Let’s be real – homeschooling multiple kids at once can feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. Everyone wants you, especially your toddler or preschooler. They want homeschool preschool activities that actually work while you teach their older siblings.
Sound familiar?
That’s exactly why you need simple homeschool preschool activities that work in the real world. Your little one doesn’t need to sit there bored while you teach the big kids. With the right activities, you can keep them happily occupied AND learning at the same time. No Pinterest-perfect setups required – just real activities that actually work for real families.
Simple Bin Activities That Save Your Sanity
Activity bins are your secret weapon. Fill small containers with different materials and rotate them throughout the week. Think rice bins with scoops and cups, playdough with cookie cutters, or blocks with small toys to build around.
The beauty of bins?
Your preschooler can work independently while you focus on older siblings. Set up three or four bins on Sunday, and you’re set for the week. Store them on a low shelf where your little one can grab them when needed.
Or, make 10 bins. Rotate them over 3-4 weeks.
Art Supplies That Actually Work
Forget fancy art kits that promise the world. Simple supplies work best for homeschool preschool activities. Stock up on:
- Crayons and markers (washable, always washable)
- Construction paper in different colors
- Glue sticks (easier than liquid glue)
- Safety scissors
- Stickers – lots and lots of stickers – I’ll say it again … LOTS of stickers 🙂
My preschool grandkids LOVE stickers. They can spend time putting stickers on a paper or in a journal.
Keep all these items in a designated preschool art box that comes out during school time. Your preschooler can create masterpieces while you help older kids with their lessons. Plus, art naturally develops fine motor skills they’ll need for writing later.
Movement Breaks That Benefit Everyone
Preschoolers need to move – it’s not optional. Build movement into your school day with activities that get everyone involved. My grandkids love to dance to music or build obstacle courses or pillow forts. All of these are great for movement.
Have a preschooler play list that you can play in a different room for your kids. Let them dance to the music, while you homeschool older siblings.
Movement breaks help your preschooler burn energy and give your older kids a chance to reset their brains. It’s a win-win that makes the whole day run smoother.
Learning Through Play
Your preschooler is learning through play whether you realize it or not.
Those blocks? They’re teaching spatial skills and patterns.
That dress-up box? It’s building language and social skills.
The puzzle? It’s developing problem-solving abilities.
Don’t feel pressure to turn every moment into a formal lesson. Play IS their work at this age. Give them quality materials and space to explore, and learning happens naturally. Actually play-based learning is perfect for many ages, especially younger ones.
Do your kids have a play-based childhood? Or a screen-based childhood? Something to think about. If you want more info about these two types of childhood, read The Anxious Generation. Every parent should read it.
Kitchen Activities That Keep Them Close
Some of the best homeschool preschool activities happen in the kitchen. Let your little one help with simple cooking tasks while you work with older kids nearby. They can:
- Sort beans or pasta by color
- Mix ingredients in a bowl
- Practice counting with snacks
Kitchen activities teach real-life skills while keeping your preschooler engaged and close to the action. If you want to add kitchen activities to your toy box, head over to Dollar Tree and grab a few of their food-based toys.
Some of the moms in our life group told me their kids favorite toys at my home were the fruits and vegetables they “cut” with a toy knife.
Books and Quiet Time
Every homeschool day needs quiet time – for your sanity and their development. Set up a cozy reading corner with board books, picture books, and maybe an audio story or two.
Even if your preschooler can’t read yet, they can look at pictures and tell their own stories. This builds pre-reading skills and gives you uninterrupted time with older children.
Real Talk: It’s Not Always Perfect
Some days your preschooler will want constant attention. Some days nothing will hold their interest. Some days you’ll question every choice you’ve made. That’s normal and okay.
Remember that flexibility is homeschooling’s biggest advantage. If something isn’t working, change it. If your preschooler needs more attention one day, give it to them. Your older kids can work on independent activities while you reconnect with your little one.
Making It Work for Your Family
The best homeschool preschool activities are the ones that fit your family’s rhythm. Don’t try to copy someone else’s schedule or activities. Start with simple ideas and build from there.
Your preschooler doesn’t need every moment planned. They need some engaging options, your attention when possible, and the freedom to be little while learning alongside their siblings.
Trust yourself – you know your child better than any curriculum or expert. With a few simple strategies and realistic expectations, you can create a homeschool environment where everyone thrives, even the little ones pulling on your sleeve.
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