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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I have 6.5 and 2.5 year old kids.

I've wanted to homeschool my older since they were 8 months old.

But I'm really struggling. I don't feel as though I can give my older the time and attention that is due. My younger is very demanding with a much more challenging personality than my first.

I do math, reading/grammar, anatomy, geography while my younger is napping. But it's very regimented because I went to public school and I cannot let go of the concept of just sitting down and doing work. I know it's not fun for either of us.

Sometimes we supplement with Miacademy and we do like that. We've tried some online co-ops but it didn't stick. I'd ideally find an in-person co-op, but we'll see.

My husband and I have talked about enrolling in the Fall. I thought I was okay with it because the school is pretty good with good teachers and administration.

But I'm feeling extreme guilt and last night it all hit me. I'm not ready to let my kids go - I know I can be doing so much more. But I don't know where to start or how to improve.

I'm constantly tired and don't feel like I have the energy. But I don't think I'm ready to just walk away from my dream.

I also never feel like my two kids can do any academic learning together because of the four year age difference. My older already knows basic things and gets too bored, and my younger cannot focus long enough so I feel stuck.

I need ideas and suggestions on how I can improve and make homeschooling more engaging and interesting for all.[/quote]

Ok, so I would suggest taking the summer to set up a number of toddler-preschool activities.

-crayons, colored pencils, markers, dot markers, watercolors, tempera
-coloring books
-blank paper
-rocks (paint, wash, dip in water, hide in medium, etc.)
-color by number, color by letter
-unmarked dot-to-dot
-(later) numbered/lettered dot-to-dot
-toddler/preschool mazes
-papers with circled letters, numbers, shapes (can target numerals vs letters, upper vs lowercase, specific numeral or letter, specific shape)
-toddler workbooks on a shelf next to 6yo’s books (2yo can choose to “do school” too for a few mins at a time)
-board books, tactile books
-picture books without words
-device for listening to preschool music or audiobooks
-toddler puzzles with boards in a magazine box, bags of pieces in a bucket… label each board with an uppercase letter or an array or scatter of symbols, pieces labeled with a lowercase letter or numeral
-(for later) preschool puzzles as above, labeled with words for colors, shapes, numbers on boards and corresponding on pieces
-(cardboard or white) egg carton with colors in each cup, mason jar of puff balls, toddler tweezers
-egg carton with numeral 0-11 (later 0-11 random order), mason jar of puff balls, toddler tweezers 
-wooden or firm cardboard lacing patterns, shoestring
-shoestring, mason jar of pony beads
-zip tie, mason jar of pony beads
-fine motor board (zipper, hinge, barrel bolt, hook and eye latch, safety chain lock, light switch, lock with key on string, hinge barrette, etc.)
-fine motor cloth (string to tie, buckle, zipper, snap, smaller button compared to buttonhole, velcro, snap barrette, hair claw clip, etc.)
-sensory cloth (fake fur, silk, burlap, satin, spandex, vinyl, embroidery, lace, sequins, etc.)
-tarp, bins for water, bowls, measuring cups, measuring spoons
-tarp, ice cubes with pony beads inside, ice cubes with food dye inside
-tarp, cookie sheet, pudding
-tarp, cookie sheet, shaving cream
-tarp, peanut butter or regular playdoh
-tarp, regular or puffy slime
-tarp, bins for sand, pony beads
-spray bottle with water and food dye
-water bottle with water and food dye
-sidewalk chalk (toddlers/preschoolers loooove using the spray bottle or water bottle on chalk after they draw!)
-timer, visual and/or sound (I like https://apps.apple.com/us/app/visual-countdown-timer/id541364004)

Start your 2yo with a timer for 1 min, work up to 3 and then 5.  They should eventually be able to go from one activity to the next in the same room with you, showing you what they’re doing (quietly or not!) while you continue working with your 6yo.  While your 6yo works independently for 5 minutes on math, reading or writing, you can do something with your 2yo.[/quote]

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