Mimi Rothschild - Home School Support & Home Education News

by Mimi Rothschild

Homeschooling toddlers can be a joy or an ordeal. There’s nothing more satisfying than the light of understanding in the eyes of a toddler. On the other hand, there’s nothing more stressful than a toddler throwing a hissy-fit. Here are some tips I picked up over my twenty years of homeschooling that you might find helpful.

1. Keep them nourished: The difference between a cooing learner and a screeching maniac is often nourishment. The needs of a toddler are much more immediate than those of older children. Make sure your little ones get a snack or a drink of juice or water every few hours. Encourage them to serve themselves. Let your homeschooler help clean up as well.

2. Keep them rested: Most homeschool toddlers should get a nap after lunch. Make sure he or she has a quiety, peaceful room for napping. Also, make sure they make a trip to the bathroom first.

3. Keep them fit: Schedule some outdoor play in your homeschool each day. Even if its cold outside, bundle them up and play in the snow. This outside time will keep them refreshed and ready to learn. Encourage homeschool toddlers to dress themselves. Include toddler exercises in your day.

4. Cater to your child’s size: Sometimes it’s tough being a kid living in a world built for big people. Buy a toddler-sized chair and desk for your child to help remove intimidation. Avoid baby-furniture such as high-chairs and cribs. Your homeschooler wants to be independent. Avoid sharp edges and look for wide bases to avoid tipping and spills. Provide stools for bathrooms and sinks to help mobilize your child for growth.

5. Keep it organized: Your child will have an inherant desire to keep things clean if you reinforce this need when they are young. Make sure your toddler cleans up his toys and puts them back where they belong when finished with them. It’s best to have a trunk or chest dedicated to this purpose. Keep books on the shelf and desks clean.

6. Give them room to move: Toddlers need space. Give your homeschooler plenty of room to do their work to prevent them from feelings stifled. If you have a large room, you can devote specific corners to different types of work. One can be a play area, another a desk area, and another a crafts area.

7. Give them things to explore: Sand boxes, cardboard boxes, couch cushions, and grassy fields will encourage your child to experience the world around him. It’s important that your homeschooler has a variety of tactile stimuli to keep him curious.

Tune in tomorrow for more tips!