Teach Your Littles At Home | Homeschool Preschool Activities for Busy Moms of Toddlers and Preschoolers
Laurin Brainard | Curriculum Creator and Owner at The Primary Brain
33 episodes
4 months ago
Do you wish there was a simple way to teach your 2 to 5-year-old children at home while they play? Are you looking for a simple roadmap you can follow to help guide you in creating the perfect learning opportunities that will fit into your busy days as a mom?
Welcome! I’m Laurin Brainard from The Primary Brain and I am so glad you are here at Teach Your Littles At Home! I know how it feels to have little ones running around the house while caring for a new baby. I am always trying to find the next activity to do with my little ones while I take care of other little ones, cook dinner, and try to keep the house looking somewhat presentable. I have discovered that having a structured routine with my children is just what I need to keep our life running smoothly.
Inside this podcast, I’m combining my 11 years as a classroom teacher, along with my own homeschool preschool experiences to help you find activities and ideas to keep those little hands busy learning. You will learn how to make academic concepts fun and hands-on without losing your sanity! We are going to simplify teaching your children at home so that you can have FUN while you learn and play with one another.
So, it’s time to grab your favorite hot beverage (yes, I said HOT!) and tune in as we talk about how you can get started teaching your little learners at home! Now, get ready to make more memories than you ever dreamed of with your children!
You can connect with me here:
Join Our Facebook Community - Teach Your Littles At Home: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Website: theprimarybrain.com
Instagram: @theprimarybrain
Email Laurin: theprimarybrain@gmail.com
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Do you wish there was a simple way to teach your 2 to 5-year-old children at home while they play? Are you looking for a simple roadmap you can follow to help guide you in creating the perfect learning opportunities that will fit into your busy days as a mom?
Welcome! I’m Laurin Brainard from The Primary Brain and I am so glad you are here at Teach Your Littles At Home! I know how it feels to have little ones running around the house while caring for a new baby. I am always trying to find the next activity to do with my little ones while I take care of other little ones, cook dinner, and try to keep the house looking somewhat presentable. I have discovered that having a structured routine with my children is just what I need to keep our life running smoothly.
Inside this podcast, I’m combining my 11 years as a classroom teacher, along with my own homeschool preschool experiences to help you find activities and ideas to keep those little hands busy learning. You will learn how to make academic concepts fun and hands-on without losing your sanity! We are going to simplify teaching your children at home so that you can have FUN while you learn and play with one another.
So, it’s time to grab your favorite hot beverage (yes, I said HOT!) and tune in as we talk about how you can get started teaching your little learners at home! Now, get ready to make more memories than you ever dreamed of with your children!
You can connect with me here:
Join Our Facebook Community - Teach Your Littles At Home: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Website: theprimarybrain.com
Instagram: @theprimarybrain
Email Laurin: theprimarybrain@gmail.com
On today’s episode, we’re talking about some simple, real-life moments when you can naturally work on letter sounds with your child, without any special planning or prep needed!
Links mentioned:
Episode 30: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-littles-at-home-homeschool-preschool-activities/id1763629783?i=1000699516681
Episode 31: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-littles-at-home-homeschool-preschool-activities/id1763629783?i=1000700612996
Bath Paints: https://amzn.to/4hPho5r
This is a commissionable Amazon link. Every time an item is purchased with this link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Where to follow us:
Connect with Laurin in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
If you have an older preschooler who is showing signs of being ready to learn to read, then this episode will give you simple, hands-on ways to help them master phonics skills without worksheets or flashcards—because we are talking about teaching phonics through play.
In today’s episode, we’re starting with letter sounds and recognition, which is the foundation of early reading. I’m sharing easy, playful ways to teach letter sounds. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s talk about letters!
Listen to episode 30 - What is phonics and How Will Phonics Skills Help My Preschooler? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-littles-at-home-homeschool-preschool-activities/id1763629783?i=1000699516681
Make sure to join our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community so you can ask all of your reading questions here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Where to follow us:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Have you ever asked yourself the following questions?
What is phonics? How will I teach my child to read?
Before we can begin to teach our child to read, we first need to understand what phonics is—especially since you’re working with your preschoolers, and this is the very beginning of their reading journey! Over the next few weeks, we are talking about the wonderful world of phonics and how you can set up your preschooler for a wonderful reading journey!
