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As a homeschooling work-from-home mom with an active 5-year-old and a curious 1-year-old, I get how hard it can be to get any homeschooling done with a toddler.
Trying to create a productive homeschooling routine while ensuring your toddler’s needs are met can feel like a daily juggling act.
Everyone in this position has asked the question, “How do I homeschool with a toddler?” at least once.
It’s a question that sums up the chaos and creativity that comes with combining the roles of mom and educator.
If you, too, find yourself trying to figure out how to calm the chaos of homeschooling with a toddler then you’re in the right place.
We’ll discuss practical tips and creative solutions to not only survive but also thrive in the dynamic world of homeschooling.
How do you homeschool an older child with a toddler?
Homeschooling an older child while caring for a toddler requires some planning and creativity.
Here are some practical strategies to help you navigate this demanding yet rewarding journey.
1. Establish a Flexible Routine
A daily routine lets everyone know what to expect and adds more structure to your day. When creating your routine consider nap times, snack breaks, and playtime for your little one.
If your toddler is unhappy it’ll be harder to homeschool so it’s important to make sure their needs are met so you can give more of your focus and attention to your older child.
2. Combine Learning Activities
Just because your toddler isn’t technically homeschooling that doesn’t mean they can’t learn too. I like to have activities that cater to both age groups.
For example, we use The Good and The Beautiful language arts curriculum which has short and engaging videos for each letter of the alphabet.
My toddler loves to say the letter sounds with us and do the movements. I also give her things like colored pencils and construction paper so she can color while we’re homeschooling.
3. Use Nap Time Wisely
Most days my older daughter gets to watch TV during nap time but there are some days when we homeschool while my toddler is sleeping.
Homeschooling during naptime will help limit distractions and create a more focused learning session.
4. Encourage Independent Play
One thing I try to instill in my children is that it’s okay to play by yourself. I am not here for their entertainment purposes.
My toddler enjoys playing with puzzles, books, and other toys while we’re homeschooling.
I also give my older daughter easy activities that she can do on her own like gluing letters on construction paper.
5. Create a Designated Learning Space
By “designated learning space” this doesn’t mean you need to have a classroom in your home. We’ve been homeschooling at the kitchen table for 3 years now and it works just fine.
We keep all of our homeschool materials on a rolling cart and the girls will grab the cart out of the bedroom closet and take it to the kitchen. Having a designated area for homeschooling lets them both know it’s time to learn.
Having everything organized in a way that’s accessible for both of them makes homeschooling more fun and it’s easier to transition between activities which minimizes meltdowns disruptions.
6. Use Technology Wisely
Educational apps, online resources, and educational videos can make homeschooling easier.
While your older child engages with interactive learning tools, your toddler might enjoy age-appropriate content that keeps them entertained and learning.
Screen time can sometimes have a bad reputation but it can be a great learning resource for toddlers and older children.
Some of our favorite apps include:
- Khan Academy Kids
- Noggin
- SplashLearn
- LetterSchool
- RosiMosi
- Sight Words & Phonics Reading
We use apps sparingly for my 5 year old because I noticed that what she was learning on the app wasn’t translating into the real world.
So she would learn letter sounds on the app but when I would ask her, “What does A sound like” she would have no idea even though she was saying it along with the app.
Whenever it was time to put the tablet away she would get upset and her entire mood changed so now we stick to physical homeschooling manipulatives like blocks and counting sticks.
Test out a few different educational apps, online resources, and educational videos to see how your child responds.
Related: 5 Creative Alternatives to Preschool: Why We’re Keeping Our Kids Home
7. Involve Your Older Child in Toddler Care
Turn routine toddler care activities into learning opportunities for your older child.
We focus on teaching life skills so my kids help with chores and other everyday activities.
My older daughter reads a bedtime story in the evening and she practices cutting by opening snacks for her little sister.
Small activities like these ensure my older daughter is still learning even when we’re not using the curriculum.
