10 Easy and Fun Toddler Time Activities

After the debacle of homeschooling with a toddler last year, I went into this year with a firm grip on reality; He's in charge!

As much as I would like to say that, "We set our ship on a straight course each morning and while we may veer slightly when needed, we always get to our destination".....I can't!

Critter is like the iceberg that took down the Titanic! Sinking our school ship is no feat for my pint sized tot. The only thing that keeps our day from crashing to the bottom of the ocean is PREPERATION!

Last year in my original blog entry Toddler Time, I gave over 15 ideas for keeping young children like my little Critter busy during school. He was 19 months when we started homeschooling for the first time. Now, at 2 1/2, he needs more things to keep him stimulated, interested, focused and learning. Also, now that he is older, I not only want to keep him busy so that I can teach, but I want him to be learning at the same time.

So here is what we have done so far. Even if you don't homeschool, these are fun ideas to buy you a few minutes in your busy day.

Toddler Time


One of the most challenging and dare I say, unexpected parts to homeschooling my older boys, has been this little guy, Critter! I'm not exactly sure why I was so unprepared to keep him occupied, but the truth is, I was! I spent the summer of 2012 reviewing and piecing together an affordable and what I thought was a good curriculum for the older boys. I never considered preparing anything for Critter! And so, here we are, in May, and "busy bags" are now my saving grace!



Colored white rice. It makes a mess, but

 is worth the time it gives me to teach

the older boys a lesson!


I had never heard of "busy bags" before, but, they rock! I have to admit though, for the amount of time it takes to put one together, it is pretty deflating when it only provides 5 minutes of entertainment for Critter! I'm hoping that as he gets older, some of the bags will be more engaging to him and keep his attention for at least...10 minutes! So if you are like me and have never heard of "busy bags" here is a basic oveview.