What to do with toddler

[Caroline]

My kids are going to start 4th, 2nd and Kindergarden. We did PL last year and my youngest student (who is starting K) participated and did very wll with learning the vocabulary. (Sometimes better than the older ones!) We usually did Latin during our youngest's nap-time. But now it seems that her nap time days are going away and it has become very difficult to get through lessons with her wanting a lot of attention. I know we have been through this before when my third child was little, but now I have 3 kids I am trying to teach and I am getting extremely anxious. I really want to focus on Latin studies this year. I know all the children can benefit in their own way. Can anyone advise as to how we can go through the drills and get throught he lessons without constant interuption? This is the only subject that we are all going to participate in at the same time. (Or at least that is the plan...) How do you keep your sanity?? Thanks for any advice!

[crblomquist]

I can relate to your concerns. I am starting to go into the same phase, and I'm not sure what I'll do. Maybe a video, maybe have special activities I bring out just at those focus times in order to capture the attention, maybe just get used to interruptions. I figure there's nothing else I CAN do. Well, maybe you could do Latin at night when dad is home, if that's a possibility for you.

[Caroline]

Thanks for your response. I did go to my local craft store to get some activities for her. I got sand and little bottles. I set up a little table for her with a large tray set on top so she can be messy. It will be in the basement and only during those crucial times that Ineed to have QUIET! I also have a container of (dry) oatmeal and measurinf cups for her to play with too. She LOVES that. Unfortunately the older kids love it too. I am afraid it might be a distraction for them too. But we will give it a go. Latin at night sounds good. I am thinking of doing the history portion at night. She might enjoy the language portion and maybe even learn some! In any case, I am feeling less stressed now. I spent about 2 hrs. scheduling the whole week so I could get a good feel of how it will all work out. It looks good on paper, and I know our time will not be so ordered, but it helps to write it out and have a goal. have a great year!!!

[swill148]

I am right where you are! I have four children ages 11, 9, 7 and 5. My 7 year old is going through Prima Latina right now. My older two are doing another Latin program. This is what I do...it doesn't always work but it has cut down on the frustrating interuptions.

1. I have scheduled times throughout the day when the older ones are responsible for reading to my 5 year old. She has learned to sit quietly while they are reading to her. At first she would giggle, and pretend not to listen, etc. But now she knows the rules and really looks forward to them reading to her. They get practice with reading aloud and she gets to hear a lot of neat stories. I use this time to spend one-on-one time with one of my other children.

2. I make sure I spend one-on-one time with her throughout the day. If she knows that I am going to spend time teaching her she is more likely to listen to me when I tell her, "it's time to play quietly".

3. I also require her to sit quietly by herself and "read" a couple of books. She will sit for 5-10 minutes, now. It seems that as time goes by she is able to sit for longer periods of time.

4. I have also gotten her several coloring books and activity books that she can do by herself. She has a special box where she keeps her markers and crayons and colored pencils. This occupies her for about 10-15 minutes.

The key is to let your children know what you expect from them. They will push the boundaries, but if you are consistent in reiterating your expectations, in a couple of weeks or months (depending on how strong willed your child is), they will rise to your expectations. If you don't tell them your expectations, then both you and they will get frustrated.

God bless you in your new school year!

Sandy Williams
www.easyclassical.com

[Caroline]

Well. I must say our first week was very difficult. But the good news is that the kids loved their Latin hour the most!! The best news is that my toddler, Eliza, plays quietly or joins in on our lesson. In fact I was drilling the kids on last weeks vocabulary and they got stuck on the meaning of "laboro". My 2 year old said "work". I was stunned. The kids laughed. So now today when they got stuck again, I reminded them that their 2 year old sister knew the answer. How awesome is that?? I was worrying for nothing.
My 7 year old son loves the music...We listen to the Christus song again and again. Too funny.
Remind me next year when I start to freak out about what to do with my then 3 year old, that she will probably be my best student!!!
Valete!!
Caroline

[classical4mom]

Hi Caroline- So much of homeschooling is like that, I have found. We worry over what turns out to be nothing. God always takes care of daily aspects.

My 2yo does the same thing as yours. It's precious. That's one more of the beauties of homeschooling is much more is "caught" than "taught" by the younger ones. Think how well prepared your 2yo will be when she gets to Latin!

Have a great day!
~Nanci