
Any mom who has tried to homeschool with a toddler in tow has wondered how other moms handle the chaos toddlers add to the homeschooling day. Every homeschool mom does her best, but it seems every homeschool mom wonders what she could be doing differently. {yes, even me}
This past Tuesday I was a panelist on the Mama’s Learning Corner Google+ Hangout (think video chat) with 3 other wonderful homeschool moms-of-many talking about Occupying Littles During School.
And guess what?!
Even I learned something!
You can watch the video here (if you can’t see it, click here):
So, what did I learn?
It was actually something I had heard years ago, but had forgotten!
Room Time!
Tricia mentions Room Time and what a lifesaver it was. We do something similar, but her ideas were so creative and I am determined to follow her model more-so than the one I’ve been using. You’ll just have to listen to what she says to fully understand this concept and why this could really help your day.
I’ve blogged about occupying little ones several times. You can find those posts here:
10 Ideas for Keeping Toddlers Busy During Homeschool
Toddlers, Babies, and Your Homeschool <– this one talks about our “Toddler Box”
Homeschooling with a Newborn – Your Helpers
I’d also like to offer a few more ideas for helping you through these little years:
*Don’t be afraid to CONTAIN them. I wrote a post about how to keep baby contained and occupied, but extend this to the toddlers and preschoolers as well. Keep them near you or keep them in another room within earshot (or eyeshot). Use baby gates. Get a sturdy playpen. They will not be traumatized because they played in a playpen for an hour a day. In fact, I still remember my playpen years with fondness!
*Get a buddy. Give the little ones buddies (these can be the same or rotating). This will be a playmate for them while you work with other children. But try not to leave them floundering for ideas on how to keep the little ones entertained…
*Make a Play List. No, this isn’t your favorite songs. This is a list of things your little ones can play, either by themselves or with their buddies. Think playdough, watercolors, pretend kitchen, dolls, LEGOs, or other such things. Think easy!
*Teach in snippets. This is an art. After having 8 children, I have learned to do just about everything in snippets. You take the time you can get to do what you can do. Make sure you know exactly what you want to accomplish each day with each child. Write it down if need be. Then work through your list in snippets. An example of this would be last night when I gave my 9 year old a spelling test at 8:30 pm before Family Devotions. We hadn’t had time to do it earlier, but in that moment of down time, I seized the opportunity!
I’d encourage you to take 30 minutes to watch the Video Chat (yep, you can even do THAT in snippets!) and read through some of the posts linked here. You can also take a look at my Homeschooling Preschool & Kindergarten Pinterest board for more ideas and inspiration!


Jillian says
Perfect picture!
First 2 things that have absolutely nothing to do with this post: I gotta find my 3 year old that shirt! It suits him perfectly! 😉 And I love, love, love those hinges/locks on your cabinets!
I’ll be sure to listen to this later! 🙂
Amy says
The shirt came from Zulily. We got it because one day my oldest son called our 4 yo and he answered with, “It wasn’t me!” I just had to have that shirt when I saw it! The cabinet behind him is an old icebox. 🙂
Mrs. B says
Great post! Yes, I do put my 4yr, 2yr, and 1yr (all girls) in their room with rotating toys. Some days it works and some days they just scream! If I put on children’s music they like that but sometimes nap and delay their bed time. Some days we go feed the ducks since the pond is a very short walk. But everyday is a challenge just hoping they will settle nicely so I can help my older 2 boys. Oh, I got the newborn too but I bottle feed otherwise nothing would get done! Rant over. 🙂
Pat Cobb says
When my son was a toddler I bought educational toys that he could only play with during school. I also took advantage of his nap time to teach my daughter.
Hannah says
This is exactly what I have been struggling with lately and this week has been the hardest. Thanks for the great tips! This was the little boost I needed today! Can’t wait to watch the video 🙂
Gabrielle says
Ah, this is what I’ve been wrestling with for our first 3 months of homeschooling! We finally have figured out something that works for us. We set up an extra pack n play in the living room where the baby plays safely and listens to fun music. He hated it for the first 2 minutes and has been fine ever since, as long as he can’t see mommy. 🙂 And for the first time, he has learned to play independently, something he has never had to do before. The high chair works for us too some days, and he can hang out there and enjoy a snack while we do school. So glad you shared this today because I’m definitely in need of more ideas.
Amy says
HA – the “can’t see mama” part is the kicker. 😉
Kirstie says
Thanks for the video link. This was very encouraging to a burned-out mama this evening. Feeling like maybe we can get up and give it another try next week!
Amy says
You can do it, Kirstie! ((HUGS)) from someone who know burn out well. 🙂