Homeschool Lesson Plan for 3 Kids Under 5

This week we’re doing a bug unit that I’m creating for Cultivate Curiosity, along with working on shape recognition with the younger 2 toddlers and baking together.

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If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that less really is more when it comes to teaching toddlers at home.

I tend to get so excited about all of the cute little crafts and activities, that I load our schedule up.

And don’t even get me started on trips to the library or museum. One of our favorite places to go is the Dallas Arboretum.

That said, do you know what’s more important for young children?

Free time to play and explore. Time to be bored.

Last week we did a bubble foam bath activity that was a hit with all 3 kids. If you’ve never moved one of your sensory activities to the tub, let me just tell you, it’s amazing.

It’s great for you because it makes the cleanup easier, but the kids love it too because it’s different!

Sometimes when an activity is getting stale, I simply change the scenery and it hooks the kids back in. Inside, outside, on a table, on the ground, in the tub, you name it. As long as it’s being done in a different spot.

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My middle baby, Maddie has gotten a lot better at color recognition, so this week we’re going to do a shape recognition activity to switch things up.

And, if you haven’t seen a post of mine about these foam letters, go ahead and order some whether you join our lesson plan this week or not.

They’re super cool and durable! In all the years of toddler destruction and dozens (maybe even hundreds) of activities done with them, I’ve only replaced them one time.

When they’re wet, they stick to the window!

My oldest baby, Marshall has practically claimed my Nintendo Switch as his own. Which is fine! I have my sights set on the new OLED version anyway, so oh well.

Plus, my favorite game on the switch is Animal Crossing, so I’d love to have a new island without having the delete my old one quite yet. This week I thought it would be nice to spend 30 minutes to an hour playing the switch together.

I strive to make time to connect on their level every week with whatever they’re interested in. Weeks can pass so quickly and before I know it, I find myself immersed in chores and things that really don’t matter all that much.

So, this is my way of remembering to play and connect. His favorite game right now is this Kirby game, if anyone else has a switch-loving 5+ year-old.

Interested in this week’s meal plan as well? Check it out here.

The Materials We’re Using This Week:

• Paper plate
• Pipe cleaners
• Yellow paint (I love this washable paint from Walmart)
• Black paint
• Black construction paper
• Googly eyes
• School glue
• My shape tracing cards (optional: laminate and use dry erase markers)
• Foam letters
• Butterfly kit
• The Big Book of Bugs
• *We’re playing video games and cooking a box cake, but insert your own connection activity. Maybe your kids are playing with Barbies or Hot Wheels.

Remember, when all else fails, cuddle and read together! Have a great week!

What activities are you doing with your little ones this week? Let me know in the comments below!