Kid Archives • Page 8 of 21 • diy mama

by Shelly on August 9, 2018 Leave a Comment

Quiet Activities for Preschoolers

Quiet activities for preschoolers- We just had a baby two weeks ago. Our other daughter, who is 4.5, sings from the moment she wakes up to the moment her head hits the pillow. She runs everywhere! She squeals when excited and loves to wrestle her Daddy. All of these things make me so happy and I love her excitement and joy for life. What I don’t love is feeling the need to shush her when the baby is sleeping in the room. I feel terrible, like I’m shushing her joy. I’ve come up with a roundup of our favorite ‘Quiet Activities for Preschoolers’ that she’s been enjoying the past couple of weeks.

Quiet Activities for Preschoolers

Easy DIY Projects

Here is a list of easy, low prep DIY projects you and your husband can put together that your child can play alone.

10 Easy Busy Bags by Powerful Mothering: these are great because your child can easily see what’s inside the bag. With inexpensive supplies you could make tons of different learning and play activities.

Block Puzzles Printable by All Our Days: I love this simple printable that you can print out to make block puzzles. Don’t have little blocks? Buy a pack of sponges at the dollar store and cut them up yourself!

Color Matching from The Rigneys: This is awesome because you can get free paint samples from any hardware store. Get a pack of clothespins and you’ve got a very inexpensive activity that uses matching and fine motor skills.

Activities You Can Buy

Here is a list of activities you can buy at your local store or online at Amazon. There are affiliate links included.

Bananagrams Word Center by Bugs and Beaches: Use the popular game Bananagrams and these printables for your child to learn sight words.

Coloring books are perfect for this age group. Getting a book with stickers is even better! It helps with their concentration as well as their fine motor skills which leads to better grip for writing. Easily find Disney Coloring Books or coloring books with animals anywhere. Pair it with this ultimate crayon kit with 152 crayons and they’ll be set for a while!

Lego sets are now becoming even more kid friendly with smaller sets geared towards younger kids. Our daughter loves the LEGO Friends Set because she can open all of the packaging, separate the pieces and follow the instructions all by herself.

Nature Shapes with No Time for Flash Cards: There are TONS of activities you could do with Play-Doh. Kids love seeing what shapes they can make with their toys, alphabet magnets or even things found in nature.

What other quiet time activities do you suggest for little kids to be engaged while you feed the baby, have some meditation time or just need a little quiet time?

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by Shelly on July 24, 2018 2 Comments

Homeschool Organization for First Time Homeschoolers

Homeschool Organization for First Time Homeschoolers- Being a first time homeschool Mama my biggest fear is our daughter’s lack of education because of me. I have been dedicated all summer to research homeschooling and preparing the curriculum to make it easier when school starts. Add this stress with a newborn baby and you’ll see what my first few months of school will be like!

I’m sure over this year my organization will change and adapt to how we use it, but for now I think I’ve got a good set up for our needs. I will be teaching Pre-K to our daughter who is already at the Kindergarten level. My goal is to keep teaching her at her level while she is still interested in learning. We have one room dedicated as the ‘library room’ where I’ve intertwined her school materials. I will write another post on the exact curriculum and resources we’ll be using but today I wanted to show you how we have everything set up.

If you are unable to watch the video, here are some photos detailing how I’ve organized the space. The key was to make things easily accessible for our daughter who is not reading yet with picture labels. I also have several activities she can do on her own during times I need to be tending to the baby. Giving her a mix between teacher led lessons, work alone lessons and field trips. Check my post on field trip locations around us and you might be able to adapt it to your area.

I’d love to know any suggestions you have for organization that has worked well for you. What did you do to prepare for the year ahead to make it a smooth transition from summer to school season?

Homeschool Field Trips Around Indianapolis

Preschool Montessori Bedroom

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by Shelly on July 21, 2018 1 Comment

Tips for a Smooth Back to School

Tips for a Smooth Back to School- With the first day of school lingering in the not-so-distant future, you’re probably feeling both excited and overwhelmed. From creating healthy sleep habits and establishing a good morning routine to handling back to school anxiety and learning how to make communication more manageable, we’ve got 10 back to school tips and tricks for parents to help make this your best year yet!

