Homeschooling with Little Ones
Readiness, Routines, and Real Life
Welcome to the whirlwind world of homeschooling with young children! Whether you're just curious about homeschooling your toddler or preschooler, or you're a seasoned homeschooler navigating the joys (and challenges!) of having a toddler in the mix, you're in the right place. I'm Anne, a homeschooling mom of [too many], and I've been there – from the first tentative steps of introducing learning through play to the juggling act of teaching older children while keeping a little one engaged.
This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for all things related to homeschooling with little ones. We'll explore:
Readiness: How to determine if your 2, 3, or 4-year-old is ready for more structured learning (and what "structured" even means at this age!).
Routines: Practical tips and age-appropriate activities to foster a love of learning in your young children.
Real Life: Strategies for managing the beautiful chaos of homeschooling older children while also caring for a toddler.
Strategies for Sanity
Let's talk about the reality of homeschooling older children while also caring for a toddler. We’ve got a gaggle of kids of varying ages, including a toddler and teens. It's a juggling act, a beautiful mess, and a whole lot of love. Here are some strategies that have helped me navigate this unique challenge. ↓
When Are Littles Ready For Homeschool?
One of the most common questions I see online is, "When should I start homeschooling?" The truth is, you're already your child's first teacher and you have been since they were born! Every interaction is a learning opportunity. "Formal" homeschooling in the early years is mostly about creating intentional routines and encouraging kids to enjoy learning than it is about following a strict curriculum. This time is precious - watching our little ones learn to learn. You’ll probably have a good idea when your little is ready to start formal learning, but in the meantime here’s some tips by age. ↓
2-year-olds: Play-based learning, building routines, encouraging curiosity, and spending intentional time together. Short, engaging activities woven into everyday life.
3-year-olds: Similar to age 2, but with a slightly increased capacity for focus. Introducing more structured activities (still short and playful!), and continuing to build on foundational skills.
4-year-olds: Introducing more structured learning, especially in letters, numbers, and early phonics (if they’re ready). Balancing structured learning with playful exploration.
Babies in Homeschool
(full post coming soon!)
Newborns and 1-year-olds: This stage is all about creating a nurturing environment – and, let's be honest, prioritizing survival in those early months! They’re learning more every day than we do for the entire rest of our lives, but it’s a little different! Focus on sensory exploration (tummy time, exploring textures, listening to your voice), building secure attachments through responsive caregiving (responding to their cues, lots of cuddling), and establishing predictable but flexible routines (singing, reading simple books). You can help minimize the chaos by being as prepared and flexible as you can be. In the postpartum period, prioritize rest, recovery, and bonding – a very gentle, maybe even year-round learning approach is ideal.
Making it Work for Your Family
Unfortunately there's no magic formula for homeschooling with little ones. It's about finding what works best for your family's unique needs and rhythm. Be patient, be flexible, and be willing to experiment. Remember, the goal is to create a positive learning environment for all your children, fostering a love of learning and building strong family connections. And most importantly, give yourself grace – you're doing an amazing job!
Welcome to TimeTrek Learning!
This is where I share general insights and strategies from my own family’s experience and from working with other homeschoolers. Every child’s journey looks different, but these principles can apply across the board. If you’d like to see more, follow along on 𝕏 TimeTrekFam for daily updates and general shenanigans and click below to subscribe for free on Substack for the real content!
I’ll be launching my own website soon, but until then you can check out my TimeTrek homeschool materials available for download on Gumroad.