When I began my first real school year, having 3 small children, I was a little nervous that I wasn't going to be able to make it work how I envisioned. I had been schooling my now five year old pretty much since birth and got the hang of it. Adding in my now two and a half year old made it slightly trickier, then throwing a baby in the mix was the last ingredient to make sure my days are as busy as possible. None of that, however, hindered me from wanting to give my children the best education that they could receive from me, no matter how big or small that was. Since starting, I have had days where we get absolutely nothing done on my list. I also have had days that go so smoothly. No matter how hard I try, the perfect day has yet to come. All the subject material has yet to be absorbed in one...or five, sittings. The ability to sit still, quiet, and behave for a long period of time has not yet been achieved. My proposed lesson plans have yet to be followed precisely...or at all. All is as it should be.
Now, I have 4 young children (the youngest being a year and a half) and, I'll tell you, things do get better ;) The longer you homeschool, the more comfortable it will become. Notice how I did say, "the easier it will become." With each year there will be a new challenge, whether adding a child, changing curriculum, or changing your schedule by adding outside classes from a co-op. All you need to do is the best you can! There are still some days that we don't get done what we planned, but more than not, our days make me feel like we can really do this and we're having success. The flexibility of homeschool is so valuable!
People think home school has to be like public shool, with it's subjects taught, daily schedules, and constant testing. They think how much easier it is just to send their child to school since the teachers already have everything worked out and it is much more controlled. I would like to take a field trip with you to such a school; oh wait, it doesn't exist! I am a former teacher and can tell you that just because it is on paper, doesn't mean it will get taught that day or week. It is good to have a schedule and/or a list of things you want taught, but it is an even better plan to go with the flow, because that's where real learning takes place. So many times while I was teaching, I would deviate from the lesson plan because of student inquiry. It's much more interesting, anyway. So, with one child, or 25, flexibility is key.
I like to take one day at a time and get whatever I can, done, and what I don't goes to tomorrow. It can be less stressful than you think! If I want to teach my children at the same time during the day, there are many ways to differentiate a lesson to fit each of their levels. If I want to teach my children separately during the day, I find bits of time here and there for each of them while the others are busy with something else. I like to make it informal and fun as much as I can. Sometimes I wonder if they will get from me what they need, that's normal. However, I tell myself that they are getting what they need, and more, not just acedemically, but socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Time is precious with our children. Don't strive to teach a lesson; strive to teach.
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