How to keep homeschool kids busy
I like to keep track of this blog’s stat.’s and see where most of my viewers are coming from. For the last 2 weeks the phrase “how to keep homeschool kids busy” has been the #1 search term that has brought readers here.
OK, so if that’s what you are looking for I am happy to oblige. Here are my top 10 ideas for keeping your kids busy. If anyone else has some great ideas please share them here!
1. Hit the library! Keep a stack of good books available all day every day. Every time the “Mom, I’m bored!” strikes suggest they curl up and enjoy a book that they have picked out.
2. Arts and crafts. You can never have enough arts and crafts in your day, that’s my belief anyway. I wrote about this very idea just a few days ago, you can read it here.
3. Go outside! Seriously, the easiest way to keep kids busy is to set them loose. Hand them a magnifying glass and a small bucket and turn them loose on the backyard.
4. Help them discover a new hobby. Scrapbooking, jewelry making, pen pals, whatever will excite them. There is always something that kids can get into.
5. Suggest they learn something new. Why stop the process when there is so much more kids can learn and explore. If you are constantly looking for something to fill the gaps and keep your kids going maybe it is time to add more to the day.
6. Plan an adventure. There is no better way to stay busy then to prepare for some fun. A trip to the zoo, a weekend camping trip, or just a picnic at the park. Set your kids up with tasks they have to do, like packing the meal or finding someone to feed the animals, before you can go.
7. Call up some friends and have fun. Why not? If your kids are looking for something to do invite over some friends, or meet somewhere like a park or a mall, and just hang out. There is nothing like time with friends to make the day go by.
8. Volunteer. If you are looking for something for your kids to do that will also benefit others why not let your kids find volunteer work that they can do. Delivering meals, picking up trash, planting flowers, there are many things that kids of all ages can do locally.
9. Add more chores. Yes, no kid likes doing chores. But if are finding that they are getting everything done and are looking for more maybe it is time to add more responsibility to their day.
10. And if all else fails, there is always TV. I hear Bravo will be expanding their lineup. Who knows, maybe one of the shows will inspire your kids to do something new.
April 13th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
Great Article, This was my first year Homeschooling. I really loved it. But I worry a little about what it will be like doing all three of my kids. Thanks for the Ideas to keep the little ones busy. I am following the Well Trained Mind, I was wondering if you have any advise on how to school more than one child.
April 14th, 2007 at 12:55 am
Lana, I’m glad you liked this.
I’ve actually got a post a few days back with ideas for homeschooling with younger children in the home. And everyone Monday I cover a new homeschooling method and just recently I did classical education. 
April 14th, 2007 at 5:54 am
[...] Yesterday I promised you a recipe from Dr Morse and I promise I will give you one, but Summer’s latest post has reminded me why I started collecting ephemera (technical term for leaflets and pamphlets and stuff) in the first place: leaflets and pamphlets and stuff are exceptionally good for teaching. I often add a leaflet or something to my briefcase for class and plan a lesson that will include hands-on contact with the past. I especially do this when I teach subjects such as family history, because it really helps bring the history alive. [...]
April 15th, 2007 at 12:17 am
Followed you here from Maya’s Mom. LOVE the ideas! I’m going to email this to DH!
April 15th, 2007 at 10:25 am
Wonderful ideas on how to keep kids busy! I don’t homeschool but I can always use more ideas on how to entertain and inspire my girl.
April 15th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
HI again, I don’t know how it happened but I meant to comment on the Little Kids Ideas. LOL Thanks for your quick response, I just found the blog the other day when I commented and I haven’t had a chance to look through everything. But it looks like a really great and helpful Blog. Thanks so much
Lana
May 1st, 2007 at 4:34 am
What about encouraging the kids to play educational computer games. Yahoo has several free online games that encourage spelling and vocabular skills. Try Crossword, Bookworm and Spelldown to start.
June 4th, 2007 at 4:52 am
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