Homeschooling with a toddler in tow

[peajotter]

Does anyone have any tips as to how to homeschool with a toddler around? Any time my older kids need help the toddler wants to join in too. I’ve ended up spending most of the day keeping him occupied while they do independent work on tablets etc.

They do each spend a bit of time with the toddler while I get on with housework etc, and we have CBeebies for brief spells, but mostly the toddler just wants to do whatever I’m doing. It’s tough when the older ones get stuck on algebra etc. Any ideas?

Can you give the toddler 'work' to do to so they feel involved. Twinkl have a early years section, so you can download stuff for free.

Favourite thing in our house is printing out a few pages of anamal pictures, then 3 year old cuts them out and glues them in a book.

Khan academy kids is a life saver.

We usually homeschool, toddler and baby in tow. I often do involve my three year old - she loves a colouring book and sticker books if I peel the backing off so she can get the stickers herself.

I also find that at three a lot of toys and activities need help. If I need twenty minutes, I’ll pull out the open ended toys; duplo, wooden blocks, play mags, cars. If there isn’t a “right” answer I think it’s easier for them to get on with it and play.

Lots of change for them at any rate, having everyone home but so busy! More here if it’s any help; toddlers/meetings/managing expectations etc A few of the tricks we’ve learned along the way.

livelearntogether.co.uk/sharing-your-home-office-with-toddlers/

livelearntogether.co.uk/schools-out-now-what/

I have two young toddlers. I know the feeling.

We do a lot of play based learning. For example today we did some pine cone math and art. Tomorrow I may do a sand art lesson. I involve both of them with gardening, housework and cooking as much as possible too. It distracts them. I also do ten minutes of hard fast paced indoor exercise with both kids at lunchtime. Ask your toddler to help you with pairing up socks for example.

Get your toddler involved in the housework. What about toddler playdates as well? Also check out www.theschoolrun.co.uk for more ideas. You can find a bunch of resources on there. Perhaps take your toddler out food shopping as well or have them participate in arts and craft projects. Try dancing, singing or acting. When the older ones are busy, take your toddler on a nature walk. Twinkl also is a good website to use. Do some fun science experiments with him. Or teach him the basics. There are some toddler friendly Bibles available. See if you can find one.

Or invite him to help you bake something. Netmums have several toddler friendly activities and recipes. Start there. Does he know his alphabet or not yet?

Can you give him some work to do? I have a 3 year old, so not a toddler but still wants to be involved.
I’ve got some wipe clean letter & number writing books, and sometimes print sheets off twinkl. I give her some instruction, as you do for your older ones, so trace over those letters/numbers, she can’t really do it, tries but is happy enough feeling like she’s doing something the same as everyone else!

Also find she is learning, if I say trace over the number 6, or letter h, she’s gaining some number and letter recognition.