Homeschooling Toddlers

There are many important reasons to have themes in education. For the kids, it provides predictability, structure, and also a little variety. Kids need routines that make them feel like their lives aren't in chaos, but also variety to make it seem not-so-boring all the time. For parents/educators, themes make sure you aren't off track and you cover all the necessary material.

This week's themes are:

• Letter: C
• Number: 3
• Shape: Triangle
• Color: Charcoal, Cerulean, & Copper (lighter versions of last week's colors)
• Food: Carrots & Chocolate
• Animal: Cow & Cat
• Special: Comparisons (i.e. comparing last week's colors to this week's)

There are many important reasons to have themes in education. For the kids, it provides predictability, structure, and also a little variety. Kids need routines that make them feel like their lives aren't in chaos, but also variety to make it seem not-so-boring all the time. For parents/educators, themes make sure you aren't off track and you cover all the necessary material.

This week's themes are:

• Letter: B
• Number: 2
• Shape: Crescent
• Color: Black, Blue & Brown
• Food: Bananas, Beans, & Beef
• Animal: Birds & Bats
• Special: All About Me (the body & body parts)

So, today I wanted to post something a little different. I wanted to branch out from my own blog and instead of only showing you all my own ideas, I wanted to show you some other interesting blogs I have found around the web.

Feel free to comment with your blog as well.

 

These are some of the activities I have planned for today. Please note that most activities are geared towards younger children, but can also be adapted for older children. I try to note any different possibilities for each activity.
They are sorted by major skill category, but may work for multiple categories. Also, I have noted the theme each activity covers after the title in (blue parentheses).

Fine Motor Skills:

1. Print out a giant number 1 or many number 1s on a sheet of 8 1/2" by 11" paper. Have the kids trace the number 1 with their finger, crayons, pencils, or whatever you have. (number 1)
2. Print out a giant hollow number 1 and let the kids color it in any way they choose. (number 1)
3. Take a shallow pan or tray and fill it with sugar, rice, or pudding. Let the kids trace the number 1 with their fingers or a stick. (number 1)

These are some of the activities I have planned for today. Please note that most activities are geared towards younger children, but can also be adapted for older children. I try to note any different possibilities for each activity.
They are sorted by major skill category, but may work for multiple categories. Also, I have noted the theme each activity covers after the title in (blue parentheses).

Fine Motor Skills:

• Print out a giant letter A or many letter As on a sheet of 8 1/2" by 11" paper. Have the kids trace the letter A with their finger, crayons, pencils, or whatever you have. (letter A)
• Print out a giant hollow letter A and let the kids color it in any way they choose. (letter A)
• Take a shallow pan or tray and fill it with sugar, rice, or pudding. Let the kids trace the letter A with their fingers or a stick. (letter A)

These are some of the activities I have planned for today. Please note that most activities are geared towards younger children, but can also be adapted for older children. I try to note any different possibilities for each activity.
They are sorted by major skill category, but may work for multiple categories. Also, I have noted the theme each activity covers after the title in (blue parentheses).

Fine Motor Skills:

• Make cookies from scratch or premade cookie dough with the kids. You can use cookie cutters or if you buy the cookie dough in a roll you can cut them into circles. If you want them to bake into perfect circles though, you have to cut them into cubes. ;) Make sure the light in your oven works so you can let the kids peek as they bake. (circles or other themes you choose to make shapes out of) You can also decorate them with Amethyst or Amber frosting to link the colors of the week.
• Have the kids color a picture of a circle any way they want.

These are some of the activities I have planned for today. Please note that most activities are geared towards younger children, but can also be adapted for older children. I try to note any different possibilities for each activity.
They are sorted by major skill category, but may work for multiple categories. Also, I have noted the theme each activity covers after the title in (blue parentheses).

Gross Motor Skills:

• Ring Around The Rosies. If kids are too young or cannot stand, just sit on the floor holding hands in a circle and rock back and forth as you sing. (circle, Spring Equinox)
• Make a large letter A on the ground (inside with tape, outside with chalk) and "walk" the letter the way you would write it. Older kids can hop from the outside to the inside dash. Younger kids can crawl. (Letter A)