What should I be doing with my 2.5y old?

[olien]

Today DH asked me when I was going to start 'educating our son'. It took me off guard & annoyed me to be quite honest.

I have been thinking for a while that I need to have more structure in our day, but just haven't figured out quite how yet. I am just starting to get into a good groove with my 8mo & my DS as well.

So, what should/could I be doing with my DS at this age?? How structured should our day be? How do you structure your day?

We read, go on play dates/visit grandma, run errands & play. That sums up our day. We also go to an exercise/play class for an hour 1 day a week & a music class for 45min 1 day a week. I do allow TV when I am cooking breakfast & dinner.

At this age I feel like he is just learning by observing & playing.

BTW, DH made that comment while DS was pouring water from 1 cup to another without spilling, which I think is a good exercise for him.....DH then said to me are'nt you going to stop him from making a mess...

[onyxravnos]

Well really that's all that needs to be done and READ READ READ and some more READING.

 I felt I needed more at that age so i got http://littleacornlearning.com and it really helped me to get a good homeschool-y groove going. It allowed me to have 1 or 2 'school' activities each day but without feeling i was putting too much pressure on DS. 

they have two sample weeks on their website and have only gotten better since 2008 when I used them! at 2 1/2 it only required minor tweeking to make it age appropriate and at almost 4 i still refer back to my LA for school ideas.

[Aliy]

i think what you are doing sounds fine. you'd be amazed what children learn by just doing. cooking with them teaches them stuff, answer question point things out ask them qustion about the world around them provide oppurtunities to learn.

[kgianforti]

If your DH wants a bit more structure, you can set up a regular read aloud time as a "structured time" by doing it the same time every day. We do snack/story time every day at 10am. So maybe set up a time for a "story time" (you could add a snack too!) and let your DH know that every day at "x" time, you do your story time. And you could even follow it with a simple craft, we love this site:

http://www.dltk-kids.com/

[Leav97]

In My Opinion

Playing, Reading, Cuddling, and Talking.

[cappuccinosmom]

lol.  My dh was like that with our first.  By the time he got to our third, he realized how much is learned just by "living the toddler life". 

Nothing wrong with building a little structure in.  Have a daily reading time.  Establish a weekly visit to the library.  If you're computer-y folks, there are sites that even a toddler can love and learn on (starfall.com, poissonrouge.com etc)

But honestly, all of mine have been more than prepared for preschool and kindgergarten without *formal* learning.  We read, we talk, we ask questions, we answer questions, we touch things, we experiment--just your basic parent-child and child-child interaction is more than enough.

[KJunebug]

We are thinking along the same thing with our kids, though similarly I have a 34 month old and a 8 month old, and i am still adjusting to figuring out the 2 schedules at once. 

My husband stays home with them, and I have suggested working on something during the baby's morning nap.  I know yesterday they worked in a Sesame Street Workbook she got for the holidays.  Otherwise, we try to get out of the house once a day, but with the weather, this does not always happen.  That is the closest we have to structure with her on the days the three of them are home together.....

[LeighB]

At that age, you don't need to do much.  I don't think they need structure, just a basic routine/ rhythm to give some predictability to their lives.  As long as you are reading and allowing for free play he will be leaning.  Also, letting him help with things, like folding dish towels, measuring the flour when baking, and caring for the younger one, is a great way to teach him.  

If you have time and feel comfortable, then start adding in school type activities.  But don't make it stressful on yourself or the kids.   :)

[marimara]

Read books.

Explore nature

Get to know your community

Go to museums, galleries, the beach, visually interesting places

Listen to music and dance

Cuddle and love the child

Let the child play with water, sand, rocks, mud, blocks, spoons, bowls, flowers, play in the grass. etc.

Follow your childs lead, when they ask something answer them.  Sing songs, just be present.

[olien]

Originally Posted by onyxravnos 

Well really that's all that needs to be done and READ READ READ and some more READING.

 I felt I needed more at that age so i got http://littleacornlearning.com and it really helped me to get a good homeschool-y groove going. It allowed me to have 1 or 2 'school' activities each day but without feeling i was putting too much pressure on DS. 

they have two sample weeks on their website and have only gotten better since 2008 when I used them! at 2 1/2 it only required minor tweeking to make it age appropriate and at almost 4 i still refer back to my LA for school ideas.

Thanks. I did print out the two sample weeks. After browsing the site. I think I may invest in the weekly plans. DS is so young & I still have another that they will get a few years of use I am sure.
 

Originally Posted by kgianforti 

If your DH wants a bit more structure, you can set up a regular read aloud time as a "structured time" by doing it the same time every day. We do snack/story time every day at 10am. So maybe set up a time for a "story time" (you could add a snack too!) and let your DH know that every day at "x" time, you do your story time. And you could even follow it with a simple craft, we love this site:

http://www.dltk-kids.com/

I quickly checked out the site & DS loved the 'dozer & backhoe' coloring pages. I need to invest some time looking there. Thanks.

Originally Posted by marimara 

Read books.

Explore nature

Get to know your community

Go to museums, galleries, the beach, visually interesting places

Listen to music and dance

Cuddle and love the child

Let the child play with water, sand, rocks, mud, blocks, spoons, bowls, flowers, play in the grass. etc.

Follow your childs lead, when they ask something answer them.  Sing songs, just be present.

I love this post. I has such a peaceful energy to it.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

I did start doing some arts & crafts with DS. Things like painting & using glue. He loves it. I think I lost site of his needs with the new baby around & he was getting antsy, especially with not spending as much time outside bec of the weather.

[SundayCrepes]

Here's an article about how play will help your kids get into Harvard:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/12/29/christakis.play.children.learning/index.html