Apple Busy Box Activities from Toddler to Kindergarten

From when my second child was a toddler till today, when she is a kindergartner and my third child is a toddler, I keep them busy by setting up busy boxes (also called busy bags or workboxes). With fall comes apple picking season for us.  The activities and books below are perfect for an apple themed busy box!

I teach a class at our co-op, and my son is present for one or two other classes as well. This means that my two daughters get to “hang out” a lot  each week, sometimes with a different adult to watch her.
Here are some great apple-themed activities for keeping your toddler or preschooler busy.
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Back on Schedule: An A+ Way to Start the Year Right

Every August is the same. I quickly realize what we need: we need to get back in to routines. My daughter loves the bedtime routine. My son loves to check things off of a list. Why not put together a schedule to keep us sane? A visual schedule to plan our day helps us keep focused throughout the beginning of the school year.

As a homeschooling mom, I am used to having my kids around all the time. But this summer has been difficult for me. Despite the gorgeous weather and essentially unlimited free time for Raisin and Strawberry, I have heard daily complaints of boredom. Can I tell you how much this drives me crazy!?

At the same time, I had a minor panic attack last week as I pondered teaching fifth grade and kindergarten with my toddler underfoot. How can I get done all that needs to be done? How can I teach when my son gets distracted just going to comb his hair? This is not going to be easy.
Use a printed and variable visual schedule to keep track of what you need to get done in your home or homeschool! Free printable included.Continue Reading

Helping Little Ones Express Big Emotions

I used to be one of those moms. I used to think I knew why kids did what they did. Especially preschool-aged children who have a fit.

But now I know better. Kids are people too. They feel. They are acting up because they still need to learn how to control the immense emotions that they feel. Most of the time, children are not acting up to get attention.

When my child screams, when my child cries, when my child refuses to do something I’m begging her to do, there is a reason. Just like an adult has his or her own preferences, my preschooler too knows what she wants. The difference is that my preschool does not know how to control the intense emotions that come over her. She need our nurturing love and help, not our judgement.

Helping little ones express big emotions is not easy, but helping them now helps them avoid a lot of frustration later in life.  It is a skill to be learned.

Helping a little one through a big emotion takes love and acknowledging of the strong feelings. Help her put words to the frustration.Continue Reading

A Homeschool Mom Schedule is Not for Wimps

“It’s morning, Mommy!”

As usual, I start the day with my 4-year-old daughter’s cheerful greeting. After a hug and a kiss, she runs off to get ready for the day and “make her bed,” and I hop in the shower. Since my homeschool day with almost 9-year-old, 4-year-old, and almost 1-year-old kids (Raisin, Strawberry, and Kitty) is about to begin, it’s best I squeeze in time to get myself ready before I face the day running. My homeschool mom schedule is not for wimps.

With three kids aged 9, 4, and 1, my homeschool day is a bit busy.Continue Reading

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Big Book of Homeschool Ideas Vol 2

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Learn with Play


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