"I want to do ---, too!"

I'm sure you can fill in the blank with something your little one has said.  As a mom at home, whether or not you include working at home or homeschooling in your list of things to do, it can be quite a challenge to include little ones in your day's activities and still accomplish something yourself.  I have found that if I have structured things for them to do, and a planned time to do it, I am able to have more time, and larger blocks of time, to do my things.

By using notebooking for your pre-schooler, you will have an organized place and method for keeping and doing their work.  The idea is to provide them with the supplies, resources and time to begin their academic education while they are imitating the activities and habits of the older members of their daily world.

Consider your daily actions.  Consider your child's interests, skills and talents.  Consider the skills and academics they can begin learning at their age.  The next step is to put together pages for their notebook that cover all these areas.

I recomend beginning with a three prong report cover or folder, or a three ring binder.  Because you are making a 'book' of their work that is meant to last, if you choose to use a three ring binder I strongly recommend using sheet protectors so the pages are not ripping out of the binder.  Do not place the pages in the binder, folder or report cover until the child has completed them.

If you use a planner to manage the hours of your day, or just to list your things to do, include planner pages in your child's notebook.  Then list on them any house chores they are beginning to do, as well as the 'school' or 'work' activities for each day.

Begin by using lined notebook paper or unlined computer paper for some pages.  Include printables gathered from the internet such as coloring or dot-to-dot pages, if you like (but don't make these all your pages).  When you sit down to do some of your work or to do school with other children, or at a separate time just for them if need be, provide these notebook pages for your child, 1-3 per day.  On the blank pages allow them to draw or write 'their work', even if it is just doodling.  As you become used to this activity, introduce some learning pages such as shapes, tracing, or cutting and gluing, always making the final product a page that can be included in their notebook.  Vary what you do from day to day so the little ones don't become bored.

Before long you will have established this as part of the day's routine and you will be amazed at the progress made by everyone.  Your 'little lambs' will be profitably occupied 'doing ---, too' and beginning their 'formal education' in an easy manner.  They will be more content to have play time by themselves, and you will be able to accomplish more of your other tasks unhindered by discontent little ones.

NEXT WEEK:  From Drawing Notebooks to "My Page"

God Bless!