As a mother of 4, myself, I too have a 2 1/2 year old that I have keep busy so my 13, 12 and 9 year old children can get their work done. I try to make her feel involved, by giving her her own spot in the classroom and some activities and books that she can use while there. Over time she has learned how to occupy her time while we are learning. Thank goodness she still takes naps. Tina TheHomeSchoolExchange.com
Keeping a little one busy . . . Making their own spot is the best advice. You need to make it their size, and make it special. It needs to be 'cornered in' like it's own room so the 21/2 YO can not see anything else on three walls. (encased in bookshelves or the like. Outside distractions will draw their attention.) Although, it is best if they can see YOU across the room. In this space you need to have a table with a new object of play each day. They only get access to this corner during your lesson times with the other ones. (on the floor can be bean bags, and favorite books or items that stay every day) This makes thier time special too. It is as good for them to have their own time as it is for you. Also, using a timer helps. Set a timer for say 30 min. When it goes off, they come out. Within a week, you and your toddler will be happy. But remember, adjusting to any routine can be tough for a little one. Their may be some seperation anxiety at first. This will lessen if you are consistently reinforcing. :love:
Give her some"school work" keep worksheets ( Coloring sheets) in a folder or binder and call it her work. She will think she is doing school and will stay busy for about 15 mins if her time is average. Then have something else ready for her to go to, either [playing with playdoh or looking at a book and listening to story, something that will occupy her while you work with the other children. then take time to sit with her each day for a few minutes for her time for mommy teacher. I did it this way with my two younger kids and they are much better at starting and stopping the attention need than the older one. They learned that mommy has to help each of them. ( I was a preschool teacher to 2's for my favorite years, and they can learn a lot more than we think, make the color pictures vary from numbers to animals to abc's because you re priming her for her days of real lessons in the future.)
Found Fisher Price has web-site for toddlers, he loves it. I don't like him sitting in front a screen but does give me time to help with other children. Plus he's learning his ABC song. So if he's learning, not a bad thing, right??? Really thanks for all of your advice, God Bless. I am going to make him a school box too, so he can feel like a big boy.
