After a big day at school, your preschooler probably wants nothing to do with a homeschooling session. That’s why new mommas have to find sneaky ways to bring everyday learning activities into their home. I’ll admit, this may seem like an impossible challenge, but there are ways you could make learning super fun without overloading your little one’s noggin.
After a big day at school, your preschooler probably wants nothing to do with a homeschooling session. That’s why new mommas have to find sneaky ways to bring everyday learning activities into their home. I’ll admit, this may seem like an impossible challenge, but there are ways you could make learning super fun without overloading your little one’s noggin.
I’m going to share my four favorite everyday activities that count as learning. As you’ll soon “learn,” each of these activities builds on the next one, making them super convenient to incorporate into daily life.
Four Sly At-Home Learning Strategies For Little Ones
Microgreens For Micro-Gardeners – Develop Your Little One’s Green Thumb
Planting a garden is the best way to “cultivate” your kiddo’s interest in the natural world. In my opinion, the best way to jump-start your little one’s gardening career is to plant a few microgreens in your gardening space.
If you don’t already know, microgreens are fast-growing, tiny plants often used as a garnish on fancy plates. A few of the easiest microgreens to grow include arugula, mustard greens, and watercress.
Planting these seeds will give your little one an immediate sense of accomplishment since many can be ready to harvest in only two weeks. As a bonus, this is a super stealthy way to get your kiddos excited about eating nutrient-dense veggies.
Make The Most Of Rainy Days – Weather Prep Skills
As outdoor gardeners know all too well, the weather is a big concern when planting veggies. So, why not take this opportunity to introduce your kiddo to basic weather concepts like temperature, humidity, and sunshine. Download a reliable weather app and explain how percentages work in seven-day forecasts.
After your children have a better understanding of how the weather works, please encourage them to keep track of daily conditions in a diary. If they don’t feel like writing down the weather each day, you could encourage them to draw a picture of the clouds, sun, or the garden. They could even plan their gardening schedule ahead of time in their journal.
Whatever they choose to write in this book, they’re bound to develop essential skills like planning, recording, and writing.
Create A Kiddo-Safe Kitchen
Now that your microgreens are ready for harvest, it’s time to bring your kiddo into the kitchen to learn some cooking skills. First, introduce your mini chef to all of the kitchen equipment and point out what tools are strictly for mommy.
When it comes time to cook, have a few safe & prepared tasks for your kiddos to try their hands at. A few simple activities that are great for little ones include washing fruits and veggies, seasoning, and, of course, garnishing with your microgreens!
If you need more ideas on cooking with little ones (plus four delish recipes), you’ve got to check out my previous blog.
Count Out Those Carrots! – Incorporate Math Blasts Into Your Day
Math is one of those subjects that could even cause adults to cringe. However, there’s no denying math plays a central role in our lives. From grocery shopping to filing taxes, math problems are always around us — so why not point them out to your kiddo?
For instance, I recommend bringing your little one to the supermarket to pick out groceries for your big meal. As you’re shopping around, let your kiddo know how much money you have to spend and how much each item costs. You could also point out any sales in the store to test your kiddo’s skills with percentages.
These simple “games” won’t only introduce your little one to basic math, they will introduce them to budgeting and the value of a dollar.
Read More Learning Hacks On My “Brilliant Babies” Blog
Of course, one of the best ways to keep your child curious at home is to get into a regular reading routine. Indeed, I believe books are so critical for child development that I’ve written an entire post on the subject. Please be sure to follow this link to learn all of my tips to turn your child into a lifelong reader.
