Somehow we mostly ended up taking this summer off from homeschooling, despite the fact that we usually school year round. As we prepare to start up again next month, I am focusing on what I will be doing with all my school-aged kids, but even more so, what I will keep my two little boys busy with while I work on lessons with the others. They are wild and crazy and very much into everything, so I need a plan! I like to find activities that they can do alongside their siblings, and as far as homeschooling goes, I often have younger children working at the kitchen table alongside the older kids. Art is my go-to activity. We’ve recently made some bedroom changes, and now Silas has a little spot for art in his bedroom too. He loves to draw and write, more so than any of my other children, and certainly more so than they did at his age. And Job usually likes to do whatever Silas is doing.
I teamed up with my longtime favorite, eco-friendly school and art supply shop, Stubby Pencil Studio, to stock up on supplies so that we will be ready for school days. Silas loves colored pencils, and watercolor pencils are always fun. We love these jumbo ones. I buy blank notecards for him to draw and paint on as a sturdier option than plain paper, without being as expensive as watercolor paper. Silas is also very interested in practicing his letters (not something my girls were really into at this age-every kid is different!) and he likes using the Laddie intermediate sized pencils.
I don’t typically give my younger children regular sized crayons because they break so easily, but Silas is at a place now where he can use them a bit more carefully, and lately he has really been enjoying getting to use these soy crayons. We have been using these for many years, and I keep a stash of them in my art supply drawer. I prefer crayon rocks for Job.
I haven’t purchased modeling clay in ages, but decided to give Plastilina clay a try with the boys. It held their attention for longer than I expected, and it will be an activity that I pull out when I am nearby to supervise. Scented markers are another new favorite of both Silas and my girls. They have spent hours drawing food-themed pictures with them!
If you are looking to stock up on art or school supplies yourself, Kate from Stubby Pencil Studio is offering one Small Things reader a $75 gift certificate! In addition save 15% off all orders through August 31 using the discount code GINNY15 at checkout. For your chances to win: leave a comment on this post and then enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. The winner is Lisa C.!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Great ideas! I also have two littles to occupy while I teach the two older ones, and found that I spend a good amount of time planning some “busyness” for them so I can have a little more peace in which to teach. I will be incorporating some of your ideas – starting a new sensory bin type activity to explore each week has been helpful also!
Stubby Pencil Studio is a favorite of ours, too! And keeping littles occupied while still being productive with bigs seems to get more challenging every year.
My daughter would love this! Thanks!
I love Stubby Pencil! They are my go-to place for birthday and Christmas presents.
Thanks to you and to Stubby for teaming up for this timely give-a-way!
Katey LOVES art supplies! What a wonderful giveaway! Thank you to everyone involved!
My three year old niece would love all of this!
New art supplies always make my day bright. It’s the best part of back-to-school planning!
Good fun! This is an area I have a been a cheapskate and am ready for some quality, and pleasingly aesthetic art supplies!
I have one thats not ready for school yet so I am going to attempt to do a home preschool for her! This would be great something just for her ..to draw and to practice writing!
This is a great giveaway-thank you!
Wonderful giveaway — thank you! My little ones fly through the art supplies, so this would be fantastic.
My little one is just starting to love art! These look like great materials.
What a great raffle!
What a great raffle! I really like this company.
I have ordered from them before and love their products! Would love to win a gift certificate from them, especially since we are in the middle of “birthday season” here!
We love stubby! So fun!
I love this company and have always wanted to try out their stuff. The watercolor pencils look awesome!
Thanks for this giveaway! I have a 6th grader and a new Kindergartener to homeschool this year (and 3 preschoolers too!) What beautiful supplies.
Beth
I love the products, especially the crayon rocks!
great giveaway! All my kids love to draw and paint.
I love all of their unique art supplies for kids! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
Erin
Yay for ideas to keep the little ones happily and productively occupied:)
We love Stubby Pencil!
Thanks so much for the generous giveaway! All their products look wonderful!
I love fostering memories with my kids that invoke neat products that are out of the norm that they will always remember. Thanks for inspiring me to find some artsy stuff that fits the bill!
I need to start planning for my toddler too! Thank you for the ideas and this chance to get some much-needed art supplies. The modeling clay would be perfect actually. 🙂
Oh, my kids would love this, thank you!
I love love love this company!
The watercolor pencils are something we would love to add to our art cupboard.
My kids would love this. Thank you!
awesome
I love seeing how you keep such diverse ages busy.
Yes, please! I love their art supplies!
Great post. I would love to buy some new art supplies!
Thanks for the great giveaway! I’m going to get some of the crayon rocks for the grandkids!
Wonderful giveaway!
Those look awesome!
Lovely new space!
My kids and I love doing art so art supplies are always in demand here.
I’d love to add more to our little art supply stash at home!
my two sons would love this!
My girls love art as well!, thanks for the website info!
I have a 3 year old and soon we will begin homeschooling and this would come at a perfect time! But beyond all of that, those are some of the sweetest photos!
My girls would love these crayons! Thank you!
In the same boat here–a 3 year old to occupy while I work with the 6 year old; love Stubby Pencil Studio. Thanks for the chance!
I also have two boys to entertain while I am teaching their older sister, so I like hearing your ideas, Ginny! I also like what Stubby Pencils has to offer…thanks for the opportunity to win this certificate. What fun!
I have a very busy 3 year old to entertain this year while homeschooling! Should be a busy year!
Oh, I’d love a chance to win and stock up on some art supplies! Thank you!
What an awesome giveaway! I have the same issue—keeping my toddler occupied while I attempt to homeschool my 7-year-old. Would love to win! We love art around here. 🙂