Make sure to join our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community so you can ask all of your reading questions here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Where to follow us:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Do you know how to catch a leprechaun? On today’s show, we are talking about 7 activities to help make St. Patrick’s Day memorable for your little ones. We are even talking about how to catch that pesky leprechaun this year. I hope this episode helps you make new memories with your little ones.
Links Mentioned:
St. Patrick’s Day Preschool Unit: https://theprimarybrain.etsy.com/listing/1876458175/st-patricks-day-preschool-activities-and
St. Patrick’s Day Toddler Unit: https://theprimarybrain.etsy.com/listing/1409945412/st-patricks-day-toddler-activities-st
Book: How to Catch a Leprechaun: https://amzn.to/4heW9tu
Dot Markers: https://amzn.to/3Dyt3HF
These Amazon links are commissionable links. This means that I earn a small commission from your purchase at NO extra cost to you.
Episodes to Listen to:
Episode 7: How to Make a Sensory Bin: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-littles-at-home-homeschool-preschool-activities/id1763629783?i=1000670420531
Episode 9: How to Teach Your Child to Use a Sensory Bin: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-littles-at-home-homeschool-preschool-activities/id1763629783?i=1000672085051
Where to follow us:
Connect with Laurin in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Since the spring season is right around the corner, what better way to explore the world with your kids than through sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch?
The best part? With simple, everyday learning moments you can help your child learn while enjoying the beauty of spring right from home!
Join our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Where to follow us:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
On today's episode, we are diving into 5 simple art activities you can do with your preschoolers using items you may already have on hand.
Share your art masterpieces in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Where to follow us:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Today we are chatting about 10 field trips you can take in your local community for free! You'll learn how to take a simple field trip and turn it into a fun learning experience!
Blog Post Mentioned: https://theprimarybrain.com/preschool/2025/02/16/Field-Trips-In-Your-Community/
Check out our Preschool Curriculum for Plans and Activities to Pair with Field Trips: https://theprimarybrain.etsy.com/listing/1734226997/preschool-curriculum-lesson-plans-and
👋🏻 Come say Hello!
Connect with Laurin in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Today we are talking all about how to make learning part of your daily routine with your little ones. Whether you are doing dishes, folding laundry, or out for a walk, there are so many opportunities for learning in these tiny moments of our day.
Connect with Laurin in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Where to follow us:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Today we are talking about how to introduce Bible studies into your weekly routine with your preschoolers. You’ll learn 12 activities that you can rotate through each week to help give your children a greater understanding of the Bible.
Links mentioned:
The Beginners Bible: https://amzn.to/4ht1YEi
Old Testament Bible Lessons Bundle: https://theprimarybrain.etsy.com/listing/1311582628/old-testament-bible-lessons-sunday
Where to follow us:
Connect with Laurin in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Today, we’re diving into an important topic: five essential preschool skills to master before starting kindergarten. I hope you enjoy learning with us as you play at home today!
⭐️ Download your FREE Preschool Activities Bonus Bundle: https://theprimarybrain.com/menu/podcast-bonus-bundle
Episode Links:
11 – Fine Motor Skills: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-littles-at-home-homeschool-preschool-activities/id1763629783?i=1000673860461
13 – Alphabet Activities: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-littles-at-home-homeschool-preschool-activities/id1763629783?i=1000675635376
14 – Math Activities: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-littles-at-home-homeschool-preschool-activities/id1763629783?i=1000676536595
👋🏻 Come say Hello!
Connect with Laurin in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
We’re getting ready to celebrate 100 days of preschool learning! On today’s episode, I will help you create a plan to celebrate the 100th day of school in your home.
Links mentioned:
Grab your 100th Day of School Unit (Use code 100Days for 30% off): https://theprimarybrain.etsy.com/listing/1860811227/100th-day-of-preschool-activities-100
Use the code 100DAYS for 30% your entire purchase in my shop: https://theprimarybrain.etsy.com?coupon=100DAYS
Listen to Episode 11 – What are fine motor skills? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-littles-at-home-homeschool-preschool-activities/id1763629783?i=1000673860461
Read the full blog post and view photos of activities: https://theprimarybrain.com/preschool/2025/01/16/100th-Day-of-Preschool
Where to follow us:
Connect with Laurin in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
In this episode, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite indoor gross motor games for kids to keep on hand for the days you need to stay indoors.
