Toddlers can be little busybodies getting into all kinds of mischief when our backs are turned. Any mom knows that simply blinking can sometimes lead to destruction. For homeschool moms needing to give attention to older children, this becomes a particularly vexing challenge. The trick to surviving homeschooling with a toddler in the house is to keep your toddler busy and out of trouble. A great way to do this is to include them in your homeschool day with simple learning activities for toddlers that keep them close at hand in the same room
you are working with other children.
Simple Learning Activities for Busy Toddlers
Coloring keeps toddlers busy for a while and help them build vital fine motor skills that they need for writing when they are older. Look for chunky triangle crayons like these in my Amazon link for an easy-to-grip, toddler-friendly coloring experience.
Sensory bags keep toddler hands busy and out of trouble. Pinterest is packed with great sensory bag ideas, from finger paints to hair gel-based aquarium sensory bags that allow your toddler to squish and play for hours. Sensory activities are amazing for toddlers and preschoolers. Plus, sensory bags provide an easy-to-clean solution for busy homeschool moms.
Montessori-style trays are a great way to set up learning activities ahead of time for your toddler to do while you work with older kids. From printable clip cards and clothes to sorting and stringing large beads, your toddler learns something new while working on basic motor skills using a wide variety of Montessori trays. You don’t need to go overboard, as you can use simple things you have around your house.
Encourage your toddler to build and explore. Using a small corner of your homeschool area, set up a space with blocks for building while your older kids do their homeschool lessons.
Use music to occupy your toddler and help older kids learn. Toddlers love music and dancing. You can find a large variety of songs that help teach everything from phonics to the periodic table of elements. Play in the background while you work with older kids. Your toddler learns new concepts while having fun!
Use reading time to enjoy learning together as a family. Toddlers are naturally curious about books and more than happy to climb into your lap and out of trouble while you read aloud. Reading aloud to kids of all ages has been proven to help encourage literacy skills.
Finally, getting themed playsets, like this zoo playset on Amazon, works well for keeping little hands busy while your big kids learn lessons. It is one of my son’s favorite activities!
The Wrap Up
What ideas would you use as simple learning activities to keep toddlers busy? Be sure to add your ideas in the comments below! As always, be sure to follow me on bearhavenmama on Instagram for ideas, fun, and solidarity! Also, if you need more homeschool ideas, be sure to check my blog for more!