9-12 months

Traditional Education for Infant (9-12 Months)

The 9-12 month period is a whirlwind of development. Your baby may be cruising along furniture, saying their first words, pointing at things they want you to name, and showing genuine understanding of simple instructions. They're also developing strong preferences — favorite books, favorite songs, favorite people. Traditional homeschooling is still in the preparation phase, but this is the stage where you can see the learner your child is becoming. They'll sit for longer read-alouds, imitate actions, and begin to follow simple routines with anticipation. If you read the same book at the same time every day, they'll start reaching for it before you do. This is also when many parents start thinking seriously about what their homeschool will look like. If you're drawn to the traditional, structured approach — desks, workbooks, clear grade levels — now's the time to order catalogs, join curriculum review groups, and talk to other families who use the programs you're considering.

Key Traditional principles at this age

Following baby's lead within a structured daily rhythm

Building vocabulary through constant, natural labeling and narration

Encouraging imitation — clapping, waving, simple gestures — as a precursor to following instructions

Using repetition intentionally, since babies this age learn through repeated exposure

Preparing the physical homeschool space for the toddler years ahead

A typical Traditional day

Most babies this age are on two naps (transitioning to one) with 3-4 hour awake windows. A morning might include breakfast in the high chair with conversation, a book together, then floor play or outdoor time. If older siblings are doing their traditional school work, baby might play nearby with a basket of safe items. Afternoon could include music time, more reading, and exploring the house. The bedtime routine is well-established — bath, books, songs, sleep. Everything has a pattern, and baby is starting to expect it.

Traditional activities for Infant (9-12 Months)

Shape sorters and simple puzzles with knobs (early problem-solving)

Reading 'first words' books and pointing to pictures while naming them

Playing with nesting/stacking toys that teach size relationships

Push toys that encourage walking practice and gross motor development

Filling and dumping containers — endlessly — to explore volume and gravity

Simple pretend play like 'feeding' a stuffed animal or talking on a toy phone

Parent guidance

You're close to the starting line now. In the next 6-12 months, you could begin the earliest traditional preschool materials if your child shows readiness. Use this time to get organized: set up your homeschool space, order your first curriculum, understand your state's requirements (some states require notification even for preschool-age children), and establish your record-keeping system. Traditional homeschooling generates a lot of paperwork — progress reports, test scores, portfolio samples — so building the organizational habit now pays off. Also start connecting with local homeschool groups. Traditional families often form co-ops for subjects like science labs, art, and PE.

Why Traditional works at this age

Baby's growing love of routine aligns perfectly with the traditional approach's emphasis on schedule
Imitation skills are emerging, which will support following instructions later
Parents can complete all research and purchasing before the 'school years' begin
The home environment is already calibrated for learning if older siblings are schooling

Limitations to consider

Traditional curriculum still isn't designed for pre-toddlers — another waiting period
High mobility and short attention spans make 'sit-down' anything nearly impossible
Parents may over-invest in curriculum materials they won't use for years
The approach doesn't offer developmental guidance for this transitional stage

Frequently asked questions

My baby loves being read to — should I start teaching sight words?

It's tempting, but no. Loving books at this age is about connection, rhythm, and images — not decoding text. Keep reading together enthusiastically. Formal reading instruction works best when started between ages 4-7, depending on the child.

How do I set up a homeschool space for a family with a baby?

Think about safety first. You need a gated area where older kids can work without baby grabbing their materials, and a baby-safe zone nearby so you can supervise both. A high chair at the table works well for including baby in 'school time' without them disrupting workbooks.

What traditional curriculum should I buy for starting at age 2?

Abeka offers a 2-year-old program with songs, stories, and basic activities. It's structured but gentle. Alpha Omega's Horizons and BJU Press also have preschool-level materials starting around age 3-4. Read reviews from families with similar values and teaching styles before committing.