Sensory Activities to Keep Toddlers Busy While Homeschooling
- scrunchyconservativemom
- Mar 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 13
Homeschooling with a toddler in the house isn't the easiest task I've ever done. Some days it is a breeze other it is very challenging. The key is keeping little ones entertained while teaching older. I keep lots of sensory activities for her.
Toddlers love to touch, move, and explore. Instead of trying to keep them out of the learning environment, set up engaging activities that allow them to learn through play. Here are some of the great sensory-based activities I use to keep my toddler occupied (and learning!) while I am homeschooling her siblings. I always make sure to swap them out frequently so they always seem new and fun. I also try to find things that don't seem like baby toys but are easy enough for her to do on her own.
One of my favorites that is universally used for my early reader is the Sight Word & Pronunciation Box.
This simple activity that encourages early language development and keeps little hands busy. You can make your own using a shoebox and fill it with different objects. I have my little one say the name and encourage her to try to draw the object on a paper. I also a QuTZ that has really helped improve her speach.
This keeps their hands busy while reinforcing early vocabulary and speech development.
All of my children love Interlocking Blocks & Magna-Tiles.
Interlocking blocks like PlusPlus and Magna-Tiles are great at helping with fine motor skills and creativity. A win for busy toddlers! and their moms! I know my toddler especially enjoys her time alone with both of these activities. She knows her siblings will rush over to help her as soon as their lessons for the day are complete. As a homeschooling mom I am always looking for activities that bring out my childrens imagination, encourage problem solving and helps with their hand-eye coordination.
Magna-Tiles add an extra sensory element with their smooth, clicking connections, making them extra engaging.
Number, Maze, & Shape Boards
Wooden or magnetic maze boards keep toddlers entertained while building early math and spatial skills.
Try These Ideas:
A number & letter tracing board helps them get familiar with writing numbers.
A maze board strengthens fine motor skills as they move pieces along tracks.
A shape puzzle board helps with shape recognition and problem-solving.
Toddlers get a full sensory experience while learning without even realizing it!
Puzzles Puzzles and More Puzzles
Puzzles are a quiet, mess-free way to keep toddlers engaged.
Great Options:
Simple wooden puzzles with knobs for easy gripping.
Chunky shape puzzles to reinforce color and shape recognition.
Matching puzzles (like animal pairs or number matching).
Puzzles encourage focus, patience, and independent play—perfect for homeschooling!
Sensory Bins & Sensory Toys
When in doubt, bring out a sensory bin!
Easy Sensory Bin Ideas:
Rice or beans with hidden toys to scoop and pour.
Kinetic sand for building and squishing.
Water beads (supervised!) for a soft, squishy experience.
Pom-poms and tweezers to practice fine motor skills.
Sensory bins are a great hands-on activities to keep toddlers busy while homeschooling that lets toddlers explore textures and develop coordination while you teach. I keep a other sensory toys on hand to alternate.
6. Learning Games for Toddlers
Simple, engaging learning games help toddlers feel like they’re part of school time.
Fun Learning Games:
Color Sorting – Give them a pile of colored objects and have them sort by color. My son loved to sort and would spend hours sorting. It isn't for all kids though.
Counting Cups – Use small cups and objects for easy counting practice.
Letter Matching – Let them match magnetic letters to printed words or pictures.
I-Spy Bag – Fill a clear bag with rice and small objects, and let them hunt for items.
Magnetic Wooden Fishing Game - fine motor skills, matching up colors and letters
Coloring Mat - Take a large roll of paper and give them colors. Or a water color mat.
These activities make learning fun while keeping little ones busy!
Activities to Keep Toddlers Busy While Homeschooling and Making Sensory Play Part of Homeschooling
The key to homeschooling with a toddler is having engaging activities ready to go. Keep sensory bins, puzzles, and hands-on toys within reach so they can grab something when they start getting antsy.
Instead of fighting their need to explore, embrace it—because a busy toddler is a happy toddler (and a more peaceful homeschool day for you!).
Do you have any go-to sensory activities that work wonders? Share them in the comments!
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