Well, it was our first day officially homeschooling my 5-yr. old daughter, Isabella. I have to admit, after we finished, I came running to the computer to find some inspiration. We've done schooling before (pretty formally & pretty sucessfully, actually) but today I felt like it was impossible for my daughter to concentrate and my two-year old son had to be right in the middle of everything of course! I found myself putting on my plastic "happy face" when really I wanted to pull my hair out! HELP! Anybody have any ideas on how to get things done, while having fun and incorporating a very interested 2-yr. old?

Hi!  I've got an extensive collection of files on how to teach creatively that could be used for both a 5 year old and a 2 year old.  I've used dry jello to write in and then you can lick your fingers.   We've counted on mini-trampolines, on the swings, etc...  I love making snacks that can be counted, talked about, etc...  When you have something to teach that can't include your 2 year old, have some activities that can easily be pulled out for distraction--coloring, sticker books, snacks, toys that have disappeared for awhile...Let me know what you are teaching and I may have more ideas.

Take care and have fun!!!

Hi,

What works for us, I have a 6 year old (1st grader) and a 2 year old (active boy), is to have activities in the AM that my 2 year old can participate in and seatwork and 1 to 1 time w/ my 6 year old during toddler's nap time in the PM. AM activities include music time -- singing and dancing/ music and movement (which kindergarteners do -- I am certified to teach K-3), storytime (shorter stories, save the long ones for nap time),  simple art projects (crayons and markers, I save painting, T-shirt tye dye and complicated art for nap time), and my best recommendation AM FIELD trips. ***When we take morning field trips -- to Explora (membership is worth it), storytime at the library, park/playground (exercise), co-op field trips, etc. my toddler will take a longer nap (2-3 hours but only 1 hour if we stay home). So when he naps, my 6 year old and I buckle down for reading, writing, math, workbooks, science, social studies, messy art, sometimes baking (math & homemaking skills), and whatever we need to do uninterrupted. This is the only way I can do it. Most people I know do their schoolwork in the am and field trips in the pm but I have to do this to keep my children from being frustrated that they are not getting the time and attention they each need. This way, everyone is happy and my 6 year old daughter helps teach her brother new words, songs, stories, etc, which is an advantage to homeschooling -- developing unity among siblings. If your toddler does not nap -- maybe try getting him/her out and tired w/ activities in the morning. If that does not work for you then bless your heart. Maybe some of these other ideas, or someone else's suggestions will do the trick. Good luck.

Thank you guys so much...you both had awesome ideas!

Hi. I have been reading through the intros and have found so much good advice to questions that I have had for so long. I'm wondering specifically, acollier, what kind of files you have on creative teaching. I have an almost two year old that likes to throw stuff and eat stuff and generally make it impossible for me to get down to business with my 3 1/2 year old. I mean crafts are out, boeard games are out- he generally is okay with making a mess while we read long stories, but sometimes he decides that he would rather wrench the book away and look through it himself. So, help in this area would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Hi Kayla.  I've emailed you directly some of the things that I could easily access on the computer.  I am certified to teach both elem. education and special education so many times we would have a child that may be 12 but has an ability level of 2.  The child with the functional level of 2 has to be working on their goals at all times so we got very creative.  I have also taught preschool and they have children ranging from 2 to 5 so I hope this helps.

Take care,

Angie