Toddler Time Survival Guide for Homeschool Mornings

Real-life tips + 100 quiet activity ideas to help you homeschool with little ones underfoot

Let me guess — your homeschool day starts with high hopes and a hot cup of coffee…And then your toddler wakes up.

Suddenly someone’s yelling, someone else is crying, the crayons are on the floor, and your carefully planned morning lesson is now being interrupted every 90 seconds by a very busy small person.

I’ve been there. Still am some days.Homeschooling with a toddler in the mix isn’t easy — but it’s possible. And with a little planning (and a whole lot of flexibility), it can even be enjoyable.

This post is for the moms who are in the thick of it. The moms teaching phonics while a toddler sits on their lap eating cereal. The moms who feel like every day is a juggling act of snacks, snuggles, and subtraction.

If that’s you — you’re not doing it wrong. It’s just a lot.So let’s talk about some things that can actually help.

10 Toddler-Time Tips for Homeschool Mornings

1. Give them “school” of their own.

Little ones want to be part of what you're doing — so let them!A toddler busy book, coloring pages, felt board, or a special learning basket can help them feel included while giving you time to focus on the older kids.

2. Stick to a rhythm (not a strict schedule).

Toddlers thrive on predictability.Simple things like morning snuggles, outdoor time after breakfast, or a read-aloud during snack can give them a sense of structure, even when your homeschool day shifts around.

3. Use short lessons and rotate activities.

Aim for 10–15 minute chunks for toddler time.Set a timer, and rotate through 2 or 3 activities to keep them engaged while you check off lessons with your older ones. Don’t be afraid to switch it up!

4. Make use of contained play.

A highchair, playpen, or toddler table can be your best friend.Keep a few trays of activities (like lacing beads, sticker books, or kinetic sand) that only come out during homeschool time.

5. Prep a snack box ahead of time.

Having a mini “snack box” for the toddler—think crackers, raisins, string cheese—means fewer interruptions while you’re mid-lesson.You can even include a water cup and a few toddler-safe utensils for independence.

6. Have a morning movement break.

Before you sit down to teach, get the wiggles out!Dance, go outside for 10 minutes, or do some toddler yoga. A little movement goes a long way toward helping everyone focus.

7. Teach older kids to work independently.

This takes time, but it’s a gift to your whole homeschool flow.Start with short assignments they can do without you, so you can give your toddler some undivided attention during that window.

8. Expect interruptions — and plan for grace.

Some days will go off the rails, and that’s okay.Have a few go-to “Plan B” options, like audiobooks, educational shows, or sensory bins, and give yourself permission to pivot.

9. Rotate toys and activities weekly.

Put half of the toys away in a closet, and rotate them every week or two.The novelty will keep your toddler more engaged without needing to buy anything new.

10. Lower the bar, just a little.

If all you do is survive the morning and read a book together at lunch — that counts.This season isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence. And if the toddler is happy and the big kids are learning a little something each day, you’re doing beautifully.

100 Toddler Activity Ideas for Quiet Time or Busy Baskets

Here’s a giant list of realistic, toddler-approved ideas you can rotate through during homeschool mornings. These don’t require Pinterest-level prep, and most use items you already have at home. Some will still require supervision because of small parts so have them do it for "school"right next to you! Others will be best suited tobreak time to get the willies out. Pick and choose and be inspired.

Sensory Play Ideas

1. Dry rice in a bin with scoops

2. Pom-poms in muffin tins

3. Water play in a bowl

4. Cloud dough

5. Ice cube scooping

6. Playdough with animals

7. Nature sensory bin (leaves, sticks, rocks)

8. Shredded paper and trucks

9. Beans and measuring cups

10. Kinetic sand with scoops

    
    

Art & Fine Motor

11. Crayons and large coloring sheets

12. Washable markers

13. Dot markers

14. Stickers and paper

15. Water painting on construction paper

16. Lacing cards

17. Pipe cleaners in a colander

18. Play foam

19. Stamp pads and stamps

20. Cutting with toddler scissors

Busy Book / Table Activities

21. Toddler busy book

22. Felt shapes or animals

23. Magnetic tiles

24. Wooden puzzles

25. Animal figurines and cards

26. Matching cards

27. Velcro or snap toys

28. Foam blocks

29. Chunky beads and string

30. Quiet board with zippers and buckles

Educational Play

31. Color sorting with pom-poms

32. Shape sorting

33. Stackable cup

s34. Alphabet magnets

35. Number puzzles

36. Sound jars (rice, beans, coins)

37. Animal sounds game

38. Flashcards with real images

39. Object-to-picture matching

40. Pattern blocks

Pretend Play

41. Play kitchen

42. Baby dolls with bottles

43. Stuffed animal vet kit

44. Puppet play

45. Toy cars and garages

46. Dress up

47. Mini grocery store

48. Tea party setup

49. Play doctor kit

50. Dollhouse

Simple DIY Ideas

51. Pipe cleaners and beads

52. Sensory bags

53. Pom-poms in a whisk

54. DIY shakers

55. Muffin tin + plastic balls

56. Cardboard tube marble run

57. Water in a ziplock with buttons

58. Masking tape on the floor

59. Cereal threading

60. Clothespins on a paper plate

Books & Audio

61. Sturdy board books

62. Picture books

63. Books with textures

64. Lift-the-flap books

65. Sound books

66. Read-aloud time

67. Classical music playlist

68. Nursery rhyme songs

69. Audiobook stories

70. Calming music playlist

Movement & Gross Motor

71. Indoor obstacle course

72. Balloon catch

73. Toddler stretching video

74. Follow-the-leader

75. Toss the beanbag

76. Dance party

77. Crawl tunnel

78. Animal walks

79. Parachute with a sheet

80. Bouncing on a mini trampoline

Snack-Time Ideas

81. Muffin tray snacks

82. Toddler charcuterie board

83. Cookie cutters with toast

84. Yogurt + sprinkles

85. Crackers and cheese

86. Toddler trail mix

87. Fruit kabobs

88. Smoothie with a straw

89. Dried fruit and cereal

90. Goldfish and raisins

When All Else Fails

91. Audiobook + snack on the couch

92. Sensory bin in the bathtub-no water make sure you can keep your eye on them

93. Educational show (Bluey counts!)

94. Blanket fort + flashlight

95. Let them nap on your lap

96. “Help” you fold laundry

97. Go outside

98. Pack everyone in the car and drive

99. Give yourself grace

100. Try again tomorrow ❤️

Mama, You’re Not Failing

If you’re feeling stretched thin, exhausted, or like you’re always behind — it’s not just you.

Toddlerhood is intense. Homeschooling is a big responsibility. You’re trying to do both with love and intention, and that matters.

Whether you're new to homeschooling or a seasoned mom just trying to juggle toddlers while teaching long division, I hope these ideas spark some peace and inspiration in your days.

And if you're looking for a ready-to-go resource to keep your toddler engaged during homeschool time, check out our PLR Toddler Busy Book! It's full of interactive printable activities you can assemble and use with your own little one — or resell, bundle, or edit as part of your mom-based digital business.

→ Grab the PLR Toddler Busy Book https://momlifeuplifted.etsy.com/listing/4327456817