8. Embrace Flexibility
Every day won’t go according to plan and that’s okay!
Be flexible and open to adapting your schedule as needed. Some days, the toddler may require more attention, while other days your older child might need extra support.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have the perfect homeschool routine.
9. Delegate Responsibilities
If possible, involve other family members or enlist the help of a friend for short periods.
Having an extra set of hands can provide valuable support, allowing you to focus on the unique needs of each child.
The key is to find a rhythm that works for your family. I’ve learned to embrace the challenges as part of the adventure.
Flexibility, creativity, and patience will be your allies as you create a homeschooling environment that nurtures both your older child’s educational journey and your toddler’s early exploration.
How do I keep my toddler busy while homeschooling?
Keeping a toddler engaged while homeschooling your older child requires creativity and a mix of activities that cater to their developmental stage.
Here are some ideas to help keep your toddler busy during homeschooling sessions:
1. Educational Toys and Games
Provide your toddler with age-appropriate educational toys and games that promote learning through play.
This can include building blocks, puzzles, and interactive toys that stimulate their curiosity.
2. Arts and Crafts Corner
Set up a designated arts and crafts area with toddler-friendly supplies.
Allow your little one to explore their creativity with activities like finger painting, coloring, or simple crafts.
This not only keeps them occupied but also fosters sensory development.
Related: 13 Success Tips For New Homeschool Moms
3. Quiet Time Activities
Create a quiet time routine with activities like reading board books, playing with soft toys, or engaging in simple sensory bins.
This helps establish a calm environment, making it easier for your older child to focus on homeschooling tasks.
4. Interactive Learning Apps
Introduce educational apps designed for toddlers that offer interactive and age-appropriate content.
Many apps focus on early learning concepts like shapes, colors, and basic counting, providing entertainment with an educational twist.
5. Learning Through Play
Incorporate learning into playtime by using toys that encourage cognitive development.
For example, building blocks can introduce basic math concepts, while shape sorters help with recognition skills.
6. Toy Rotation
Have you heard of a toy rotation? It’s a great way to keep your toddler busy with a variety of age-appropriate toys and activities.
A toy rotation is when you switch between the toys and activities that are available for the toddler to play with.
You can have a new set of toys each day or you can switch the toys each week.
Rotating toys for your toddler ensures they have new, stimulating activities to focus on.
This will reduce interruptions and allow you to focus on teaching your older child without constant attention to the toddler’s needs.
Related: How To Create A Realistic Stay At Home Mom Schedule With A Toddler
7. Sensory Play
Create sensory bins filled with materials like rice, beans, or textured fabrics.
Allow your toddler to explore the sensory elements while you focus on homeschooling.
Just make sure the materials are safe for your child’s age and they are supervised at all times.
8. Music and Movement
Play music or sing songs that involve movement.
One thing I love about The Good and The Beautiful language arts curriculum is that each letter has a song associated with it.
This not only entertains my toddler but also contributes to her physical development.
Consider simple dance sessions or musical games that keep them active.
9. Learn Through Daily Routines
Turn daily routines into learning opportunities.
Involve your toddler in activities like counting steps, identifying colors in the kitchen, or narrating simple stories during bath time.
This integrates learning seamlessly into their day.
10. Independent Playtime
Encourage independent play by gradually introducing activities your toddler can do on their own.
Provide toys that stimulate their imagination, allowing you short windows of focused time for homeschooling.
11. Special “Homeschooling” Toys
Designate a set of toys or activities as “homeschooling” toys.
Keep these items for when you’re working with your older child to make them more enticing for your toddler during homeschooling time.
Toddlers have short attention spans so be prepared to switch activities frequently.
The key is to strike a balance between educational engagement and play.
This will make sure your toddler feels included and entertained while you focus on homeschooling your older child.
Quick recap…
Homeschooling with a toddler can be a challenge.
It takes a lot of creativity and patience to stay consistent.
With simple planning and implementing these practical strategies, homeschooling your older child with a toddler in tow can be easier.
