https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:26:34 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/educational-supplies#post-2768283 Thu, 17 Aug 2017 10:02:50 +0000 KayKay 2768283@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs d: one thing I like is getting some of the paper that has space for a drawing on the top and then lines on the bottom half. for a 3yo, you could have DD1 draw the pic while you are putting DD2 down, and then write a "story" (sentence or two!) together when you come down. as she gets older, she can phonetically write the "story" herself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/educational-supplies#post-2768173 Wed, 16 Aug 2017 16:17:52 +0000 daniellemybelle 2768173@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So this is some screen time but we've really been loving the show Ruby's Studio on Netflix and there is a simple craft with each episode you can usually do with supplies at home! </p> <p>We also have been doing Koala Crates which are kind of expensive but I'm not Pinterest-y enough to do crafts another way.</p> <p>There's always sticker/activity books or Playdoh! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/educational-supplies#post-2768073 Wed, 16 Aug 2017 09:35:05 +0000 looch 2768073@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Why not set up an art area where she can access supplies and make some masterpieces?</p> <p>I bought a rolling cart with 8 drawers and my son has an assortment of papers, envelopes, stickers, markers, glitter glue, stamps and ink pads, foam shapes, pom poms etc.</p> <p>I did this for my son and it's been the gift that keeps on giving. Of course I have to keep it stocked now, but he's constantly using it to make things. I think if you tailor it to your child's age and abilities, you have a workstation where your child can occupy herself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/educational-supplies#post-2768047 Wed, 16 Aug 2017 05:54:50 +0000 honeybear 2768047@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: The independent time for a 3yo could be tricky, but I think it depends on the child and how tired she is at that point. With practice and encouragement, I bet she could be happy looking at picture books, playing with Legos/dolls, and generally being quiet enough for little sister to get to sleep for 20-30 min. I'd probably dump some nice books and Legos/small toys/drawing paper and markers in a basket and only get it down at that point in the evening, so it's sort of a treat. Maybe put on an audiobook or soft music for her, too. </p> <p>Personally, I think guided or semi-guided activities at that point in the evening would be a headache rather than a helpful exercise, so I'd give her open-ended toys/books and pitch it as 'special' big sister time. And then cap it off with a special reading time for you two. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/educational-supplies#post-2768042 Wed, 16 Aug 2017 05:39:11 +0000 Mrs D 2768042@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks ladies, for all the input. Definitely going to check out Kumon books!</p> <p>@Mrs. Lion: @honeybear: We go for a walk every night (well - weather permitting) and have play time but its usually before I got to put DD2 to bed. We also read 2-3 stories before bed as a part of DD1s bedtime routine. I kind of needed something she can do independently as the first half (maybe 20 mins) of that hour is usually when I am putting DD2 to bed - some times DH is home but often times I end up solo bc he gets home later these days.</p> <p>Legos might be a good thought, I'd just have to keep them put away from DD2 - but that would make them a special treat for DD1...since only she gets to play with them... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/educational-supplies#post-2768000 Tue, 15 Aug 2017 18:31:08 +0000 looch 2768000@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh additionally, what you could do is tracing letters by hand in sand or sugar. That's a great sensory activity, but you have to be ok with a little mess.</p> <p>Another idea is to do play dough mats. You make an outline of a letter or word, slip it in a wipeable pouch, and use play dough to fill in the white space. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/educational-supplies#post-2767995 Tue, 15 Aug 2017 16:59:23 +0000 honeybear 2767995@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With a preschooler, I think the most productive thing to do is to read and talk. If you've got an hour, I'd read aloud for most of it and then go for a walk or let her play with Legos. I field-tested this method and can vouch for it's efficacy. ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/educational-supplies#post-2767981 Tue, 15 Aug 2017 14:58:40 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2767981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Unless these are activities that your child really enjoys, I would suggest just readibg books together, playing board games, going for a walk, or other activities that require waiting, turn taking, and following directions. Those skills can be taught through play and are much more important for school readiness than academic worksheets. If your child likes activities like that, they arent harmful, but they also aren't necessary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/educational-supplies#post-2767964 Tue, 15 Aug 2017 13:55:09 +0000 Mamaof2 2767964@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ditto on the Kumon books (got ours from Amazon) Loved them! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/educational-supplies#post-2767958 Tue, 15 Aug 2017 13:36:26 +0000 looch 2767958@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I use the Kumon or Spectrum workbooks...I tried looking for free printables and it's a lot of work that I don't have time for.</p> <p>In addition to what you've mentioned above, I got my son the mazes books, and the cutting and folding skills books. It's always good to work on fine motor skills.</p> <p>In addition to the workbooks, I have things like math dice, story cubes, number tiles, appleletters and pop for sight words games. Amazon is a treasure trove. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/educational-supplies#post-2767952 Tue, 15 Aug 2017 13:22:28 +0000 Mrs D 2767952@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Looking for advice one where you ladies get printables and what not for educational activities at home?</p> <p>Our nighttime routine is pretty short right now but with DD1 staying up later than DD2, I'd like to be more productive with that extra hour. (time between when DD2 goes to bed and DD1 goes to bed).</p> <p>I was thinking theme days, based on the following:</p> <p>reading<br /> writing<br /> math<br /> food/baking</p> <p>Basically, I'm trying to add some education to our evening routine to discourage falling back on TV like we have done right now.</p> <p>I have some early reading kits, and plenty of kid friendly recipes...but I dont have much for letters/writing and math. Would love any input! or others ideas who have been in this situation! </p>