Homeschooling Multiple Grades:

Part I--Recognize the Advantages

Homeschooling multiple grades may appear difficult, but actually it's not. In fact, some argue that it is easier!???

Keep in mind the advantages of home schooling in a large family. Let's think about them:

*Family members quickly learn the importance of virtues. For peace and unity within a large group, everyone must cooperate, honor authority, think of others and so on.

Because there are many people that must be considered in a big family, each has ample opportunities to learn to develop a truly Christian character.

-Rooms to be shared...Patience and Humility

-A variety of personalities to deal with...Understanding and Tolerance

-More birthday, Christmas, baptismal, graduation presents to buy so a child doesn't have so much money for himself...Generosity and Spirit of Poverty

-Babysitting...Responsibility and Sympathy

-More crises to attend to--We've had a broken wrist, broken leg, broken finger and bacterial meningitis, countless stitches, car accident, just to name a few. During each, all attention is focused on the child with the immediate disaster. The others learn to pitch in...Self-sacrifice and Kindness

*In a large family, parents must teach children to respect authority and immediately obey. This is the only path to happiness and order. Mom and Dad have no option but to lovingly train their youngsters to cooperate.

There are also more people to quickly squelch unacceptable behavior. (Nothing like back up from the peanut gallery!)

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*Siblings reinforce the rules to their brothers and sisters. Talk about a large family advantage! Haven't you heard an older one warning a younger one, "Don't even ask to do that. I never could."? Mom doesn't even have to say a word.

*Older children are exemplary examples to the little ones. Once the first child learns "to be good, " rearing the youngsters to follow is a pleasure. They see how "its" done and just accept that "being good" is normal, a way of life.

The bottom line? Homeschooling multiple grades is made easier because a child in a large family has learned to live a virtuous life. Obedience, cooperation, respect, responsibility--all characteristics that make home education enjoyable, enriching and successful.

Homeschooling Multiple Grades: Part II

The Importance of Order

Three Techniques for Order

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