We school year-round, so this post may not be as pertinent to some of you during the summer. Nevertheless, it can be implemented for all situations.
It can be a real challenge to devote needed time to older students with toddlers who also need real, practical interaction suitable to their stage of development.
I basically stick to two important ideas regarding this dilemma: routine, and play.
Often we “schedule” a certain activity with little ones (Disclaimer: I really am not a very schedule-oriented person–schedule for me doesn’t mean certain times, but more like “chunks” of time, if that makes sense). It may mean that they have coloring time, or block time, or some other activity at regular time. The routine of doing a certain activity seems to make them feel even more a part of “school” and has usually worked very well. They can do the activity right there in the same room with everyone else to feel involved. Even if they don’t want to color, sometimes I”ll just declare it–“this is coloring time”.
Without going into specifics, I believe one of the most important aspects of bringing up well-rounded children is routine, sameness, and daily rhythm.
Along with that theory we could talk about the importance of mom being home–not just being a “stay-at-home mom”, but literally working on being AT home most of the time. Children just seem to thrive in a steady environment.
Secondly, we don’t underestimate the importance of play. To me, play is to a toddler what a curriculum is to a student. It is essential, in fact, that they get plenty of exploratory play.
Here is a list of things you may consider making available for your toddlers:
- Any age-appropriate craft supplies
- Clay or Play-Doh–only if you’re brave.
- Blocks
- Lincoln Logs
- Puzzles
- Coasters (one of my baby’s favorite things to stack 😉
- Boxes
- Any stackable objects–even measuring cups
- Big beads on a string
- Board Books
- Balls
- Spinning globe (be sure to talk to them about aspects of it while they play)
- Rocks
- Outside toys
Electronic toys may be fine for a little while, but I think the simpler ones are more useful for developing motor skills along with the right “brain connections” that need to be made.
Obviously, having several small children who can play with each other is ideal–another perk of a large, closely-spaced family 😉
But if you’re in the early season with just a few, have them play beside you when you’re not available to play *with* them.
Consider rotating activities as well. Maybe Monday is “block day” and Tuesday is “box day”, etc.
With a little forethought, it can be less stressful to keep everyone involved and still spend the needed time with each child…a challenge, yes, but a normal challenge of motherhood.
“Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.” –Joseph Chilton
6 comments
Very well put! I, too, believe (and know) that children thrive on routines and steady schedules. Relatives have (occasionally) asked me how I am able to raise such secure and joyful children. I reply that we have a very “tame” life built around simple pleasures. My children also know that I think they are wonderful gifts from God! It is wonderful to see children who can completely absorb themselves in industrious, imaginative play time!
jill mom of 8
I taught preschool for 5 years, and have my degree in Child Development, and when I first came home after the birth of our first son, well… all that “training” came with me! 🙂 My husband made fun of me for setting up a “schedule” with storytime, playtime, outdoor time, etc… when our sweet boy was only 6 months old 😉 What can I say… I was a little underwhelmed with only ONE child! 😀
Now that we have two, with a third on the way, I have to say that God has really blessed our family by allowing that schedule to continue – some days are hectic, of course, but I am grateful that I have a routine worked out that WORKS for us (okay, me.)
We do the rotating play options, and I always try to have them coincide with whatever chore I happen to be working on (and needing some space). We have a pots and pans set that comes out when I’m doing intensive cooking, and playdough on breadmaking days. It’s a fun way for them to feel like their helping – and Moma to end up with a finished product! 😉
I love this list–sometimes the very hot summer days around here have been very long, and I needed some inspiration for playtime for my toddlers.
Great ideas! And to let you in on something, I appreciate the inspiration by you and other homeschooling moms to do the year round schooling. While the 9 month schedule may work for some, year round schooling has really made a difference here in our home. The stress is lessened since we can spread out the required stuff and have more time to focus on what we want.
I also have “marker time”. My three year old girl really enjoys getting to color with washable markers as a special treat.
To take the stress out of “play-doh time” we keep it all in a bin next to the kitchen table. They can play with it (with permission) most anytime, but this is the catch. They clean it all up, too. I periodically throw out any dried up play-doh that didn’t get put away correctly, and any leftover bits on the table or floor get swept up and thrown away.
These are all good ideas. I’ll throw in some of my own so I am not just a taker.
Blanket training is good for short bites of time when you need to focus on something or someone else. My toddler used to resist this, but now seems almost comforted by its structure now. This can be started at a very young age.
Cheap shaving cream- this is fun to let the littles smear over a wooden table. It devolves into nothing and moisturizes the wood. Get the odorless unless you want the house smelling like daddy. 🙂
I also love the ideas found in the book Slow and Steady Get Me Ready. Great activities to do weekly with stuff found around the house. It has activities for children birth to five. Worth the investment.