This is a question I get quite often, how do I home school with children of different ages in the same house, and especially toddlers?
What has worked for us and many I have suggested this method to is the rotation system. I have 5 children of all ages. I have taught them that when I am working with the older two, the other three must keep themselves occupied. So, I have a room set up with stations.
I have a station for quiet time, where a child can read or look at books if they can’t read. I also have an area where they can work on puzzles or blocks and legos. The other area is a craft area, which contains paints, crayons, construction paper, etc. There is a computer area with educational computer games and I also have a table and chair area where they can work on their assignments independently.
With toddlers it is great to have a box of special ‘school time’ toys. These toys are only available to play with during ‘school time’, so when you are helping or working with another child the toddler can be occupied.
Having a supply of worksheets are also a fun way to occupy younger children. Quite often they want to be like their older siblings, and having their own worksheets will make them part of the group. I have a separate drawer for my younger children with their own notebooks, pencil case and crayons. This makes them feel as though they are also ‘schooling’.
When working with many different aged children in one household it is important to set down ground rules. Each child must know their role when you are teaching them. If you are teaching the younger ones, the older ones can work independently. If you are teaching the older ones, it is important to keep the younger ones occupied and this can be done with stations, a goody basket or by having another child entertain them.
I also will have reading time when all the children are involved. The older ones will take turns reading and the younger ones also get involved. Although they may not be able to read, they will make up their own stories from the pictures in the books. This is a great way to introduce books to younger children and get them involved in the learning process and that it too can be fun.
I keep a weekly schedule of what I want to accomplish for each day of the week and with each child. The older children have a schedule of their own and know what is expected of them by the week’s end. The younger ones have a daily schedule and will receive colorful stickers for their accomplishments.
There are many ways to structure your home school environment. What may work for one family may not necessarily work with another. You must remember to be flexible. Take time to incorporate what will work with your family and your situation. A more structured format may work for you and your children, where a more relaxed schedule will work for others. There are no wrong ways, but most importantly what needs to be remembered is to make learning fun.