Links Mentioned:
Episode 5: 6 Skill Areas to Teach Your Toddlers: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-littles-at-home-homeschool-preschool-activities/id1763629783?i=1000668890897
Cars Toddler Activities: https://theprimarybrain.etsy.com/listing/992894629/cars-toddler-activities-tot-school
Grab these freebies for even more indoor fun:
Free school year calendar and unit plans: https://theprimarybrain.com/menu/podcast-toddler-curriculum-map
Free activity guide: https://theprimarybrain.com/menu/podcast-toddler-guide
Free bonus activities bundle: https://theprimarybrain.com/menu/podcast-bonus-bundle
Connect with Laurin in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Where to follow us:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Happy 2025! In this first episode of the new year, I'm sharing 7 things you can do to set the tone for a wonderful year of learning with your little ones.
Links Mentioned:
Download your FREE toddler curriculum map:
https://theprimarybrain.com/menu/podcast-toddler-curriculum-map
Episode 2: Create Your Daily Routine: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-littles-at-home-homeschool-preschool-activities/id1763629783?i=1000666653321
You can also grab our Free Preschool Bonus Bundle here: https://theprimarybrain.com/menu/podcast-bonus-bundle
Connect with Laurin in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Where to follow us:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
On today’s final episode of 2024, I’m sharing what we will be doing for New Years and I hope it helps give you ideas for how to ring in the New Year with your little ones—without losing sleep.
Links mentioned:
New Years Toddler Unit: https://theprimarybrain.etsy.com/listing/1644883361/new-years-toddler-activities-tot-school
Confetti Balloons: https://amzn.to/3ZThKCq
Kwikstix Paints: https://amzn.to/4iHvRCm
New Years Toddler Blog Post: https://theprimarybrain.com/toddler%20school/2023/12/19/New-Years-Toddler-Activities/
*Please note, the Amazon links are commissionable links. This means I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
EVEN MORE FUN!
Grab your FREE Preschool Bonus Bundle Here: https://theprimarybrain.com/menu/podcast-bonus-bundle
Connect with Laurin in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Where to follow us:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
In this episode, you can grab 10 simple Christmas activities you can do with your kids using items you already have at home.
Links mentioned:
Gingerbread Playdough Recipe: https://theprimarybrain.com/christmas/2018/12/11/Homemade-No-Bake-Christmas-Playdough/
Salt Dough Ornaments Blog Post: https://theprimarybrain.com/christmas/2019/12/04/Salt-Dough-Christmas-Ornaments/
Episode 17: Christmas Holiday Traditions for Kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-littles-at-home-homeschool-preschool-activities/id1763629783?i=1000678917171
If you are looking for Christmas printables, check out these resources:
Toddler Christmas Activities: https://theprimarybrain.etsy.com/listing/1334512553/christmas-toddler-activities-tot-school
Preschool Christmas Activities: https://theprimarybrain.etsy.com/listing/1616347899/christmas-preschool-activities-pre-k
Connect with Laurin in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
On today’s episode, I’m sharing a few December traditions that our family enjoys each year. I hope you feel inspired to kick off the holiday season with some fun new traditions of your own! Making gingerbread houses, getting a real tree, making ornaments, and a Christmas book advent are just a few of the topics you will enjoy.
Links mentioned:
Salt Dough Ornaments Blog Post: https://theprimarybrain.com/christmas/2019/12/04/Salt-Dough-Christmas-Ornaments/
If you are looking for Christmas printables, check out these resources:
Toddler Christmas Activities: https://theprimarybrain.etsy.com/listing/1334512553/christmas-toddler-activities-tot-school
Preschool Christmas Activities: https://theprimarybrain.etsy.com/listing/1616347899/christmas-preschool-activities-pre-k
Connect with Laurin in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Where to follow us:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Have you ever wondered what materials you need on hand to teach your child? Whether you are a homeschool preschool family or just starting to think about what to work on with your child, an activity basket will help you stay organized and make learning fun for your littles! So today on the show, I’m sharing all my tips and tricks for creating an activity basket that your little ones are sure to love!
