For most homeschooling mom’s we see a title like that and I think we retreat. The truth is, most of us see homeschooling much different then what the schools do. It isn’t school at home, it is homeschool, right? No, I don’t do school with my toddler but I do teach him.

Right now he learns the best through play and watching what I do, what his sister does, and especially what his dad does. He comes along on nature walks. I ask him things like, “What color is that leaf?” And “Will that stick float or sink when you throw it in the river?” I draw shapes in the dirt with a stick and he copies me, then I tell him names of the different shapes.

He is a very determined and adventurous little boy who is always trying to find a stick, a branch, and even a log to drag through the woods. He catches frogs and insects. Watches the ants crawl down into their homes. He plays in the creek along side his sister. Most importantly, I encourage it.

See right now I am just setting the stage. Beginning to build that very first foundational layer in his education. It should be a foundation of character building, habit training, and relationship skills, all bonded together with the nurturing love of his mother.

If he does anything academic at this point, it would be at his lead and will end at his discretion. Yesterday he seated himself at the table while Averie was writing her letters. He picked up a pencil, grabbed a piece of paper, and then began writing big wide round circles. He then proceeded to scribble. Scribbling is the precursor to writing, so I encouraged, “you are writing some nice circles buddy.” He smiles,”yeah tanks.”

I am continually reminded though that he is still just a toddler bound for mischief. Prior to this he had covered himself in pink highlighter. You can still see the reminance of some of it on his hand, cheek, and even his shirt. Thank goodness for Oxyclean, that stuff is a life saver. After this photo was taken he climbed down and strew the box of color pencils through the learning loft-all boy-all toddler.

He cooks and cleans right along side me. He can be soft and gentle, then mighty and fierce. All these personality traits are great and can be guided by a thinking love-by his mother. This is how I teach him right now, nothing more.

While I love this stage so much. Watching him learn through play. Taking in everything he observes when he is in nature. My favorite thing, my. favorite. thing. to do with him is Read. Right now I am reading to him different living board books. His favorite is (click title to preview) Peter Rabbit By Beatrix Potter.

I purchased the entire Beatrix Potter Board book gift set on amazon. If your interested you can purchase the book set as well.

I love amazon prime, the free shipping in two days deal is so convenient.

When I was shopping through Amazon Prime I came across a cute little stuffed Peter Rabbit. I couldn’t resist, I bought that to go along with the board book. I handed it to him after the first time I read Peter Rabbit and he just gushed. Now he holds it every time we read, and I read until he falls asleep.

The above are shortened versions of Beatrix Potter’s books. If you would like a link to a set that is not abridged you can find a hardcover version below. It is not however a toddler board book.

If your wondering how to homeschool a toddler-you don’t. They learn the best through play, so play play play. The greatest thing you can do is read to him. This right here, this is how you homeschool a toddler.

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