Homeschooling Multiple Grades:

Part III--A Balanced Schedule

Homeschooling multiple grades takes prayer, planning, perseverance and patience. But--good news--with God's grace, it's completely do-able...and satisfying.

When homeschooling in a large family, the immediate goals are to

1) guide each child to be as independent as possible.

2) provide individual attention to each. Plan to do at least one class with each of the older children. More time will be necessary with younger.

3) spend as much time as possible one-to-one with the babies and toddlers.

Once you have determined your needs and the school area is set up, it's time to make your schedule.

Although it may seem like more work, making a schedule is crucial. It actually saves lots of time and trouble. A regular routine provides structure and stability in which children flourish. It gives them security and discipline.

• Begin with a Teachers Conference. That is Dad and Mom consult on ideas and goals for the year. Dad may teach a class himself...or at the very least, he invaluable insights and suggestions.

• When homeschooling multiple grades, the more difficult and important subjects should generally be scheduled in the morning when everyone is fresher. These are religion/Bible study, math and (depending on the ages) reading or English and other language arts. Afternoon subjects are everything else--history, science, electives.

• Figure out in which courses you will always be needed to assist.

• Stagger those on your planning sheet.

• Decide in which classes the children can be combined. For example, a boy who is really good at math can be moved ahead with his sister who is one grade above him. A girl who is a whiz at English or reading can do the same work as her older brother who is one level ahead.

• Music, p.e. and art can almost always be combined.

• Plan time for the little ones. During recess for the students, play tea party, build a tower or read a book to the younger ones. During class work--as much as they will let you--keep them snuggled on your lap or in your arms.

• Once completed, write your schedule and make copies.

• Give each student his own schedule. He can decorate it and post in a convenient spot.

• When homeschooling several children, be sure each child has access to his lesson plans. Having his own set is preferable. (Just copy yours.) If that's not possible, show him where to find his assignments in your planner.

• For youngsters who are too young to look up assignments, give them one easy subject assignment ahead. Then they will not be wasting time waiting for you. For instance, after explaining the math assignment to your 3rd grader, tell him to do all the problems, then to practice his spelling on the computer.

• Work back and forth among the youngsters as you explain the lessons.

• Consider having older brothers and sisters each devote a small amount of time to their siblings. ( Each could spend fifteen to thirty minutes reading, teaching letters and numbers or playing with the toddlers/pre-schoolers.)

• Even--or maybe especially--in homeschooling multiple grades, it's really important to be generous with compliments. Praise something each child has done at least once a day. I use tons of stickers and discovered that even some freshmen get a kick from them!

• Recognize each child as an individual.

• Be flexible and realistic. While still maintaining a challenging curriculum, do more work orally or if a child "gets" the lesson, move on.

• Some Moms begin classes a week ahead with the older children. This gives them a solid start and time for you to "work out the bugs."

• Integrate housework into the school day. Fold laundry or fix lunch as you listen to reading, multiplication tables or spelling. Assign the children quick chores right before breaks or lunch.

• Ask for help when homeschooling multiple grades. Grandparents and relatives, trusted friends and tutors are often more than just a solution. They can enrich and round out learning with their different experiences, interests and personalities.

• Keep home education interesting. Plan field trips with the co-op Visit the library weekly. Check out books, pamphlets, tapes, DVD's, etc. to supplement school topics.

  A child whose interest in learning is encouraged and fed is a delight to teach.

  Homeschooling multiple grades is a challenge and an opportunity. Prayer, planning, perseverance and patience make it happen.

  Homeschooling Multiple Grades: Part I--Advantages

  Part II--Preliminary Preparations

  Part IV--A Typical (?) Day

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