First Time Homeschool Mom of Two

by Chrissie McNeff
(Strafford, MO)

I have an 11 year old and an 8 year old, and I will be homeschooling them in the fall. I have never homeschooled, so I am very overwhelmed.

One of my main concerns is that I would like to teach my children at the same time, using the same material. Is this something that you would recommend? Or should I teach one child at a time, one in the morning and one in the afternoon?

I am afraid of teaching the younger child things that are too difficult, and teaching the older child things that are too easy. I would love to get your advice.

Thanks,
First Time Homeschool Mom of 2

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May 05, 2009
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It can be done
by: Tanya

I have a 9 year old and a 5 year old. I like a mixed approach. Somethings we do together: PE, penmanship practise, and Bible time. The younger also often joins the older to listen to History lessons or hear some read a louds. The older sometimes will teach the younger a new math concept thereby reinforcing those concepts. I teach reading separately; however from time to time either teach it together as a review or allow the older to teach as a reinforcer. I tend to teach the younger her subjects before the eldest gets up in the morning. Then while I teach the oldest the youngest works on coloring, cutting, flashcards and things like that. Then we do somethings together. We also do community service things together. There is for our family no need for Mom to be teaching all day long. I have from time to time though if my children have got stuck on a subject, but this is not the norm in our house.

After you get into it you will find it is a workable thing to teach more than one child at a time. Do not be afraid to change your schedule around until you find what works for your family.

May 16, 2009
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Teaching Two Levels
by: Anonymous

Make sure you understand how your child learns best (hands on vs. wiggle and listen, etc.)

I recommend using the Charlotte Mason Method of teaching. It uses classical books (which you get from the library), makes sure you are outdoors each day, includes art, and journaling. You read the books to them, everything is taught to both at the same time, you just adjust it for the younger child, then the child re-tells the information to you and when they understand it - you move on.

I also recommend Lap Books (look up on line) it also incorporates everything into one study that can be adjusted for each age.

Ask each child what they would like to learn about and keep a list - base your Lap Books on those - alternate from each child's list, then add your own. My youngest child loved coyote's so she really enjoyed Coyote Math, which was a page of word problems that all had to do with coyotes.

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