I think one of the hardest parts of homeschooling many is keeping the littlest ones busy during the school day. I have always had a toddler, an infant, or both during my time homeschooling. During the next school year, I will be introducing my 3 year old to our Montessori materials and entertaining a 1 year old, while trying to school 5 other from kindergarten through high school. It's always a challenge balancing their needs, and I honestly don't think I come even close to doing a great job most days. Mommy guilt is tough. I love break weeks because that gives me extra time to spend with my youngest kiddos.
I think how you handle toddlers during school time depends very much on their personality and temperament. I have had some toddlers who are quite content to play quietly in their own space, and some that require constant, hands-on entertainment and containment-ha! Here are some ideas that I have used over the years and that others have shared with me.
1. Montessori--I will write more on Montessori at home later, but even toddlers can make use of simple Montessori materials to keep themselves busy while the others work. In fact, this is one of the reasons I love Montessori so much.
2. Along with the idea of Montessori materials, have certain activities and toys that only come out at school time. Some moms will do a busy bag swap. Some set up special boxes. You can even look into kiwicrate.com. The main idea here is to have extra exciting, interesting, special activities and toys for your little ones that only come out during school, and that they can play with in a contained environment.
3. School during naptime. This isn't always practical, but sometimes it is necessary. We do our science and history work during naptime because the house is quieter, and the bigger kids can actually hear me read-ha!
4. Have your older kids be more independent. The reality is, when you have little ones running around, they are going to need you. This is a great reason to foster independence in your older children. Work plans are a great way to do this. Also, having a routine with a typical way they should start their day helps. If they know they should start their day with copywork, then they will be able to go ahead and get started, without waiting on your to sit down with them.
5. This year, we actually woke up extra early and schooled in the morning before my then 2 year old woke up. This gave us a good start while he got plenty of sleep.
6. Take turns with the toddler. I have had a few who just need hands-on attention during this time. We just take turns entertaining that child while I work with other kids. This isn't always easy, but it does give your older kids a break and gives them some one-on-one time with their younger sibling.
It's just for a season. Soon, your toddler will be older and can participate more fully in school. It's temporary. Hard. But temporary.
What other tips do you have for entertaining and occupying toddler during school time?
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