Lets face it, homeschooling a house full of kids is hard.
Everyone wants attention at the same time, yet theres only one of you to go around.
So just how do youhomeschool multiple kids?
Homeschooling Tips & Tricks:
1.
Combine
In many ways homeschooling multiple kids is rather like running an old fashioned one room school house.
This does not mean that all children are doing the same activities, although it can.
Ill give an example.
Right now my children are studying Napoleon Bonaparte in history.
My 11th grader is reading some lengthy historical texts about him and outlining an essay.
My 7th grader is reading through some easier history books and answering questions.
Im not going crazy trying to teach 4 different topics, but each child is doing age appropriate work.
Independent Materials
Independent materials are a lifesaver.
Theyallow even small children to work through their schoolwork without you.
Except for ensuring shes writing eachletter correctly, she doesnt need my help.
The trick to using independent materials is to choose wisely.
Sometimes kids can work through the materials and not understand a single concept they were to learn.
In this case youre better off with teacher dependent materials that get the job done.
Remember as children grow, they can do more independently.
A 1st grader needs you for almost everything.
A 12th grader simply needs you to check in from time to time to ensure theyre on-track for graduation.
Come 9am the family sits down to study math.
Ill start my 1st grader with a drill sheet while I ensure the older children understand todays lesson.
Eventually I swing back around to teach my youngest children todays lesson.
The idea was to sit everyone down at the table with independent work.
I wandered around the table helping and teaching children in turn.
Studying subjects works super well in combination with independent work.
Assign one child independent work while you work with another child.
Keep going back and forth until the school work is finished.
Rotate Through the Children
My favorite method by far is to rotate through the children.
Another child is working through independent work, while Im sitting down actively teaching the fourth child.
During this time I teach the math lesson, phonics, spelling.
I also correct writing, and touch base on independent school work.
It gives me daily one-on-one time with each child.
Morning Time
Morning time is a catch-phrase for a group study time for the family.
Its a time to listen to good music while painting.
you’re free to recite poetry, enjoy a read aloud, or hold a family discussion.
Looping subjects works well formorning time.
This means you may start with poetry and memorization chants everyday, but on Monday youll cover geography.
Tuesdays are for naturestudy.
Wednesdays topic is music appreciation.
Thursdays cover art while Fridays are a catch-up day.
Of course the subjects vary depending upon your familys specific needs.
