🌟 What We’re Loving So Far (Amazon Favorites+)
Here are a few things my kids and I use all the time that make homeschooling + everyday life easier and more fun:
📚 Puzzle Books (Amazon)
✏️ Kids’ Washable Art Supplies Set (Amazon)
🧩 STEM Building Kit (Amazon)
🎨 Craft Supplies Organizer Box (Amazon)
🎲 Family Game Night Favorite (Amazon)
🗂️ Homeschool Planner (My Shop)
🧠 LCD Writing Tablet (Amazon)
🪄 Quiet-Time Activity Book (Amazon)
As a homeschool mom, there are so many moments when I’m juggling a million things at once—laundry buzzing, dinner half-prepped, an unexpected phone call, or a quick work task that somehow turns into twenty minutes. And let’s be honest… sometimes I just need a quiet moment to catch my breath.
But young kids don’t pause just because we need to. They still want engagement, direction, and something meaningful to do. Over time, though, I’ve learned a little secret: If I prepare a small collection of independent, educational activities, my kids stay busy and they keep learning.
In this blog post, I’m sharing 20 educational things kids can do when you’re busy—activities that are simple, low-prep, and genuinely enriching. These ideas help you avoid the guilt that often comes with “go play for a bit,” while giving your child something purposeful and engaging to dive into.
These ideas also work beautifully whether you homeschool full-time, part-time, or not at all. Learning doesn’t stop when you’re busy—it just shifts into a different rhythm.
Let’s get into it.
1. Independent Reading Basket
Create a basket filled with age-appropriate books—picture books, early readers, chapter books, magazines, even comics. Rotate new titles every few weeks to keep it exciting.
Why it’s educational: Encourages literacy, vocabulary, imagination, and focus.
Pro tip: Add a cozy blanket or reading nook to make it irresistible.
2. Audiobooks + Coloring
Audiobooks are magical. Kids listen, imagine, and stay quietly entertained. Pairing audiobooks with coloring pages keeps hands busy and minds engaged.
Why it’s educational: Strengthens listening comprehension, focus, and vocabulary.
Great for: Ages 3–12.
3. Nature Journaling
Keep a small journal and simple prompts like:
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“Draw something from outside.”
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“Write about today’s weather.”
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“Sketch a plant or animal.”
Why it’s educational: Encourages observation skills, handwriting, and creativity.
4. Puzzle Time (All Types!)
Jigsaw puzzles, word searches, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, logic puzzles, tangrams—anything that challenges the brain.
Why it’s educational: Builds problem-solving, persistence, spatial reasoning, and literacy.
5. STEM Bins
These don’t have to be fancy. Fill a bin with LEGO, magnetic tiles, pipe cleaners, blocks, or craft sticks.
Ask them to build:
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A bridge
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A tower
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A house
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A marble run
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A “mystery invention”
Why it’s educational: Encourages engineering, planning, and critical thinking.
6. Copywork or Handwriting Practice
Choose short, meaningful passages—quotes, poems, affirmations, Bible verses, or lines from favorite books.
Why it’s educational: Improves handwriting, spelling, grammar, memorization, and attention to detail.
7. Educational Apps (Screen Time You Don’t Have to Feel Bad About)
If you need to rely on a screen for a moment, choose apps that actually teach something:
Why it’s educational: Great for math, reading, science, and problem-solving.
8. Independent Craft Time
Have a bin with simple supplies: markers, glue sticks, scissors, stickers, construction paper.
Give them a prompt like:
Why it’s educational: Builds creativity, fine-motor skills, and independent thinking.
9. Sorting + Categorizing Activities
Kids love sorting. Give them coins, pom poms, buttons, toy animals, or even pantry items.
Sort by:
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color
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shape
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size
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type
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value
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texture
Why it’s educational: Strengthens math foundations and observation skills.
10. Educational YouTube Channels (Parent-Approved)
Save a playlist so you know exactly what they’re watching:
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SciShow Kids
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National Geographic Kids
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Art for Kids Hub
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Rock ‘N Learn
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Crash Course Kids
Why it’s educational: Makes science, art, and geography fun and visual.
11. Flashcards or Learning Task Cards
These can be store-bought or homemade:
Why it’s educational: Perfect for quick independent practice that reinforces lessons.
12. Sensory Play
Keep a sensory bin ready to go. Ideas include:
Add themed items (dinosaurs, shells, letters, numbers) for learning variations.
Why it’s educational: Builds fine motor skills, imaginative play, and early math skills.
13. DIY “Learning Stations”
Set up mini learning stations around the house:
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A math basket
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A reading corner
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A science tray
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A writing spot
Kids move through them at their own pace.
Why it’s educational: Encourages independence and gives structure without needing your constant involvement.
14. Scavenger Hunts (Indoor or Outdoor)
Create lists based on learning goals:
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Shapes
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Colors
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Patterns
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Nature items
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Letters
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Household items
Why it’s educational: Builds attention to detail, literacy, and problem-solving.
15. Printable Worksheets
Keep a folder of worksheets: math drills, tracing pages, science diagrams, mazes, dot-to-dots, etc.
Your kids can choose 1–3 pages whenever you need quiet time.
Why it’s educational: Reinforces concepts and teaches independent responsibility.
16. Quiet Games
Games that kids can play solo:
Why it’s educational: Encourages strategic thinking and calm concentration.
17. Listening to Music + Drawing
Turn on classical music, instrumental playlists, or relaxing nature sounds and let kids draw what they imagine.
Why it’s educational: Boosts creativity and emotional regulation.
18. Mini Research Projects
Give your child a simple question and let them research using books or safe online tools.
Ideas:
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“What do pandas eat?”
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“Why do leaves fall?”
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“How do volcanoes work?”
Kids can draw or write their “findings.”
Why it’s educational: Strengthens research, writing, curiosity, and independence.
19. Shadow Drawing or Object Tracing
Set an object on paper (or take it outside) and let kids trace the shadow or outline.
Try:
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Leaves
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Figurines
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Animals
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Blocks
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Their own hands
Why it’s educational: Teaches observation, spatial awareness, and early art concepts.
20. Board Books or Picture Book STEM Challenges
Read a short book (or have them read independently), then ask them to build or draw something from the story.
For example:
Why it’s educational: Connects literacy with hands-on learning.
How to Make These Activities Actually Work When You’re Busy
Here’s the key: prepare them ahead of time.
A little pre-planning makes these activities feel seamless instead of chaotic. Here’s what helps in my home:
✔ Keep bins labeled
STEM bin. Craft bin. Quiet play bin. Puzzle drawer. Everything in its place makes it easy for kids to choose something meaningful.
✔ Teach them the routines
Practice these activities during calm moments so they know what to do when you’re busy.
✔ Encourage independence with gentle boundaries
“Choose one activity from the shelf while I make dinner.”
“Pick two things from the learning bin while I finish a phone call.”
✔ Celebrate their independence
A simple “I love how you worked independently today!” goes a long way.
✔ Rotate materials weekly
Kids stay engaged longer when things feel fresh.
Problem Solved: Kids Learn + You Get a Break
This list isn’t about filling time—it’s about filling your child’s mind in a way that doesn’t drain you when you’re pulled in a hundred directions.
When kids learn to entertain themselves intentionally, it gives them confidence, creativity, and resilience. And it gives you space to be human—whether that means catching up on laundry or just sitting with a warm cup of coffee for five minutes.
I hope this list helps your days feel a little lighter and more peaceful.
👉 Visit my shop for homeschool printables and learning resources!
Leave a Comment
Do you have a favorite independent activity for your kids?
👇 Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!
📚 Explore More Helpful Amazon Finds
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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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