Welcome to our homeschooling journey!
A Guide for Moms Homeschooling Toddler
Welcome to the “Start Here” page, designed especially for moms navigating the unique journey of homeschooling a toddler with a speech delay. As a mom of a child with similar challenges, I understand how daunting it can be to start this process. This page aims to provide you with the essential tools, routines, and activities that will help support your child’s development at home.
While the primary focus is on supporting speech development, I hope that all moms will find this page helpful. Whether your child has a speech delay or not, the materials, routines, and activities shared here are valuable for early childhood education. I’ve included everything from step-by-step guidance on setting up a homeschool routine to recommendations for speech therapy tools and educational resources.
In addition to this page, be sure to check out the “Resources” section, where you’ll find a curated list of helpful materials, including printable worksheets, recommended apps, and links to supportive communities. This page is not just for speech therapy; it’s a comprehensive guide for any parent looking to give their child a strong start in learning at home.
Starting with an assessment from a licensed speech pathologist – visit my blog to see how we began with an assessment and then enrolled in speech therapy, setting the foundation for our homeschooling journey.
Discover the must-have tools and resources to support your child’s speech development and overall learning.
Tips on creating a balanced daily routine that blends structured learning with free play.
Learn how to reinforce therapy at home with fun and engaging activities that promote both speech and general cognitive development.
Remember, every child’s journey is unique. This page is here to offer support, resources, and reassurance as you embark on your homeschooling adventure.
I hope this page not only helps you get started but also inspires you to create a nurturing and educational environment for your child. Whether you’re here for speech therapy resources or general homeschooling tips, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore this journey together, one step at a time!
Initial Steps: Assessing your child's needs
Visit my blog to read about our day of assessment and my son’s first day of speech therapy in July 2023. I share our personal experiences and offer recommendations for parents in our area who are looking to enroll in speech therapy. We tried three different therapy sessions, and I provide insights on what worked best for us. Check out the full story and recommendations here.
Schedule an assessment with a licensed speech pathologist to understand your child’s specific needs.
Enroll in speech therapy based on the assessment results.
Work with the therapist to set clear, realistic goals for both speech development and homeschooling.
Gather Essential Materials
Gather essential materials by securing speech therapy tools like flashcards and educational apps recommended by your therapist. Additionally, gather homeschooling supplies such as preschool workbooks, puzzles, and sensory toys to support both speech development and general learning.
Speech Therapy Flashcards
Flashcards designed to improve your child’s articulation and language skills through visual cues and repetitive practice, recommended by therapists.
Articulation Toys For Toddlers
Recommendations for engaging, screen-free toys that help develop speech and language skills through interactive play, making learning fun and effective.
Interactive Books for Early Learning
These are books that encourage active participation, helping to improve language, comprehension and articulation through storytelling & hands-on activities.
Preschool Workbooks and Puzzles
Age-appropriate educational materials that focus on early learning concepts like letters, numbers, and problem-solving, supporting cognitive development.
Daily Routine
Establishing a consistent daily routine is key to creating a balanced and effective homeschooling environment for your toddler. This section provides sample schedules, tips on balancing structured learning with free play, and advice on integrating speech therapy exercises into your day-to-day activities.
- Morning Routine: Start with simple speech exercises, followed by a structured learning session.
- Midday Activities: Include free play, outdoor time, and a focused learning segment.
- Afternoon Routine: End the day with calming activities like storytime or sensory play, reinforcing any new skills learned.
Supplementary Activities
Supplementary activities are designed to reinforce learning and speech development in a fun and engaging way. This section offers creative ideas, from hands-on crafts to interactive games, that complement your child’s daily routine and make learning at home both enjoyable and effective.
Speech Games: Engage in games like “Simon Says” to practice articulation and listening.
Creative Crafts: Use crafts to teach shapes, colors, and fine motor skills while encouraging language use.
Storytelling: Use picture books and storytelling sessions to improve vocabulary and comprehension.
Sensory Play: Activities like sand or water play can help with both sensory integration and language development.
Need More Tools and Tips?
Got Questions?
Start by assessing your child’s needs, setting goals, and creating a daily routine. Gather essential materials like educational toys, workbooks, and tools recommended by the experts.
Incorporate speech therapy games, storytelling, and articulation exercises into your daily routine. Simple games like “Simon Says” and reading aloud can be very effective.
Create a flexible schedule that includes both structured activities (like workbook time) and free play (like outdoor activities), ensuring a balanced approach to learning.
Include a mix of speech therapy exercises, basic literacy and numeracy lessons, creative activities, and physical play. Consistency is key to making progress.
Keep a daily log or journal of your child’s activities, noting any improvements or challenges. Regular check-ins with your speech therapist are also crucial for monitoring progress.
Use interactive and hands-on activities, like puzzles, sensory play, and creative crafts, to make learning enjoyable. Incorporate your child’s interests into the lessons.
Utilize speech therapy flashcards, articulation toys, interactive books, and educational websites that focus on early childhood development. Explore the Resources section for more ideas.
Practice speech therapy exercises daily, ideally in short sessions. Consistency is more important than the length of each session, and it should be a part of your daily routine.
Arrange playdates, join local parenting groups, or participate in community activities. Socialization can also happen through online homeschooling communities and classes.
Consult with your speech therapist to reassess your child’s goals and strategies. It may be necessary to adjust the therapy approach or seek additional resources.
If your question isn’t covered here, we’d love for you to join our Facebook community!
If your question isn’t covered here, we’d love for you to join our Facebook community!
There, fellow moms and parents can share their experiences and help answer any questions you might have.