Moms of many, what makes it possible to successfully teach so many?...

[Mommy7]

When overwhelmed, what changes have you made that lightened your work load or shortened your day?

 

Was it online classes, combining students, cutting back to the basics only, or what?

 

We're starting back tomorrow after a rather long break due to remodeling and moving. Yes, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. I teach 6 dc. Tomorrow we start the schedule. I'll ease us into it, but my day will be rather long when we start everything.

 

I'm just wondering what has helped in your various situations.

 

Thanks for listening. :)

[LoveBaby]

:lurk5:

 

I don't know mama!! It's tough to juggle it all, isn't it?!

 

 

This year I was blessed to be able to review ALEKS math for my older two students and we *all* are happy with the change!!

 

I still have to be within earshot to help with some problems, but it has been mostly independent and it has freed up a lot of my time. It is still a struggle to get to the content subjects, but my children read a lot and/or listen to great living books so I'm happy with that. We just keep doing what we can and praying that God will help make up for the rest! :D

[8filltheheart]

It would be easier to address your question if you shared the ages of your children. My strategies vary depending on the ages of children involved.

[Tenaj]

I have six students for the first time this year and I completely understand what you're going through. My days are long - I've given up the idea of a "short" day because with as many dc as I have there is just not enough of me to go around unless we stretch the day out a bit.

 

I have combined all my dc that are in 2nd through eighth grade for history (using MFW) which has really helped. We started this last year and unless something drastically changes, will continue for the foreseeable future.

 

My hs students work very independently so that helps of course.

 

One thing that I've had to let go recently is that I've finally given myself permission not to check every box every day for every kid. I've been doing a "loose" loop kind of schedule with the subjects that require me to be one on one with a kidlet so what doesn't get done one day gets done the next day as a priority and we just keep circling around. That way, one thing doesn't always get set aside at the end of the day when I'm ready to quit.

 

If you have kids close in age I would combine as much as you can. I already mentioned history, but I'm also able to combine my second and fourth graders for science and my K'er usually listens in as much as he wants to for both the olders science and history as I don't really have time to do much more than reading and math with him at this point. We've also at different times been able to combine spelling and grammar but that doesn't usually seem to work out for very long at my house.

 

I usually do panic when trying to think through the day after a long break or summer vacation and the first week back is usually painful - LOL! I tend to find that after about five days though, we tend to settle into some sort of normal routine that usually works.

[LisaKinVA]

I only have 3 right now, we move to 4 in school next fall.

 

The #1 thing that helps is organization... if I can make organize most of the school work with lists, schedules, and daily-plans it really helps keep the older one moving forward.

 

I have combined the two middle children for everything but math and reading, and gone to some materials which are effective, but don't take as long to move through (Michael Clay Thomas, for example). My oldest DD is pretty capable of working independently... and her younger db likes to work with her on many different subjects. They help keep each other on track -- and challenge one another as well.

 

I do utilize some computer courses (Kinetic Textbooks and Teaching Textbooks for two dc), audio books, and some on-line courses (Latin, for oldest DS).

 

It's still not easy. Our days are still long... and I am so very grateful I have 3 more years before #5 joins us for formal schooling!

[PrincessBride]

Hi! :)

 

I have 7 dc, the older 4 are being taught, while the 3 youngest provide lots of distraction. ;)

 

Using MUS for my older 3 has been a big help. I'm using one SL core for oldest 2 and another for next 2 kids.

 

And as others have shared, the days are long! We often do read alouds at bedtime. The kids enjoy it, and it's easier to do when the babies are in bed.

 

Looking forward to reading more responses!

[Shanaudria]

Rod and Staff.

 

I use this with my many because the instructional part of the lessons are right in the student books and my olders can work fairly independently. When I do need to help them, it's easy for me to make sense of what's in the student books to explain. The teacher's books----when I need them----are easily accessible.

 

The books are (mostly) hardbound, reusable. Saves me many $$$$.

 

Rod and Staff isn't as colorful as, say, Abeka. That has as times been a little downer for me. However, the benefits for a big family outweigh the lack of visual pazzazz. (I did post about Abeka lately, but the couple responses I got reassured me to stick with Rod and Staff!) I add in read alouds (like SOTW) and that seems to give my dc.

 

I teach 6 as well.

[mommaduck]

Unit Study that comes with the necessary books and is scheduled out for me. Workbooks for the basics. Sitting. right. there. with. my. kids.

[Mommy7]

Thank you for your responses. I have decided to add a subject a day..that way we won't be as overwhelmed.

