Balancing the needs of multiple children while homeschooling can feel overwhelming, especially when you have older kids who need focused time for their lessons. However, you can create pockets of intentional time for your preschooler without neglecting your older students.
Here are some strategies to help you make the most of your day:
1. Include preschoolers in family learning: Our homeschool resources make it easy to combine learning activities. Older children can read stories aloud while the preschooler listens, or everyone can participate in a hands-on science project.
Melissa said this about The Playful Pioneers, "We are on week four of Playful Pioneers Vol. 1. I love that I can tailor it to fit the needs of my kindergartener and my 3rd grader. It is wonderful being able to spend most of our school day learning and growing together as a family."
2. Keep little hands busy: Set up “busy bins” with sensory materials, puzzles, or coloring pages that your preschooler can use during moments when you need to focus on older kids. Read this blog post for morning time activities for preschoolers.
3. Use independent learning time for older kids: When your older children are working independently, dedicate that time to engaging with your preschooler. Simple one-on-one time can include activities like reading, crafts, or games found in The Peaceful Preschool, our award winning literature and project-based curriculum for early learners.
4. Teach life skills: Preschoolers love to help! Involve them in simple household tasks like folding laundry, baking, or gardening. These tasks double as hands-on learning experiences and help them feel included in family life. Find The Peaceful Press Cookbook here.
Our elementary resources are designed to streamline homeschooling across multiple grades into a family-centered routine, but we understand that this may leave little time for a dedicated preschool curriculum. That’s where the Restoration Home Community can support you.
As part of the Restoration Home Community, you’ll receive a new lesson delivered to your inbox each week. These lessons include a read-aloud linked to YouTube—in case you can't find it at your library—along with phonics and counting activities, as well as practical life skills, motor skill development, and a fun art project.
5. Incorporate Motor Skills: Preschoolers need to move their bodies, and they will often misbehave if they aren't getting enough sensory input. Make sure you give them plenty of large motor activities such as pushing a toy, pulling a wagon, or riding a bike, along with plenty of hugs and other deep pressure. They will be better equipped for acadeicmi learning if basic motor development is nurtured.
Homeschooling preschoolers alongside older children requires flexibility and creativity, but it’s possible—and rewarding! By embracing play and hands-on learning, you can meet your preschooler’s unique developmental needs while also balancing your homeschool day with multiple kids.
Remember, these early years are all about exploration and wonder. Focus on connecting with your children and making precious memories during these fleeting years and keep the learning light and fun.
Shop Our Award Winning Peaceful Preschool and Take the Guesswork Out of Preschool Homeschool