5 Ideas on Balancing Homeschool and Raising a Toddler: Embracing Flexibility, Freedom, and Exploration
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As every parent knows, the toddler stage is a unique developmental time for children. During this time, kids begin to grow into themselves for the first time and start to really explore the world around them. It is a beautiful and magical time, but it isn’t always easy.
When you are homeschooling your children, and you have children that are not quite homeschool age, you might find yourself wondering what to do. How do you balance these different worlds? Do you combine them? Separate them?
In our house, I do not apply formal learning principles to my son’s life. While his sisters are old enough to embrace the nuances of homeschooling, I know what the research knows—formal learning is not healthy for toddlers.
Here are a few articles on the topic:
Despite the social media trend of embracing homeschooling for toddlers, this can actually be very dangerous and lead to anxiety and other problems for young learners!
So what should our toddlers be learning?
Toddlers need flexibility, freedom, and exploration.
As toddlers explore the world for the first time, they need to be able to do it on their own terms and in their own way. Parents should absolutely guide them, but we don’t want to force them to learn in a formal way. Doing so can actually lead to burnout and skills that they are not ready for, which can be highly damaging.
Instead, allow them to enjoy the day, and keep the focus on play:
1. The Power of Observation
Encourage your toddler's natural inclination to observe their surroundings. Take leisurely walks outdoors and point out interesting sights – birds in the sky, colorful flowers, or playful squirrels. Engaging their observational skills helps them make connections between what they see and the world around them.
2. Parallel Play for Learning
Parallel play, where toddlers engage in activities alongside peers, offers an opportunity for indirect learning. Supply toys that prompt problem-solving, like building blocks or simple puzzles. As they manipulate these objects, they unconsciously develop cognitive skills and discover cause-and-effect relationships.
3. Imaginative Play
Pretend play nurtures creativity and problem-solving skills. Provide props like dress-up clothes, kitchen utensils, or stuffed animals. Watch as your toddler cooks imaginary meals, tends to "sick" stuffed animals, or embarks on a grand adventure. This form of play enhances their social and emotional growth, as they embody various roles. (Read more on the power of playtime to help young minds learn and grow.)
4. Reading Bonds and Educators
Reading to your toddler establishes a strong foundation for language development. Opt for colorful picture books with simple stories. Engage them by asking questions about the characters, colors, and events in the story. Reading not only expands their vocabulary but also strengthens your emotional bond.
5. Nature’s Learning Playground
The outdoors is a rich educational playground for toddlers. Take them on nature walks to explore textures, colors, and sounds. Encourage them to touch leaves, smell flowers, and observe insects. These experiences spark curiosity and provide hands-on lessons about the world's wonders.
The above are only a handful of my favorite ways I like to incorporate informal learning with my toddler, but the largest take away is that learning is all around us!
There will be plenty of time for formal learning later. For now, let your toddler be a toddler!
Xoxo,
Mandy