We are planning on homeschooling both of our boys. Real homeschool, not the fully automated, stay at home in front of your screen, no social interaction type of quarantine school that many children are trying to adjust to right now. The type of homeschool that encourages social interaction with people of all ages, inspires creativity with free play, and allows the boys to learn for themselves to love the art of learning.
Over the last several weeks preschool, playdates, and Sunday school have been cancelled along with any trips to the zoo or library. Our boys are starting to go a little stir crazy. We are very blessed to have a few acres to keep them entertained when the wicked spring wind doesn’t drive us back indoors.
While we do have stockpile of hot wheels, tractors, and Paw Patrol, I keep most of those in the basement for special days when we absolutely can’t go outside. My preference to toys are those that inspire creativity, are open ended for multiple uses, or can encourage deeper discussions.
Today, I just wanted to take a break from gardening, and touch on some toys and tools that have been great assets for us when encouraging the boys’ imaginations. Hopefully some or all of these might bring a little inspiration to your household, too!
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Good books
We love books here. One of my biggest goals is to raise little readers and so far, they love cuddling up and reading a good book (or several). I have a wide variety of books for different ages that I try to switch out every few months to keep their interests. Right now, they love playing with their doctor’s kit and looking through different functions of the body with this Shine-A-Light book!
Last week, Stirling was playing Doctor and we all had to lay down (right where we were… for me, that was the kitchen floor!) While he gave us a checkup. He was convinced my food wasn’t making it to my belly correctly.
If they show an interest in something, I’ll try to incorporate that with a lunchtime story. Sometimes we do documentaries, too! (We aren’t completely against screen time here.)
Two simple and engaging series that have been timeless for us are Pout Pout Fish, and Little Blue Truck. Both of which Stirling can recite several books from memory!
Musical Instruments
I was so hesitant to bring musical instruments into the house, as someone who gets frustrated easily with lots of loud, chaotic noises. We’ve found that keeping the instruments in a basket out of reach, only bringing them out for special times, helps with this. They enjoy making their own sounds, dancing, and exploring how they work. We have been quite pleased with the variety of this kit!
Musical instruments are supposed to help with exercise their memory, cognitive skills, and creativity! It also helps develop their fine motor skills.
Stirling has named our family band, “The Ocean Animals”.
Ribbons and Silks
These supply endless play for the boys and mommy! The ribbons are my favorite. They serve as magic, spider webs, accessories, rainbows, airplanes and waves! Play silks are soft and beautiful. They serve as fort coverings, super hero capes, and the boys love chasing after it while it floats in the wind.
Rainbow Stacker
The rainbow stackers are a balancing and stacking puzzle that can be used for a variety of fun things. It seems like they are always finding new uses for them! The stacking toys help with fine motor skills, open-ended thinking, balancing, color, and size recognition. We have this version which has been working out well; however, I would LOVE to upgrade to a larger model similar to Grimm’s Wooden Rainbow Stacker.
(It doesn’t stay that organized for long! This was just during naptime!)
Climbing Triangle
For Declan’s first birthday last year, Bryce and I build our version of a Pikler Triangle with a ramp. On sunny days, we take it outside for the boys to enjoy, but it usually stays in our living room. It’s perfect for climbing, balancing, and burning off extra energy! Stirling has also started using blankets and play silks to make caves that he hibernates in as a “big giant huge giant bear”. You can find premade options online if building your own isn’t feasible. I would go with one of the modifiable options, just to give it even more versatility.
(Yes, we know the corners need rounded on our version!)
Art Supplies
Keeping art supplies available for the boys to free range use has been a great addition to the house. Melissa & Doug make a great wooden table with chairs that’s the perfect size for young children to work and snack at! The tote is filled with felt, crayons, scissors, construction paper, stickers, coloring books, beads, and pipe cleaners!
Miscellaneous
Definitely a kite this year was a must for us! We get a wicked west wind, but there are some mild days and the boys love watching it fly high. I know there are some pretty amazing and beautiful kites available and perhaps someday we will have some pterodactyl kites flying overhead!
A pump rocket is a special delight for the boys. They can both launch them on their own and chasing them around the yard always ends in giggles.
Helping with projects is another activity that really engages the boys. Whether it’s wiping down windows, baking with mommy, or building something with daddy they adore that special time. It can be a little frustrating as a parent because every task takes twice as long but remembering how special it is to the boys to learn these things definitely helps.
What about you?
Are there any toys or activities your kids love? I’d love to read about them in the comments! Don’t forget to subscribe with your email so you don’t miss out on any of our posts!
I love how they stay busy. And you can keep things put up for special times. I always break down and have it out for them. Lol
They definitely are busy bodies!