What is a quiet time basket?
A quiet time or independent basket is exactly what it says on the tin – a basket you bring out when you need your children to play or work independently. I recommend bringing these activities out ONLY when you intend for quiet time, that way they stay fresh and the novelty doesn’t wear off. You can tailor the activities to the age and stage of your children and use them as a way to practice key skills!
Whilst I’m not totally against screen time (it definitely has its place), I didn’t want to rely upon it every time I needed to get something done. So putting together a thoughtful basket for each of my children has been game-changing.
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Why do I need one?
Maybe you need to work 1 on 1 with another child or maybe you just need to get some housework done. Having some time where you don’t need to be the sole source of entertainment for your child is so important, especially for stay at home moms – we need a break too! The length of time your child will sit and play or work independently will vary depending upon a variety of factors, but once they get used to the routine of quiet time it will change your life!
As a bonus, most of these activities also work well for travelling too, popping a little caddy with a handful of activities in the back of the car for long journeys helps to minimise stress.
What to include in a quiet time basket for toddlers and pre-schoolers?
For toddlers or very young children you can’t expect them to play independently for hours on end. However, if you find a safe, engaging activity for them to enjoy, you may manage 20 minutes or so of uninterrupted quiet time! The suggestions below work well for helping your child learn and practice important skills through play.
- Water magic books
- Play dough
- Play dough tools (these roller stamps make a fun addition)
- Life cycle sequence puzzles
- Wipe clean pen control workbook
- Shape sorter
- Colouring book – With simple, large illustrations, one like this is great for toddlers.
- Twistable crayons (way less likely to break or get chomped on)
- Cutting practice sheets
- Toddler scissors (These cut paper but nothing else – a must for toddlers)
- Lacing cards or Threading beads – (Only suitable for children who no longer put things into their mouths)
- Puffy stickers (easiest for little hands)
- Magnifying glass
- Magnetic tiles (the whole family loves these)
- Number and letter flashcard/ puzzle cards – A super easy way to introduce letters and sounds to young kids.
- Busy book or binder – Practice fundamental skills like matching, counting and colours!
- Etch a Sketch – A classic kids toy, need I say more?
- Letter and number tracing whiteboards
- Buckle/ Life skills practice board
- Large building blocks
- Stickle bricks
- Window suction toys
- Picasso magnetic alphabet / drawing board – Loved by all ages, this one gets bonus points for it’s longevity!
Ideas for slightly older children:
Older children may be expected to sit independently for longer periods, you may even get an hour or 2 (if you’re really lucky). These suggestions have been some of my go-tos for getting the kids to leave me be.
- Yoto player – Our Yoto is so well loved. We use it on long car journeys and at home for quiet time!
- Magnetic funny faces
- Sketchbook – This sketchbook is A6 and the perfect size to drop into an independent basket.
- Watercolour paints
- Step by step guided drawing book
- Whiteboard and markers – Perfect for school work, games like noughts and crosses or hangman and practicing writing or drawing.
- Paint with water books – A slightly more grown up version of the reusable water magic books, but no less entertaining!
- Colouring books – This under the sea themed one is beautiful!
- Bracelet or jewellery making kit – Another activity that can keep kids engaged for HOURS! My daughter loves this brand (just make sure your child is no longer mouthing toys).
- LCD drawing pad
- Wipe clean letter tracing and number tracing workbooks
- World map puzzle in travel case
- Jigsaws
- Pattern blocks
- Puzzle or activity workbooks
- Portable mini microscope and slides
- Cutting and sticking activities
- Letter and word formation game
- Yoga dice – Throw a dice and copy the pose or throw all 7 and turn it into a yoga flow! My kids LOVE these!
- Story telling dice – Amazing to foster creativity, make a story using the pictures on each of the dice!
- Dobble – Every card has only 1 matching picture with each other card in the deck, see how fast you can spot it!
- Origami books – A great hobby for slightly older children!
- Explode the code – Great for independent work, pick a level that is suitable for your child to complete without much help. They make a great way to practice phonics and basic reading skills.
Armed with this list, you should have plenty of ideas for putting together your own quiet time basket! Now to decide whether to enjoy the peace and quiet, or tackle that ever growing to-do list. Either way, you can thank me later!
You may also enjoy:
Why every home-school needs a morning basket
The ultimate animal non-fiction book list for your home-school library