During the first years of our homeschooling journey I only had one child to worry about how to school. While we had three children, Kaylie was the only one in school.
However, as our children grew and as we’ve added more children to our family, I have found myself teaching multiple grade levels and varying ability levels. At first, the thought of teaching all of them was very overwhelming. I wondered how I would find the time and resources to teach so many subjects and so many levels.
As we continued homeschooling I learned several things that have made my teaching quest so much easier.
*It is a great idea to start your year by writing down your goals and education hopes for each child. Write out their strengths and weaknesses and what are their learning styles. It will help you teach more efficiently during your school year.
*Once you have taught a subject or grade level most often the next time you teach it, it isn’t as overwhelming as it was the first time. Some things do get easier each time you do them!
*Even though kids are on different learning levels you can alter a subject to be taught on all levels you teach, at the same time. Units and themes are a multi-level teachers best friend!
*You don’t have to teach strictly from a book. Learning through real life experiences often teach more than I ever could.
*Children learn from watching their siblings. While I teach the older kids the younger ones are often absorbing bits and pieces of the lessons as well. When I approach the subject with them later often they already know and understand these lessons.
*Older siblings can help teach the younger ones. I’m not saying put them in charge of their siblings’ education, but having them read to or help the younger ones benefits both the older and younger child. It also provides you with a bit of extra time to work with another child who needs your attention.
*If you truly need someone else’s help in a certain subject (or with other duties around the home), don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your spouse, a friend, another homeschooling parent can all lend a hand when you don’t have enough hands to go around. Don’t feel bad asking, we all need help sometimes!
Homeschooling multiple children on multiple levels can be overwhelming at times. You may wonder if each child is getting everything he needs in all subjects. Taking time to plan goals, teaching using units and themes when you can, having siblings helps each other and making sure you ask for help when you need it will help insure each child succeeds.
The key is to find what works for your family. Once you find your own groove you may wonder why you worried in the first place!
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When Michelle isn’t busy planning out 6 grade levels she can be found writing about her family at Pass the Flu Bug Please.
photo by cameradawktor
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Luckily I won’t have that problem as my children will only have one grade level between them and there are only two of them so they will be able to work mostly together.