Tips for a Smooth Back to School

1.) Make a countdown- using a calendar, paper chain or white board start a countdown a couple weeks before school. With this countdown ease into their school routine with bedtime, setting out their clothes for the next day and when they’ll be waking up. It’ll be hard to stick to those routines while wanting to get in as much fun as you can but it will help the transition immensely if you start early.

2.) Keep an affirming and positive attitude- you know that your child will reap the benefits of going to school. Try to keep any anxiety or stress you may have from showing to your child.

3.) Visit the school- This is a great practice for young kids starting preschool or Kindergarten. It is equally great for children entering a new school. Map out their classes and let them try out their locker. Park where they will park and walk in making their first day of school more familiar.

4.) Have an easy morning routine- Routine is the key word here. It may take a few weeks or even months to figure out the perfect routine for your family but once you’ve got it, stick with it. Write it out or discuss it with your kids to let them know how you’d like to see the morning go. Have them help you figure out what works best for them.

5.) Even better, have a great evening routine- Although morning routines help with the ease into a new day, setting up an evening routine can make that morning routine breeze by. Again, see what works best for your family. Maybe make a chart or a evening routine clock that shows what things they need to accomplish before lights out. Do as much as you can the night before so the next morning is simple (set out clothes, make lunches, look at the week ahead etc.)

6.) Go school shopping- Head to the store for their favorite foods in their packed lunch. Purchase the necessary school supplies or even a new First Day outfit. Get haircuts. Having a day with them to prepare for the new year ahead will let them know you want to make this as easy as possible for them.

7.) Create a drop zone/command center for backpacks and permission slips- Talk to your child about homework rules and where they should put papers that need to be looked at or signed. Have enough space for each child’s backpack, shoes, water bottles or anything else they will be carrying home from school so there is no frustration in the morning to find these items. Make sure they know it’s their space and their responsibility to keep their items there.

8.) Make a school calendar- Add all of the Holidays and School info and hang it where your child can see it. If they join a club or sport have them write in their games or practices to let them have a little responsibility over knowing when their time is scheduled. If you have a younger child, use stickers to let them know which days they have games or practices. Starting this habit of letting them schedule their time will help them decide what is too much on their plate.

9.) Listen and be present- As tempting as it is to tell our kids they have nothing to worry about as a way to distract them, sometimes the best thing we can do as parents is to simply listen. If your child is finding school stressful, allow her to put her feelings into words so you can figure out exactly what is bothering her and (hopefully) find a solution to her worries. Spend 5-10 minutes connecting with each child in the morning or evening routine- with your phone put away. Talk about who they’re excited to see or what they’re going to do at recess. If they are nervous for the week ahead brainstorm a family activity for the weekend.

10.) Outsource your time- Know that it’s OK to ask for help. Figure out what is taking up a lot of your time, therefore, keeping you from your family. Is there a way to pay to have it done by someone else? Hire a cleaning service, utilize grocery pick up or delivery, make crock pot meals, car pool with other parents for practices. There are a lot of ways to simplify all of the busyness if you are able to step back and see what needs to be adjusted.

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by Shelly on July 12, 2018 1 Comment

Homeschool Field Trips Around Indianapolis

Homeschool Field Trips Around Indianapolis- One of the greatest things about Indianapolis are all the great museums and parks. This makes for a really fun place to do field trips as a homeschooling parent! I’ve been researching where we should go in coordination with our curriculum this year and found an overwhelmingly large amount of cool places. There’s literally a place for any subject you’re learning about. I broke it up by indoor and outdoor locations in case you’re doing a spur of the moment trip but this is only a small percentage of all that Indianapolis has to offer.

The beginning of our year will start out pretty slow because of my lack of sleep with a newborn. Having a baby late in July means we’ll be starting the year off slow which is why I’m researching like crazy awesome places to visit once we’re mobile and able to explore! I’ve been to all of these locations but have never visited through the eyes of a teacher. The numerous amount of hands-on information we will learn is exciting!

15 Homeschool Field Trips Around Indianapolis

Below I’ve given suggestions of locations but there are multiple locations within each category you could explore. The website will link to the educators page of each location.

