Homeschooling Multiple Grades: Part II--

Initial Nitty-Gritty

At first glance, homeschooling multiple grades looks intimidating. But dig further. Homeschooling in a large family just takes the 3 P's:

Planning

Perseverance

Patience

Finally, we have to remember why we homeschool. This is not just some fly-by-night whim. Our homeschooling matters a great deal. It is of extreme importance. It is our mission...it's for our children...it's a call from God...and who knows what positive far-reaching effects it will have on our youngsters, our church, our community and our country???

So whatever your specific reasons for homeschooling multiple grades, print them on a large piece of paper and post them. Bedroom door, classroom, refrigerator or bathroom mirror--each (or all) will do nicely.

Homeschooling Muliple Grades: Part I lists several of the pluses. Please take advantage of them.

Part II outlines the initial nitty-gritty of homeschooling multiple grades. Begin with consideration of your family's needs, then formulate a strategy.

• To start, think about your situation.

  --What are the ages and grades of your children?
  --Where do you teach?
  --Are you new to homeschooling?
  --Is structure important to you?
  --Do your children have access to their daily lesson plans?
  --etc.

• Set up the physical.

  This is very important. All of the younger children need to be close by.

  This frees you to guide/teach and have quality time with the children. You won't waste mental and physical energy--worrying about where someone is, if he is safe--or chasing after an escaped toddler. (Eliminates "Don't touch that." "Come back here.")

  A carefree room also cuts down on chaos...and shows respect for the older children and their education. You and they can focus on learning in a quieter, more ordered setting.

  --If you have little ones, be sure the room is safe. Use electrical plugs, toilet seat locks, cover sharp edges, correct any dangerous spots.

  --Be sure the young 'uns stay within sight. Doors and gates...

  --Have books and toys within their reach.

  --Carefully situate learning areas. Place all desks close to you if the children will need help constantly.

  If the darlings pester each other, separate them.

  We purchased cheap bookshelves at a discount store which ended up serving three purposes.

  1)great storage
  2) each child had his own handy area for supplies
  3) most importantly, when the shelves were properly placed between the desks, the studious little children couldn't even see each other.
  

  In desperation, my husband and I set up desks in widely-spaced rows with the shelves in-between. It works beautifully. Our schoolroom is still that way...and I particularly like it because all of us could still be together. One of children decided in high school to study in his room which was fine, but the rest of us stayed together.

  --Keep everything you need right there. All books and supplies and equipment--globes, tapes recorders, computers, etc.

• Set the rules. These are a work in progress. (You just never know how ingenious the excuses can be.)

  Add to the list as needed.

  --Make a bathroom pass. (Don't laugh. We actually used one.)

  Homeschooling multiple grades begins with thinking about your needs. Once you have considered your situation, organize the physical set-up to support order and peace. Then you and the children can cheerfully concentrate on their education.

  Homeschooling Multiple Grades: Part I

  Homeschooling Multiple Grades: Part III

  "Order and Organization" Articles

  "Discipline" Articles

  Return from Homeschool Multiple Grades to Home

  
  

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