissa and Doug water books- These are great! No mess and reusable.
Sticker books- Melissa and Doug have some great puffy, reusable sticker options!
Picture flashcards- I have gotten a huge variety (animals, shapes, colors) at Dollar Tree!
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