Get Outdoors

Farms-Fair Oaks Farm- Lots to do and see on this dairy farm. You can learn about animals and their birth and what they do on the farm. Check the website for elementary, middle school and high school quizzes that go along with what you’ll be learning. You can pack a lunch but there is also a large variety of food options in the cafe. Try the grilled cheese and buy a chocolate milk to go, you won’t regret it!

Orchards- Tuttle Orchard- take a tour of the orchard (apox 2 hours) and learn about the history, economics and how weather affects apples! Home School Day is October 10, 2018. Sign up online starting August 1st.

Zoos- Indianapolis Zoo- Zoos are the perfect place for specific animal studies but our zoo is so vast, there are so many great opportunities! You could learn about conservation of the animals (specifically in the dolphin show) or have chats with various animals (sea lions, macaws, lions, cheetahs to name a few). Moderate temperatures are best for visits as the animals are more playful. My favorite time to visit is when it’s raining because there are no crowds, you can observe as long as you want and if you bring a big striped umbrella or wear a yellow rain coat the animals get more playful!

Conner Prairie- Conner Prairie is our very favorite Indy spot to explore. Take on a role in Prairietown by using our Adventure Guide and Achievement Cards, link history with hands-on science in our Create.Connect gallery, and experience Indiana’s brush with the Civil War at 1863 Civil War Journey. Also be sure to explore the Conner House, and take a journey out to our newest exhibit, Treetop Outpost. August 28 and September 12, 2018
$5.50 per student, $8.50 per chaperone, free for primary educator.

Eagle Creek Park- explore, hike, picnic, and learn! Visit both nature centers and explore the park grounds for educational experiences on your own, or sign up your group of students for one of our environmental education program offerings. The Fall 2018 programs will be held Friday November 2nd and Friday April 5th.
Fort Harrison Park (and other State Parks)- Again, great location for nature lessons with lots of shade. Be sure to check out each park’s website for a list of fun classes/activities to go along with your visit and the link that shares coloring pages and rainy day activities.
Spring Mill State Park- take a trip back in time to the 1800s while exploring history and nature in this one location!

Indoor Locations

Indiana State Museum- The ISM has a great program lined up for 2018. Check out their K-12 School Guide on page 19 to learn more about each program offered. Be sure to check the age range before signing up. Be sure to pack a lunch for this location as their cafe is on the pricier side.

The Children’s Museum- I’m not sure what you wouldn’t be able to do a lesson on at TCM. My daughter attended their preschool program last year and she learned about such a wide range of topics. Check their site for their various programs as well as pricing for each class. They also offer day camps during break.

Libraries- Indianapolis Public Library (6-12), Hamilton East Public Library- We’ve got libraries in every town so just choose one closest to you and check out their program offerings. Up on the north side, Noblesville and Fishers have locations very dedicated to their children’s programs. They’re constantly adding more classes/programs for all ages and are very interested in what we want to learn about. Oh it’s also a great place for books! at the HSE locations there are cubbies for learning as well as rooms with desks and outlets that you can grab on a first come first serve basis.

Museum of Miniature Houses- this darling museum’s permanent collection comes from the more modern miniature world and includes children’s doll houses that are not to scale (and have been well-loved), as well as small scale reproductions of items (many are quite exquisite) that become the contents of dollhouses, room boxes, vignettes, or any setting that the ingenious miniaturist chooses to create, often with painstaking attention to detail. They also offer workshops on how to build your own small scale items (check the age limit).

Arts Council of Indianapolis- The Arts Council is a great place to look for lessons on all arts. Music, art classes, culture and more are all around the city all throughout the year.

Eitlejorg- The Eitlejorg is primarily a Native American museum but there are also several rotating exhibits featuring other topics. Jingle Rails is a fun exhibit in the winter showcasing a large model train scene that is very intricate. The website does not mention discounts for home schooling but the discount is $5 per person—students and accompanying adults. Children 4 and under are free. Again, bring your lunch to this field trip because there aren’t many places close by for food and their cafe is pricey.

Indy 500 Hall of Fame Museum (The track offers “School Days” two weeks before the Indy 500. Students and chaperones get into the track FREE; receive a FREE parking pass; and FREE access to the Hall of Fame Museum. Lunches can be purchased or you can bring your own lunch into the track. Up close and personal views of the drivers, pit lane, and more. Watch your favorite drivers practice for the upcoming race. Awesome experience and great field trip fun!)

Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art)- their are hands on art classes, guided tours and self tours available at Newfields. Tours must be scheduled three weeks prior to your visit. This is a great way to introduce your children to a ‘grown up’ space where we have to learn to be more quiet. Bring a sack lunch!

If you’re in the Indy area or coming to Indy for a trip to one of these fantastic places, I’d love to show you around and do a lesson with you this year. Just contact me at shelly@diymamablog.com.

Other posts related to Homeschool Field Trips Around Indianapolis:

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by Shelly on July 9, 2018 Leave a Comment

Best Birthday Party Locations Near Hamilton County

Birthday Party Locations Near Hamilton County- The options are endless for awesome Birthday Party locations around the Northside of Indianapolis. I didn’t even touch on all the great talent there is with bringing the party to your house (princesses, video game trucks, bouncy houses!) I’m letting you know about the Birthday Party locations that I’ve either been a host or guest of a birthday party.

Birthday Party Locations Near Hamilton County

Get Outdoors

Living Historical Museum, Animal Encounters, Treetop Outpost and Splashpad at Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie creates unique opportunities to pursue fun and knowledge. Experience new heights at our 1859 Balloon Voyage, climb into our 4-story Treetop Outpost, and visit your favorite farm friends at Animal Encounters. Each year, Conner Prairie creates 15 million minutes of family time.

Phone: (317) 776-6000
Address: 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038

Zip Lines, High Ropes and Big Thrills at Edge Adventures.
CLIMB FOR FREE on your Birthday, while your guests receive a discounted rate! Visit our website or call to book your Birthday Package. Featuring aerial courses with fun and challenging treetop obstacles & ziplines to Conquer together.
Located in Strawtown Koteewi Park with full park amenities.

Phone: (800) 590-8347
Address: 11800 Koteewi Drive, Noblesville, IN 46060

Playgrounds, splash pads, volleyball and more at Fishers Parks & Recreation or Carmel Clay Parks
We had an awesome time at the park for our daughter’s birthday. Plenty of space for the kids to play on the playground and lots of seating for the adults to enjoy conversation and snacks. There are grills at many locations and you can rent out a shelter for larger groups. Holland Park (Fishers) and West Park (Carmel) are two of our favorites.

Indoor Party

Tea Party at Tina’s Traditional English Tea Party
Located in both Carmel and Columbus IN. The perfect place for your little princess to host her birthday party. Come dressed up in her favorite princess dress, sip specially created Princess Tea in a china cup and try Princess Tea meal and birthday cake.

Phone: (317) 813-7125
Address: 30 North Rangeline Road, Carmel, IN 46032

Play and Music at Gymboree
With a Gymboree Birthday Party, you get the use of our entire center with our unique developmentally appropriate PlayScape, fun activities and a passionate teacher all to your-self. A Gymboree Birthday Party is guaranteed to be memorable! We plan an exciting party with games, songs and age-appropriate activities for children and their parents. Call our Carmel or Greenwood location today to arrange the best birthday ever!

Phone: (317) 574-9626
Address:12524 N. Gray Rd., Carmel, IN 46033

Swimming and Sports at The Monon Center
Looking to have your child’s birthday at the Monon Community Center? Select from multiple packages and activities. Please call for additional details, pricing and availability.

Phone: 317-228-9177
Address: 1195 Central Park Drive W, Carmel, IN 46032

Jumping and Ninja Course at Skyzone
Get all the energy out at an indoor trampoline park. Kids can play dodgeball or try their hand at the ninja course. Don’t forget your Birthday kid gets one free cut in any line! Check out their party rooms for pizza, drinks and cupcakes.

Phone: (317) 572-2999
Address: 10080 E. 121st Street, Suite 182, Fishers, IN 46037

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Quiet Activities for Preschoolers

Quiet Activities for Preschoolers

Easy DIY Projects

Activities You Can Buy

Other related posts:

Pin it for later:

Homeschool Organization for First Time Homeschoolers

Tips for a Smooth Back to School

Tips for a Smooth Back to School

Homeschool Field Trips Around Indianapolis

15 Homeschool Field Trips Around Indianapolis

Get Outdoors

Indoor Locations

Best Birthday Party Locations Near Hamilton County

Birthday Party Locations Near Hamilton County

Get Outdoors

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