by Jordyn Coffin
It is the most common question that I get from my fellow homeschool moms, "How do you keep your younger children occupied while teaching your older ones?" I am always happy to share my experiences with other moms in the same situation that I am in.
Nothing can hinder teaching like an impatient toddler who wants to do school too. So I have put together a list of ideas proven to occupy your little one so that you can focus on teaching your older ones.
1. Lacing cards- This is my favorite activity for younger kids! This activity promotes creativity, helps with dexterity and gives your child a great sense of accomplishment.
2. Puzzles- These are not only a great learning tool, but they are fun too. Puzzles are great for memory, concentration and dexterity. I recommend a puzzle with letters and numbers to encourage a little bit of learning while they are having fun!
3. Play-Dough- This is a tried and true classic. Break out the play-dough along with some cutting tools and a rolling pin and watch your toddler's imagination take over.
4. Scissors and Paper- Let them build their confidence and prepare for kindergarten by giving them old magazines or scrap paper to cut into pieces. Please do keep an eye on them or they are likely to try to cut something that you don't want them too, like their hair (speaking from experience here!)
5. Blocks- Once again this is a fantastic tool to encourage your child's creativity. They will enjoy building towns, buildings or just building towers and knocking them down!
6. Crayons- Never underestimate the power of crayons and a coloring page. There are so many websites offering free coloring pages that your child will never color the same page twice!
7. Make a box of toys and books that only come out when it is school time, this keeps your toddler from getting bored with the toys and gives them something special to look forward to.
8. Last but not least invest in a pair of headphones and some read along books on tape. Toddlers love to listen to stories and flip through the books on their own. The headphones make them feel especially grown-up.
These tips are tried and true by me and many of my friends. Homeschooling with little ones can seem like a quite a challenge but if you remember that they just want to be included and provide them with stimulating activities then everybody's school experience will be rewarding.
About the Author
Written by Jordyn Coffin - Homeschool mom of 4 For great educational toys, games and puzzles, visit Giggles & Grins educational toy store
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