Are you planning for (and homeschooling) multiple grades? I’ve been homeschooling two grades for several years, and I have come to realize that there are some great secrets that can help make homeschooling multiple grades more manageable.
When I started homeschooling my oldest daughter, it took me about a year to find a rhythm that would work for our days. As soon as I found that rhythm, my second child also started her home education journey.
Suddenly, I was overwhelmed. How would I ever teach a kindergartener and a grade four student simultaneously? Here I was, trying to help my youngest child read while my oldest child was learning the concept of long division.
After some months of juggling, muddling, and trial and error, we figured out a system that worked for us. I hope to share some of the best secrets and tips I’ve used for planning (and homeschooling) multiple grades. Although I only have two children (two grades) to juggle, I believe these tips are beneficial to families with multiple children of varying grades and age groups.
FIND A HOMESCHOOL RHYTHM THAT WORKS FOR YOU
When you are trying to
A rhythm differs from a schedule in that it is more flexible. A rhythm is the general flow of the day. It’s an ebb and flow of activities rather than a checklist of activities to do.
For more information, I invite you to read how to create the perfect homeschool rhythm your family loves.
When your family has a good rhythm, each child knows what to expect (and what is expected) on any given day.
USE A UNIT STUDY APPROACH FOR SOME SUBJECTS
One of the best secrets to teaching multiple grades simultaneously is using a unit study approach for some subjects.
In our
While we may be covering the same content at the same time, my children’s grades may affect my expectations for demonstrating learning. I find the Gather Round curriculum to be one of the best resources for unit studies, as each unit study has varying grades for the accompanying student journals/workbooks.
The Gather Round curriculum is affordable if you have multiple children in different grades. You can purchase a single grade level (which includes the teacher’s guide) or buy a complete set (teacher guide and all unit levels) for a very reasonable price. The more children you have using this curriculum, the more significant your savings are if you purchase the complete unit study set.
All units have student workbooks for the following grades:
- Pre-Reader (3-5 years old)
- Early Reader (5-7 years old)
- Early Elementary (8-10 years old)
- Upper Elementary (10-12 years old)
- Middle School (12-15 years old)
- High School (15-18 years old)
By using this strategy, your children are exploring the same content but exploring the topic at their specific developmental level.
I purchase most of my curriculum digitally to avoid shipping costs. Plus, being part of the HP Instant Ink program makes printing curriculum at home very affordable for our family.
INCORPORATE MORNING TIME INTO YOUR HOMESCHOOL
Much like unit studies, a regular morning gathering helps us cover a number of curriculum objectives and studies at the same time. Our Morning lessons include a rotation of Scripture memory verses, a Bible devotional, nature study, music appreciation, art, and poetry.
ADD FIELD TRIPS TO YOUR DAYS
Field trips are a delightful way to teach multiple grades simultaneously. They could have a singular focus or meet numerous curriculum objectives.
Add regular field trips to your schedule. Explore a particular museum, art gallery, animal sanctuary, historical site, etc. Your children could record notes on a clipboard or field trip journal.
USE A PLAN / PLANNER
One of the best ways to
UTILIZE WORK BOXES / TRAYS
Another way to teach children in multiple grades is to use workboxes, trays, or drawers.
Each child has their own work box, tray, or drawer with this system. Whatever work is in their storage unit, they are expected to complete the work for that day.
This organizational and planning system encourages independent learning.
Also, while a child works on items from their workbox, you could give another child one-on-one lessons.
EVERYDAY LIFE LESSONS
One of my favourite ways to teach multiple age groups/grades is through everyday life lessons.
For instance, I try to include my children in daily activities like cooking. While cooking together, I challenge my children to read the recipe independently, ask them questions about the measurements, and get them to follow the directions. Sometimes, I even request they double or triple the recipe (talk about a great way to squeeze in the opportunity to teach adding fractions)!
Other life lesson activities could include gardening, enjoying a nature walk together, building something, changing the oil in the car, and grocery shopping.
Look for ways to teach your children in the everyday moments of living with one another.
GAMESCHOOLING
I love board games and playing games with my children! Games are a fantastic way to incorporate learning activities into your day. Our favourite games include Ticket to Ride, Seven Wonders, Cytosis, and Wildcraft: A Herbal Adventure Game.
As you can see, homeschooling multiple ages/grades doesn’t have to be overwhelming! There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy teaching numerous children at the same time.
Do you
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