Often times the most frustrating part of homeschooling is knowing what to do with your preschooler. Preschoolers want mom’s attention too and do not hesitate to make it known. When possible, allow them to participate with the group.
Here are a few ideas to keep your preschooler busy:
Alternate Activity
If they are having sitting still, but want to be included, allow them to color or do another quiet activity while you are teaching.
Busy Box or Bag
Creating a busy box or bag is a great way to keep your preschooler busy. Make it extra special with toys that they can only play with during school time.
School Box
Make them their very own school box. Stock it full of colorful paper, pencils, stickers, markers, and such just like the big kids.
Puzzles and Games
Puzzles and games are fun and entertaining. Just make certain that they are capable of doing them on their own.
Videos
Set aside a few special videos just for school time. They could be educational or just for fun. Be careful not to let them watch these in a place where they will distract your other kids. Consider buying another TV or an extra video player, so they can watch them in an out of the way place.
Room Time
Set aside a certain time of the day for your preschooler to play in their room. There will be some protest at first, especially if they are not accustomed to doing this. However, don’t let them dictate whether this happens or not. Teaching them to play independently is a must.
Computer Time
If you are comfortable with your preschooler playing the computer, this is a great tool to teach new concepts as well as entertain. Download a free web browser that is just for kids like Kidzui, so they can’t look at things that are inappropriate or mess up any of your computer settings. One program that is particularly great for preschoolers is Star Fall. This too is free. You could also purchase some great software for them to play without ever having to connect to the Internet.
Nap Time
If your child doesn’t take naps anymore, consider adding it back into his schedule. You could call it quiet time and tell him that he doesn’t have to go to sleep, but he does have to rest. Usually kids fall asleep. This would allow mom a much needed rest also.
Try some of these ideas and see if they don’t help make your homeschool day go more smoothly. The key is to bringing the activities out during school time rather than allowing them access to them just anytime. This way they will remain special and your preschooler will look forward to them.
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