Make the most of your time with young children at home when the school day begins for older kids. Engage in a variety of hands-on experiences that promote opportunities for learning through play.
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Parents and care givers agree that the start of the school year is a busy time! And it gets even busier with kids of different ages.
After the flurry and excitement of getting big kids back to their classrooms, or settled into a home school routine, little kids might start asking: What can I do?
For young kids at home, this generally means doing things with you. This creates a juggling act between running the household and running with the kids!
If your child attends a preschool, or you home school one or more children, a portion of the day may already be scheduled with early learning curriculum.
But whether the kids are at home for the whole day or part of the day, there are things you can do to make your time together fun and productive, and hopefully a little less chaotic!
Related: Helpful tips for planning a preschool program
Activities for preschoolers at home
We often think of back-to-school as sending kids off to the classroom or the homeschooling area with a daily schedule in mind.
Little kids not enrolled in a curriculum or learning program can still benefit from a daily routine, and an environment filled with hands-on experiences and learning through play.
These suggestions will give you some ideas for initiating play and learning at home, both child-led and parent-led.
1. Involve kids in your daily routine.
Provide small tasks for kids to do when you’re doing housework, keeping in mind that helping means participating. Provide a basket to toss laundry into, a dust cloth to swipe across a shelf, or a small pan of water at the sink when you are washing dishes.
At lunchtime, provide suitable utensils for kids to help with preparation. They can stir batter for cookies, spread peanut butter on crackers, or mash bananas for a smoothie. They can also set the table with placemats and plastic cups.
When older kids are doing homework after school, keep paper and pencils on hand for your younger child to keep busy and feel involved.
2. Optimize one-on-one time.
During your time together you have opportunities to teach your child self-help skills, like toileting and dressing, that build self-awareness and independence. These concepts will be beneficial to your child when they reach school age.
Spend a little time practicing fine motor skills with your child that require your attention and support, such as painting pictures or cutting with scissors.
3. Access community programs.
Sign up for swimming, art or music lessons.
Attend play groups, story times, or workshops for your child’s age group.
Visit a library or museum or other other public buildings.
4. Play together.
Have a few go-to play options that you can do together.
- Create a craft box with art supplies. Make it accessible for child-led arts & crafts sessions.
- Bake cookies or make a meal together.
- Plan to spend some playtime outside. Even without playground equipment there are lots of options for outdoor play.
If something comes up that requires your attention, set up a play space with building blocks or play dough, near where you are working so you can interact with your child.
Then be sure to join in the play when your task is completed.
5. Support independent play
Make a few toys and materials available for your child to access on his own.
- Place puzzles, games and books on a low shelf within easy reach.
- Fill a basket with blocks, another with puppets, and another with musical instruments.
Allow your child to experience independent play, with you nearby. Answer questions or offer comments when needed, but don’t engage directly in the play the whole time.
6. Be spontaneous
Kids are often competing for your attention with the daily routine of dressing, running errands, cleaning up, and making meals.
Stray from the norm occasionally to build a blanket fort and stay in your pajamas until noon, or leave the chores behind you for awhile to have a picnic in the park.
Support kids learning through play at home
It turns out, little kids can do a lot at home when the big kids are in school!
By creating play spaces, providing age-appropriate activities and materials, and encouraging kids to be helpers, you provide learning opportunities that are both fun and meaningful.
You can help prepare your child for more formal schooling through working, playing and reading together in the early years.
Related: Back to School Tips for a Smooth Transition
