Learn how to homeschool with a toddler in the house to inhibit a routine schooling pattern for your older kid!
Homeschooling is a traditional activity, which has gained popularity in the last decade, wherein the kids are taught at home instead of sending them to educational institutes. This concept is based on teaching under different religious and academic policies. It has been highly triggered by dissatisfaction with the education system of tests, books, and grades.
Some parents tend to homeschool their children at least during the younger ages, letting them explore the world differently and giving them the advantage to advance at their temperament until they are ready for standard ways of learning. They might go back to the traditional route once the kids get older and need specific training. Besides that, homeschooling is also a preferred way of teaching for parents who move or travel a lot to avoid enrolling in different schools every few months. Learn how to homeschool with a toddler in the house by reading the article below.
How To Homeschool
There are numerous reasons why homeschooling is becoming popular these days. Still, it is crucial that a specific routine is maintained or learning is part of the daily activity at the minimum. These help ensure that you do not get lenient towards their education and make the best out of these curious years.
Keeping in mind the concept of homeschooling, many parents follow different routines, methods, and teaching practices for their kids, which suits them and their children. It might also be done by an online tutor rather than by the parent themselves. There is quite a flexibility in homeschooling and can be beneficial as long as learning and overall development are ensured. Here are a few of the different types of homeschooling:
1. Traditional Curriculum
It is common to follow the traditional school curriculum while homeschooling but with flexibility. This involves the exact syllabus and subjects taught each year in schools but might happen in different schedules.
2. Unstructured Learning
Some parents do not follow a syllabus or curriculum and stimulate learning based on their daily activities and experiences. They develop on what the kids are curious about and form the routine.
3. Practical Learning
This involves a learning environment based on practical experiments and not textbook reading. It might include activities like visiting the zoo or national parks to learn about animals or performing science experiments at home.
4. Skills Development
Depending on the rules and regulations of the state, some parents tend to skip the whole school curriculum. Instead, they focus on developing the skills. These may involve physical skills such as woodworking or technical skills like coding, writing, etc.
If it is the first time for you to homeschool or understanding how it works, it may be beneficial to consult a professional for help during the initial stages. This requires your time and effort but could end up being the best way for your kids to learn and develop.
How to Homeschool With A Toddler in The House
This is a typical scenario. Many parents struggle with homeschooling their kids if they have toddlers or babies at home. They need attention and can take up most of the time while interfering with your other kids’ homeschool schedule. It might not be the most straightforward job to do, but here are a few tips and tricks which can help you maintain a routine with a toddler in the house:
1. Naptime
The most common and effective way for maintaining the routine for homeschooling is to use your toddler’s nap time wisely. Try to modify the schedule for homeschooling around the kid’s nap time. This ensures you are not disturbed and can effectively teach without any disturbance. You might also use that as a way for you to relax during the day so that you can be more attentive during homeschooling time.
2. Play Area for The Toddlers
While homeschooling, you can let your toddler play in a dedicated play area. Fill it with safe toys which do not require your complete attention. These might include several activities such as sensory plays, which can easily keep them intrigued for prolonged periods. Fill it with toys you know your toddler loves, this will keep them busy.
3. Involve The Toddlers
The kids can do a few activities together, such as reading as the toddlers snuggle beside you. Other than that, you can involve them in the science experiments, which will help in their early stages of development too.
4. Use Screen Time
Use the allotted screen time for your toddler in this timespan, showing them educational videos, poems, rhymes, or letting them play learning games on the phone or iPad.
5. Activities for Toddler
Just like your older kids, you can use this time to teach your toddlers as well. Use some specific activities such as books, educational toys, etc. This will ensure they don’t distract themselves with other things that might need your attention.
6. Take Help
Working with one kid can be a task, and if you have more than one, you can always take help either from other family members, older kids, or appoint babysitters.
7. Teach Independence Early
Whether for your toddler or your older kid, it is essential to teach them independence during the early years. This will ensure they don’t need you at every stage of learning and have a personal learning curiosity and habits. For example, your older kid might be able to read alone with complete attention and interest and not need your help for it while you take care of your toddler.
A balance of learning and fun is key to homeschooling. If done cautiously or proactively, it can turn up to be the most rewarding learning days of your kids’ life. Keep asking questions when you are unsure, and work on your kids’ growth and overall development.
