How do I homeschool with a three year old in tow?

Someone asked me this question the other day. Actually, I've been asked this question a few times over the years. (I've homeschooled with youngers in tow, three times now.)

I used to answer the question with a list of creative ideas to keep the young child busy, but recently I've realized that giving that information without the root answer was incomplete and misleading. So, here I will spell it out. {smile}

Homeschooling with a young child in tow is really hard work. I'm not going to sugar coat it. I can give you a list of suggestions, all of which will work for a short time, but inevitably the novelty will wear out and one must look more deeply for answers. When it comes right down to it, the answer is God's grace.

I literally do not know how I have been able to homeschool with babies to pre-schoolers over the years. But somehow everyday the work gets done. Sometimes there are frustrations and tears. Other times we sail through without any struggle whatever. I think it depends on just how willing I am to surrender to God's will for the day. Sometimes God's will is that we put aside Apologia Physical Science in favor of character training a three year old child. (That was yesterday and yes, I cried at the end of the day.) But as I prayed last night, I saw that while my child did not learn how to predict the weather, he saw an example of loving discipline, of surrender to God...and he watched me walk in grace. Something tells me that this was more important than weather prediction. ::rolling my eyes:: (I should have remembered His grace before the tears began to roll last night though!)

So today, we'll go on learning weather prediction, and I should not feel guilty about yesterday. But I should be thankful that I follow a God who is orderly and knows what is most important.
I can trust Him. I can surrender.

So my advice with those of you with three year olds in tow is to do the same; surrender, trust God, and know that the school work will be accomplished as you follow His plan.

Here are a few nifty ideas, that have worked for me, to keep a young child busy while homeschooling:

1. Keep a box of toys reserved for playtime during schooltime only.

2. A tub of rice and measuring spoons and cups. (Expect a mess, but it vacuums easily)

3. Play dough with various molding tools.

4. Safety scissors and paper (add glue when you know they won't eat it)

5. Dress up (only items they can put on and take off by themselves) - For very young ones - Hats!

6. A drawer they can "organize," by themselves.

7. Blocks

8. Large size Legos

9. Play kitchen, pans, food, dishes (Ask them to make a gourmet meal. Set a timer and tell them the meal won't be done until the timer beeps.)

10. Water color painting

11. Crayons and paper

12. Dancing to music (We play I-tunes on the computer and my little one dances next to the computer.)

13. Computer games (We use www.pbskids.com , for instance.)

14. Sorting - Use a muffin tin and have the child sort buttons, beans or socks. It doesn't matter if they sort properly. They'll get the idea after awhile.

15. Give the child a stack of books to read. My daughter looks at the pictures and makes up the story.

Those are the immediate ideas that have popped into mind. Not all activities will work for every child. But you get the idea. Be creative and flexible; but above all remember to rely on God's grace as you homeschool your children.