Things to do with your not going back to school kid.

8/26/14

Anyone else NOT have kids going back to school?  I find that this time of year I realize I'm going to be doing the SAME thing I've always been doing....  still sitting at home with the kiddos!  (Not a bad thing... just no change)

Since we're going to still be at home... I started googling some things I could do with Caleb.  I want to be a bit more intentional this year with him since he's three.  I have a few goals in mind (recognizing his letters and numbers for example), but I also want to have more activities for him to do during the day.... especially once the baby comes!

So, here are a few things I've found online that I intend to do.  Most of them I haven't done, but I'll specify if I have done them or not =)  Hopefully you can get some ideas too if you're a mom who will not have a whole lot of change this fall like me!

1. Something I've been seeing over and over again and feel I need to try.  Directions: Dump oats, rice, beans etc. into containers.  Give child a scoop/ measuring cups and walk away.  No just kidding. They don't say walk away, but I'm thinking this is something that could easily entertain him for.... an extended period of time.  I imagine I'd have him do this outside to avoid a mess.....(and you know, summer arrived Sunday, so the weather should be nice and warm.....)

2. Go to the library.  Um, how have I not done this?  Anyone else NOT have a library card?  We stink.  I'm hoping this can work out-- but Grace doesn't really have the whole "be quiet" thing down yet....

3. Sorting.  Put a bunch of different colored papers/shapes out and have your kiddo sort them into different bowls.  I did this today!  It took probably 5 minutes to cut out all the shapes... and he's been playing with them for a while.

4. Go to the zoo! Yes, we've done this one, but we MUST do it again.  And, if you think about it, school is in session, so maybe there won't be anybody there =)

5. Cut shapes out of a piece of cardboard and have your kiddo fit the shapes back into their spots. Sounds easy enough....

6. Cut out shapes in construction paper and tape them over the house.  Send your kid to go find all the circles and bring them back.... repeat with triangles, squares etc.  Hopefully this would go better for Caleb than when he had to do an Easter egg hunt this year and was supposed to find all the blue eggs.  They basically had to be directly in front of his eyes in order for him to find them....it was bad.  BUT... on the other hand, I guess that means this activity could take hours! ;)

7. Sensory Bean sort (it even has an official name!)-- put a bunch of different seeds and beans in a pile and have your kid sort them all into either a muffin tin or egg carton

8. Give them chores!  Caleb can help me unload the dishwasher and is getting pretty good at dusting. He's also a professional at throwing things in the garbage or laundry for me. =) I hope to continue this and add more.  I'm going to need some help when baby #3 comes along....

9. Talk about child's feelings. This was actually an idea I found. BHAHHAHAHAHHAHHAHA.....is it bad I think it's crazy?  I mean, I'm ALL about understanding how my kid is feeling-- but to plan an activity that's "Let's talk about how you're feeling" seems REALLY REALLY weird.  I imagine it'd go something like this.

Me; Caleb come here.  Let's talk about how you're feeling.  How are you feeling?

Caleb: Good.  Mom, can I play with my trains?

OR

I'm feeling a little bit sick. *he brings out doctor's kit and asks me if I'll be Pooh bear while he's Owl*

Me: No. It's not time to play. We're talking about how you're feeling now.......

Caleb: (starts crying)

SOOO.... we're not going to do that one.... buuuuut maybe your kid would LOVE it....

Anyway, do YOU have any good ideas?  I'm open to suggestions.  I found a TON of stuff online, but these were some of my favorites-- or things I thought I might actually get around to doing.

I'm choosing to remain thankful that my kids are little and at home with me.  (Although we do plan on homeschooling as of now). Even though it can be a tad bit (ok a lot a bit...) overwhelming at times,  I'm trying to remember what an AWESOME opportunity I have-- tons of time to teach these little ones what it means to follow Christ.  It's like my own mission field right in front of me.  What a privilege to have them with me, listening and learning from me all.day.long.

-Melanie