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Question:

I have always struggled with trying to teach individual subjects to each child in a different grade level (as well as plan out many different lesson plans for each child). I had always used a demanding program, and it wasn't such a problem in the early years when life at home was more under my control, with less interruptions, and less children with simpler subject matter. As years went by it and the family grew, and more stresses and responsibilities came (now including driving an elderly relative to many doctor appointments), it became much more difficult and the end result has always insufficient work completed at the end of the year for everyone, and my oldest children fell well behind and are still trying to homeschool. It is very frustrating, but I keep on repeating my mistakes. There is simply just not enough time in the day for individual teaching and lesson planning and some of my younger children really need me "on top" of them to get them to stay at task, and with the materials I have been using the youngest two need quite a bit of direction. I am now trying to change my ways, become more realistic about what can be accomplished, and have a better year this coming September. I feel that I would like to build my own curriculum and attempt multi-level teaching with my 7, 9, and 12 year old (2nd, 3rd, and 6th grade); that is, I would like to attempt to teach the three of them together in many subjects: Religion, History, Science, Music, Art, and Phys Ed; to free up time for my older children, to ensure they have covered sufficient material, and to keep them on task. I am just having a hard time figuring out how to go about this. Do you have any suggestions? The key here for me is to keep simple and attainable goals, nothing complicated. Any help or suggestions you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Answer:

Dear Mom,

I can relate to your situation as I have found myself facing the same challenge several years ago with regard to teaching many different levels and being pushed to accomplish all that is necessary to care for hearth and home.

I think that your plan is wise and one that should over time afford you a greater ease and peace when approaching the school work to be accomplished. It is rather easy to teach different aged children the same subject material. Let me explain how I approached and you can decide if this suits you or not. For example when it was time to teach the solar system I merely used the lesson plans for the older children. I found it easier to teach 'down' to smaller ones than to teach up to older children. The older children would do the work assigned and perhaps they would do some independent research as well. When it came time to teach the younger children I would ask the older children to share their information with the younger children. The true test of whether one has mastered the material or not is the ability to make the material understood by another person. I did not want my older children to feel burdened by this task so I would decide which concepts were the most important for the younger students. Then at the end of the lesson on the solar system the children built a model of the solar system together (which still hangs in the dining room).

Subjects such as art, science, and history are easily adapted to suit the needs of several aged children. Remember that these subjects are not considered core subjects and do not necessarily need to be presented everyday. Another approach in keeping with this idea is to reserve one day a week for the teaching of core subjects. In this way you can focus on the core subjects, freeing up your time as well.

CHC designs the curriculum to be flexible and adapted by the parent. Depending upon your financial situation I think that a curriculum of core subjects for each student is helpful. Certainly the older students need to have a more structured approached. In your situation, with the ages that you have suggested I think you will do just fine teaching the children together the subjects that you mentioned. I would think that perhaps Religion might do better to concentrate on the Sacramental prep for those of your children that are due to receive a Sacrament. I have been very happy with the Faith and Life series of religion books. They are not expensive and when used with care can easily be passed down as the children advance in grade level. It is nice for each child to have their own religion book and does make it easier for you to gear the teaching to suit the maturity of the child.

When building a curriculum (I have done this as well) the greatest help to me was a planner for each child. I find that my week runs more smoothly when I have taken time to write in the child's planner what will be necessary for them to accomplish. I am a 'lists person' and having the tasks that I expect the child to do written down helps me. There is a great feeling of accomplishment when a child can cross out a task that has been finished. It is a mental and visual discipline.

Please do not be discouraged. I sense that you are a patient and loving mom who is trying to retool your homeschooling experience to meet the needs of your children as they mature and your situation changes. This is good and the inspiration to do so is of the Lord. Go forward into the work ahead. You are going to do great.

Let us pray this afternoon for all those families that find they are overwhelmed with the demands from outside influences that do not understand the unique nature of homeschooling and the challenges it presents. Let us ask that they seek the strength that is of the Lord when they are weary and feeling that they are ready to give up. Many times when we are heavily burdened and at the edge of quitting, stepping back from the edge for a little bit is the best medicine. Lord we love You and long to see Your face. Lord empower us to be encouragement where that is needed and peace in the time of trouble. We rest on Your grace to do so. Amen.

Sending out a prayer,

Rita Munn