How to Homeschool with a Toddler

If you are thinking of homeschooling your older child but are worried about how to homeschool with a toddler, here are some homeschool tips and tricks that will set you up for success.

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It seems like every day there’s something new to worry about as a parent. Will my kid eat their veggies? Are they making friends at school? Are they going to be the smartest kid in their class? But lately, there’s been a new worry on parents’ minds: how to homeschool with a toddler.

How to Homeschool with a Toddler

It’s no secret that homeschooling can be a challenge. But homeschooling with a toddler? Now that’s a whole different ball game! If you’re thinking of homeschooling your older child but are worried about how to manage your toddler at the same time, never fear! Here are some tips and tricks for making homeschooling with a toddler a success.

Create a schedule—and stick to it.

One of the keys to successful homeschooling with a toddler is to create a schedule—and then stick to it as much as possible. This will help both you and your toddler know what to expect each day and will make it easier to get into a routine. Of course, there will be days when things don’t go according to plan, but having a schedule will help you stay on track overall. I recommend using a time block schedule as much as possible. You can create a schedule for you, your older child and your toddler.

Set aside time for learning—and for play.

It’s important to set aside time each day for both learning and for play. Yes, your toddler can have some “learning” time as well. This will help your toddler stay engaged and interested in what’s going on. While there will be times when you need to focus on schoolwork with your older child, try to incorporate some fun activities into the mix as well that your toddler can participate in. This could include singing songs, playing games, or reading stories together. Also, schedule some time just to play with your toddler.

Get outside—whenever you can!

When the weather is nice, take advantage of it and head outside! Getting some fresh air is always good for everyone involved, and it can help break up the monotony of being indoors all day. Plus, most toddlers love being outside and exploring the world around them. If you can find educational activities to do outside, that’s even better! You could even take your regular schoolwork to a park or a table outside. Learning does not have to be exclusive to a classroom setting.

School Time Toys and Activities

Set aside some fun and interesting toys that your toddler can only play with during “school time.” Save these for times when you really need to focus completely on your older child. Saving these items for this time will insure that your child is not bored with them. Also consider giving your child some common household items that they don’t usually get to play with like nuts and bolts, measuring cups and spoons, and pots and pans. You can also have special activities that your toddler can only do during this time. I love to have busy bags for toddlers that I can rotate through to keep a toddler busy.

Include your toddler in school activities.

There may be lots of things your toddler cannot do with your older student, but they can color a page with animals while you are reading about science. A toddler can circle and begin identifying numbers when you are doing math. There are lots of ways to give your toddler a simplified but related activity to do to make him feel like he is part of the school day. You might even consider choosing a family style homeschool curriculum that will include activities for all ages.

Get Creative with Learning Activities

Get creative with learning activities. Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean learning has to be boring! There are tons of fun and educational activities you can do with your kids, both inside and outside. Take advantage of the warm weather by going on nature walks and counting flowers or birds you see along the way. Or, turn everyday tasks into opportunities for learning—cooking dinner can become a math lesson while doing laundry can be a science experiment! The possibilities are endless—and don’t forget to involve your toddler in the fun!

Homeschooling with a toddler doesn’t have to be difficult—if you’re prepared! By following these simple tips, you can make homeschooling with a toddler a success. So go ahead and give it a try—you might be surprised at how well it goes!

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