Please help me with scheduling 4 different ages

[MommyInTraining]

I posted this on the scheduling thread, but also wanted to give it it's own subject line in case someone who could offer advice might not see it on that thread...

Ladies,

I need some help with trying to figure out how to schedule 4 different ages. We are going to be using Beyond, the right side of Preparing, DITHR, and LHTH. I am having trouble figuring out how to schedule subjects that the children need me one on one for like math, LA, read alouds, etc.

Thanks for any advice you can offer!

[sharonb]

I tried to create a schedule, but we just really aren't schedule people here! So, instead, we generally do things in blocks of time. I have the 3 oldest all working on phonics at the same time, even though they are in different levels. I just bounce back and forth between them. My oldest is mostly independent with it; I just get her started. I spend most of my time helping my 6 year old, since he is learning to read. I give the 4.5 year old directions once in a while, but he's so used to the format of the ETC primers now that he does not need much help at all (so far it is coming very easily to him, yay!). If one of them finishes up phonics before the others are done, they do something independent like penmanship or copywork. Then we do math time. Same thing- I bounce between them.

I save subjects with read-alouds for last. So, we end up doing the left side of Beyond after lunch most days (we generally get a late start each morning because we are not early risers). We also do our zoology and storytime then too. That way there's less stress; we know that we already have all the 3R's done, plus the baby is taking a nap (she likes to make a lot of noise, which makes read-alouds difficult!).

I just wanted to share what we do, in case having a strict schedule doesn't end up working for you (I've tried a few times, and it just doesn't work for us at this stage of our lives!)

[StillJulie]

Probably start by figuring out exactly what you are needed for and an approximate time for each.

So, list the child's name, subject, and an amount of time.

Also figure out who can do what independently and list that out.

Then try to make a plan for each child to be doing something during the time you're needed for one on one stuff. Things like playing with baby (if you have one), doing an independent subject, napping, watching a video, doing a computer activity, playing candyland, playing with puzzles, playdough, counting bears, whatever.

Managers of their Homes by Teri Maxwell can be a helpful resource, though I've never followed it exactly.

[MommyInTraining]

Sharon and Julie,


Thanks so much.

Julie, that is what I need to do. Having it laid out step by step can help clear the fog. I do have MOTH and it is helpful.

Thanks again!

[Carrie]

Terri,

Here's a couple past threads that may be of help too:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4676

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4615

Blessings,
Carrie