Learning How To Manage "Learning"

As my boys are getting older, I have had to change the way we arrange our learning times. Isaac is progressing in his reading and he needs more one on one time with me. He works online while I work with my oldest. Then I move to him. We sit down and learn to read and work math problems together. He does so much better when he has my undivided attention.

As the middle child he needs this time. The baby goes down for a nap and then we have the front part of the house to ourselves as Aiden goes to his room to unwind.

When Eli gets older and school age, Isaac will already be reading well on his own and will be able to accomplish more independently. But these years of learning to read are crucial and he deserves all the effort I can put in.

It works pretty well.

How do you teach multiple children?
What works best in your family?

I notice when I try to do too much at one time, I get frustrated. It's the moment most moms can see coming and decide homeschooling is not a good fit for them. But planning and pacing yourself through your day will help you to accomplish things.

You may even have to do "homework" with your kids. Funny term for homeschoolers, I have also called it "night work". But anyway. Sometimes we get busy or something comes up and we just get pulled away from our work.

It's very important for your child to understand your requirements for him to finish his assigned tasks everyday. When you let your guard down they may look at you like..."she's not gonna really make me finish, so why should I even care."

They need to take ownership for their responsibilities and feel that sense of accomplishment each day.

For my kids, the main things they accomplish every week are:
- schoolwork assignments
- cleaning their room/making their beds (daily)
- sports events and practices (a few days a week)

These things are their activities. This is their life. When we keep them on track, they feel accomplished.

Being homeschooled can make you feel like you are segregated if you don't have a routine and your kids don't know what to expect. It's a lifestyle.  Just with anything you do.  Eating healthy, exercising... It all takes endurance and hard work, but your frame of mind has to be right.

Unfortunately, I don't wake up every morning on the sunny side of life with a backpack of homeschool zeal. I'm human.  It just doesn't happen. But when I push myself to create the flow and routine they can become accustomed to, everything becomes easier.  Wake up time is smoother, schoolwork hours go smoother, and bedtime comes easier, because they know that 9:00 is when school starts, and 9:00 is their bedtime.  I made it easy for them.  The two main things I need them to remember is when to work and when to rest.  It has stuck with them.  Now they can watch the clock and know it's coming.

They look forward to weekends because they stay up later, sleep in, and there is no school. Yay! Mommy gets a break too!

These are just some tips if you are having a hard time staying on track with your routine. It's hard sometimes, but so worth it.