Challenges

I love homeschooling and truly could not imagine life any other way.  We had three weeks of school and then were on a week of break this past week. 

Management of the children has to be my biggest challenge in this journey so far.  (Actually, when I think about it, it was a challenge when I taught traditional school as well.  There are varying ability levels even in a same age classroom.)  Keeping children on task, productive and taking care of the under school age crowd can be daunting some days.  Fortunately, this is not a trail that hasn't already been traveled and I can glean helpful tips from others who have been in this situation.

The best school days are when I follow our routine.  I like to do Bible first and then move on to family work.  Everyone sits in on Bible time and singing.  After that I may assign Elizabeth to a video, or allow her to play with her dolls quietly in the next room.  Then, I read History or Science.  Usually any independent work in these subjects is saved for later.  I give the boys their other assignments.  The challenging part is that Caleb needs me for everything right now and the youngest two aren't always cooperative.  Usually I will give him his instructions have him begin and then check on who else needs me.  It keeps me busy and (hopefully) others are learning patience with their school lessons.  Sometimes I pair children up an older with a younger. 

I also utilize electronic aids as my assistants.  We love our flashmaster for practicing our math facts.  We also have favorite websites saved for various skills as well.  Currently, we are using https://www.xtramath.org/ for math facts, http://www.starfall.com/ for phonics practice and http://www.typingweb.com/ for typing.

I also have individual activities that are self guided for Caleb and Elizabeth to do.  More on that in another post, but its generally things like stickers, magnets, playing with counting bears or pattern blocks.  These activities are lifesavers!

Intense Mom time usually comes during Matthew's nap.  It works best that way.  Some days it doesn't all get done, but consistency is the key.  Independent work and free reading time is usually done during nap time as well.  After that the children are home free to pursue other productive activities and play.  This will be our fifth year of homeschooling.  Every year there have been new challenges to overcome, but I wouldn't trade it for anything!