Childhood from birth through age ten is a precious season—not just for learning facts, but for deepening character, forming habits, and cultivating wonder.
In these years when you often have babies and toddlers in the mix, it can be tempting to sacrifice connection and a peaceful family life for intense academic work with the oldest children. But before age ten, this doesn't need to be the priority, and studies show that gains from early academic intensity usually even out by grade 5.
Instead, focus on these 10 meaningful practices to prioritize before age ten that will set your child up for a lifetime of growth, rootedness, and joy.
1. Cultivate a Daily Read-Aloud Rhythm
Reading aloud daily introduces children to big vocabulary, rich ideas, different perspectives, and story arcs far beyond their own experiences. Even toddlers can absorb language structure, listen attentively, and settle into the habit of being read to.
Toddlers might snack while older siblings copy sentences from Peaceful Press student sheets, or color during the read-aloud but making a daily read aloud time a priority is perfect for all ages.
2. Practice Narration, Not Quizzes
Rather than drill questions or formal worksheets, pause after a story and invite your child to tell in their own words what happened, what they noticed, or what they wonder about. This builds comprehension, memory, and expressive ability. You might also notice the play your children engage in throughout the day, most likely they are acting out something you read to them. Children can also draw what you read, narration comes in many forms but is always helpful for developing good communicators.
3. Introduce Memorization & Recitation
Songs, poetry, scripture, or simple math facts memorized over time provide a foundation for internalizing knowledge. For example, reciting skip counting or a short poem each day embeds memory skills and delight.
4. Start a “Nature & Notebook” Habit
Encourage children to record or sketch observations, discoveries, or ideas in a simple notebook. Over time, they begin to see the threads between stories, history, and creation.
5. Train Habits and Routines
Habits such as making the bed, putting away clothes, brushing teeth, or basic chores help children develop responsibility, confidence, and the executive skills to follow tasks. These small tasks build the foundation for self-discipline in later years. The Restoration Home Community can help with this!
6. Give Access to Simple Art & Craft Materials
Set up a low-stress art corner with paper, colors, scissors, glue, and open-ended materials. Let children create freely and teach them the habit of caring for their supplies and cleaning up afterwards.
7. Involve Them in Real, Useful Homework — “Practical Skills”
Children thrive when they help in the real rhythms of home life: preparing food, cleaning, organizing, caring for pets or plants. These tasks teach sequencing, responsibility, agency, and connection to meaningful work.
8. Prioritize Daily Outdoor & Free Play Time
Fresh air, unstructured play, and nature exploration are not extras — they are essential for physical health, creativity, resilience, and connection to creation. Strive for at least an hour a day outdoors.
9.Build Connection Through Intentional Presence
Eye contact, gentle words of encouragement, hugs, and patience—even on busy days—help children feel seen, safe, and loved. These relational moments are a core part of education, not aside from it.
10. Use Hands-On Math & Keep It Simple
Before age ten, children seldom benefit from abstract math. Instead, use manipulatives, counting games, and living math experiences (cooking, measuring, grouping) to build number sense. Also, simplify your grade structure—group siblings together when possible to reduce preparation and stress.
Most homeschool meltdowns come from trying to manage too many subjects with too many grades — so don’t be afraid to simplify your subjects, group your grades, and stick to basics until age ten.
Why These Matter Before Age Ten
Children’s minds are absorbing: While the earlier years aren’t about cramming content, they are about forming habits, perspectives, and love for learning.
Habits compound: Small habits of diligence, curiosity, kindness, and responsibility build layered strength over time.
Simplicity frees delight: Carrying fewer burdens means more margin for wonder, relationships, rest, and discovery.