People ask me all the time how I manage to homeschool three children, in different age groups, all the while having a toddler underfoot.

It doesn’t phase me one bit, because I know many people with more children that homeschool as well.  But for many, they can’t see how it works-teaching multiple ages.   Yet it’s really not as challenging as it sounds.

This year we have had the most kids doing homeschool since we began homeschooling, and it has actually been our best year yet!  Since all the kids are home doing school, it actually makes things easier.  Everyone is on the same page! (and well, the 2 year  old…he just simply takes it all in!)

It’s all a matter of simplifying our approach.  My first and foremost goal is always to raise godly children, with a strong faith, and also just as importantly- a family that is close.  I want my children to be able to have a strong foundation so they are able to make the right choices when they are out in the world.  My goal is not to shelter them from the world, but to teach them to live in it (and not of it!) and have their hearts turned toward God and family, so the wrong choices don’t appeal to them.  We want their hearts to be right with God so they will desire to make the right choices.

That being said, this is how we have structured our day to make homeschooling multiple grade levels work:

We group all three kids into as many subjects as possible.  Things we do together are science, history, geography, artist studies, hymn studies, nature studies, composer studies, and some literature.

First thing in the morning we all gather together for Bible time.  This is non-negotiable with me.  No matter how our day starts or if we are short for time, we never skip Bible time.  I want  to make sure the kids see that God comes first in our day no matter what.  And this time together is always a blessing.  I read some Bible verses, we discuss them, and then we sing worship songs or some hymns.  Then we pray.

Next we do our individual work.  I have  a kindergartner, second grader, and fourth grader this year.  Each child gets individual time with me, beginning with the kindergartner. He needs me the most, so he gets me first.  The other kids start their individual work at this time, because much of it they can do on their own.  They also know that they are not allowed to interrupt us during this time.  If they need me, they must wait until it’s their turn. That makes my kindergartner feel extra special.  He gets me all to himself!  After his work, I work with the second grader, followed by the fourth grader.  While doing this, the ones who aren’t working can do crafts, legos, play with the toddler, etc.

Then we take a lunch break and in the afternoon we do our “together work.” The kindergartner gets plenty out of the lessons, and the older ones take the work a bit farther, completing a notebook to go with their lessons, or extra assignments.

We also read lots of living history books together.  We sing geography songs and go over maps daily.  The kindergartner is learning so much!  Once a week we try to do something different such as an artist, composer, poetry, or special literature.

Once a week, we also attend a fine arts program for art, music, drama, orchestra, gym, etc.

Plus we take advantage of everyday life to learn.  Daddy is fixing something-the boys can help.  Mommy is preparing dinner for a friend in need-my daughter helps.  There are always learning opportunities if we are just aware of them. They learn from seeing real life in action!

I love that grouping kids together has so many benefits besides the educational ones.  It fosters relationships. The kids interact with each other.  The older ones learn to be patient with the younger ones and mentor them.   The younger ones look up to the older ones and want to take after them in their school work.

The learning always takes place, and while it may not look like the typical public or private school-its not supposed to!   Teachers teach 25 students a day, and here I am only teaching 3-and they are my own! Plus they are not only with their age group.  I love that!  The way we go about education may be different, but certainly isn’t lacking.  Hopefully with some extra family time, TLC, and love mixed in!

Disclaimer- I am by no means perfect at this!  We sure have bad days too, but little by little,  I am learning on this journey…and love sharing with others what works.  But what works for me doesn’t always work for others…it’s a journey for us all.  I have learned most, when I put God first, He can make all things possible!

Simply Living for Him

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