I have lots of little Lambies, along with my bigger ones. What to do with little ones while schooling the olders? This year, I am prepared!
I made up bags and bags of activities that are only for school time. I bought a three dollar clear tub to put them all in and *poof!* preschool is ready! There are many more bags, but this gives you an idea of the activities. Most are "on-your-own" things the little ones can do by themselves while I am teaching the bigger ones in the same room.
I got ideas for the baggies contents here and here. Since I had almost all of the manipulatives already, the cost was very minimal. I purchased a bulletin board alphabet set at our local teacher's store and punched out two of each letter. I bagged them in groups of about five for a letter identification and matching activity. Everything else came from around the house.
Troubles loves his school box. He shares the activities with the three year old I babysit most of the time, but not always. I don't make him, since it is "his school". Along with being involved in Bible time, being read to by brothers and sisters and watching the older children's activities, he is busy and engaged almost all morning! Throw in chores, lunch, free time and nap time comes fast!
I am finding it a joy to school seven children along with two preschoolers... and we are still getting done by 2 PM daily!
Please share how you include your preschoolers in your day!
I was just making a list of the activities I can have my preschooler do to. I do like the bin idea and bags. I have many of the same activities for her. I enjoy seeing all your activities and always wonder how you get so much done. Thanks for sharing your ideas. I also went through workbooks and stapled a few pages together. One was a math, matching, pattern, cut and paste etc.. I am hoping to keep her very busy, while I teach the older ones and keep my 2 yr old from wrecking everything.
Thanks for sharing your ideas,
We start between 9 and 9:30, after breakfast and cleanup. I include the 3R's, and all the other subjects, too, during the week, including Shakespeare, poetry, composer study, hymn, folksong, Pilgrim's Progress, copywork,etc, etc. We use Ambleside Online and follow it the schedule they provide for the most part. 9-2 is my time...I do family studies with everybody and also read with each child individually throughout the day. They have free time when they are done with their independent work.
I'm the blessed wife of My Honey of 14 years, and Momma to eight wonderful Lambies aged 13 and under. We live in Central CA, and use Ambleside Online for our curriculum. I'd love to meet you , so browse a while and feel free to leave a comment!
There are many more bags, but this gives you an idea of the activities. Most are "on-your-own" things the little ones can do by themselves while I am teaching the bigger ones in the same room.
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Posted by mommaofmany 
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• Aug. 27, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Thanks for sharing your ideas,
:>Michelle