Grab our Free Preschool Bonus Bundle here: https://theprimarybrain.com/menu/podcast-bonus-bundle
Items included in our activity basket:
Crayons
Shoelaces
Large pencil
Glue stick
Blank white paper
Strips of construction paper
Folded white paper
Plastic tweezers and pompoms
Playdough container
Colored masking tape roll
Share your activity basket in our Teach Your Littles At Home Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Where to follow us:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
What is the true meaning of why we celebrate Thanksgiving? Today we are talking about ways to make Thanksgiving memorable and special for your little ones. I’m sharing 5 ways to make Thanksgiving special with a few ideas from our own family traditions that we share each year. I hope you feel motivated to try a few new things this year!
Links to Thanksgiving resources mentioned:
Turkey Toddler Activities: https://theprimarybrain.etsy.com/listing/1314900201/turkey-toddler-activities-tot-school
Thanksgiving Preschool Activities: https://theprimarybrain.etsy.com/listing/1799855378/thanksgiving-preschool-activities
Connect with Laurin in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
In this episode, we are talking about 10 simple math activities you can do with your little ones to work on color names, number names, and counting using items you already have around the house.
Links Mentioned:
Numbers Playdough Book: https://theprimarybrain.etsy.com/listing/1796174894/numbers-to-120-playdough-mats-play-dough
FREE Playdough Colors Book in our Bonus Bundle: https://theprimarybrain.com/menu/podcast-bonus-bundle
Counting Playdough Book: https://theprimarybrain.etsy.com/listing/1810377859/counting-playdough-mats-play-dough-cards
Listen to Episode 5 for even more math activity ideas here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-your-littles-at-home-homeschool-preschool-activities/id1763629783?i=1000668890897
Connect with Laurin in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community.
Grab even more activities on The Primary Brain Blog.
We're also on Instagram if you want to DM us for activity ideas.
Plan ahead and save activity ideas from our Pinterest boards.
In this episode, I share my favorite ways to teach alphabet activities to your toddlers and preschoolers.
Links Mentioned:
Foam Alphabet Letters: https://amzn.to/4eU8Fh8
Bath Paints: https://amzn.to/3NhE8yg
Tub of Magnetic Letters: https://amzn.to/3zS9wAd
Alphabet Cookie Cutters: https://amzn.to/3YfCvaL
Letter Stamps: https://amzn.to/3BtnGrV
Grab your FREE Preschool Bonus Bundle Here: https://theprimarybrain.com/menu/podcast-bonus-bundle
Grab our new Alphabet Coloring Book on Amazon Here: https://amzn.to/3ZYrcEX
Connect with Laurin in our Teach Your Littles at Home Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Where to follow us:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprimarybrain
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/theprimarybrain/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Teach Your Littles At Home | Homeschool Preschool Activities for Busy Moms of Toddlers and Preschoolers
Do you wish there was a simple way to teach your 2 to 5-year-old children at home while they play? Are you looking for a simple roadmap you can follow to help guide you in creating the perfect learning opportunities that will fit into your busy days as a mom?
Welcome! I’m Laurin Brainard from The Primary Brain and I am so glad you are here at Teach Your Littles At Home! I know how it feels to have little ones running around the house while caring for a new baby. I am always trying to find the next activity to do with my little ones while I take care of other little ones, cook dinner, and try to keep the house looking somewhat presentable. I have discovered that having a structured routine with my children is just what I need to keep our life running smoothly.
Inside this podcast, I’m combining my 11 years as a classroom teacher, along with my own homeschool preschool experiences to help you find activities and ideas to keep those little hands busy learning. You will learn how to make academic concepts fun and hands-on without losing your sanity! We are going to simplify teaching your children at home so that you can have FUN while you learn and play with one another.
So, it’s time to grab your favorite hot beverage (yes, I said HOT!) and tune in as we talk about how you can get started teaching your little learners at home! Now, get ready to make more memories than you ever dreamed of with your children!
You can connect with me here:
Join Our Facebook Community - Teach Your Littles At Home: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277293075961826
Website: theprimarybrain.com
Instagram: @theprimarybrain
Email Laurin: theprimarybrain@gmail.com