 

8FilltheHeart, I am teaching the following grades: K & 1st (but, they're doing everything together right now, as the Ker is very capable of doing that), 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 8th.

 

I combine the 3rd-5th grades for Latin, WWE, and FLL.

 

I combine the K & 1st grader for Math and Phonics.

 

I combine everyone else for History, Science, and Bible.

 

If we get to my idealistic goal of including Art & Music, I'll combine the oldest 4 and the younger two can listen in if they are interested. (This would only happen on a Friday)

 

I just read the schedule at the beginning of MFW Exploration-1850. It just amazes me when people can be *FINISHED* by 1:30 or so!!!!!!! But, I also noticed they spend 15 minutes on English. That would be impossible for me. I just can't seem to figure out a realistic way of finishing earlier besides doing online classes (expensive) or something. Any ideas?

 

On a *good* day, I finish at 4:00 or 4:30. Then, I barely have the energy for much else. Am I the only one that feels that way?

 

Hoping for more responses....:D

[mommaduck]

You don't have to go by their exact timing or even their exact usage. With us, I use MFW for the Science/History/Art/Readings. The rest I do my own thing. Workbooks for Handwriting, Grammar, Phonics, Arithmetic. Video and workbooks for Foreign Language (with the video, EVERYONE can participate...the olders doing workbooks). Bible is taken care of via Church participation, devotions with daddy, and our daily readings through an Orthodox calendar book with reading (Saints' lives and Scripture readings). I don't pay any attention to THEIR time table. I do my own. The schedule is just good for knowing what to read when, what worksheets and activities to do, etc.

Edited January 10, 2011 by mommaduck

[Mommy7]

Mommaduck, I couldn't agree more! I couldn't even begin to follow their actual schedule. For one thing, I am happy with our curriculum choices and they do not coincide with MFW's choices for math and english, etc. So, we also do our own thing.

 

I just wish our day could be shorter. And I stare in amazement when I see schedules that look so cut and dry...so simple. I don't know how they do it. I feel the same way when I pull out my Managers of Their Homes. Maybe our schedule is the way it is just because of the sheer number of children. I am thankful for each one, though, and I will do what I need to to provide the best education for them that I can.

 

I'm always open to a better or easier way of doing things, so I like to post questions like this from time to time and see if there is something I could change.

 

I tried to attach our family schedule, but I couldn't get it to work.

 

Thanks for your thoughts! It means a lot when people respond. This forum is where I come for encouragement and homeschool fellowship. Also, for help when I hit a bump in the road academically.

 

So, thank you to everyone of you who takes the time to post a response. I know you are all busy, so I appreciate it very much. :001_smile:

Edited January 10, 2011 by Mommy7

[mommaduck]

Have you tried putting your plan to a MOTH type chart? I used to do that. I'm afraid I'm just starting to get back on my Household Management Binder (a mix of Flylady, Virtuous Woman, Motivated Moms) and haven't worked on a MOTH chart since moving into this house due to the craziness and flexibility I've had to contend with here at home (DH was constantly switching work schedules and oldest started private school, then added Greek School and wrestling...ugh).

[Mommy7]

Mommaduck, I have been using MOTH for years. Isn't it amazing how wonderful it can all look *on paper*...and then be so hard to implement. I guess I'll be learning discipline forever...

 

I've got a schedule that we follow, but it just takes so long by the time I school all 6! Maybe that is just par for the course, but I confess I feel a little envy when I hear about homeschoolers that are through by lunch time and then have plenty of time (and energy) for house and meals. I guess that is just a dream for me. O'Well. God says that as thy days are, so shall thy strength be. That's a good thing! :001_smile: 'Cause He gave me 7 little blessings....and 1 grandchild so far. I need that strength! He is faithful.

[mommaduck]

Mommaduck, I have been using MOTH for years. Isn't it amazing how wonderful it can all look *on paper*...and then be so hard to implement. I guess I'll be learning discipline forever...

 

I've got a schedule that we follow, but it just takes so long by the time I school all 6! Maybe that is just par for the course, but I confess I feel a little envy when I hear about homeschoolers that are through by lunch time and then have plenty of time (and energy) for house and meals. I guess that is just a dream for me. O'Well. God says that as thy days are, so shall thy strength be. That's a good thing! :001_smile: 'Cause He gave me 7 little blessings....and 1 grandchild so far. I need that strength! He is faithful.

Yes, I am also. It was so easy when it was just a couple in the younger grades. Having them get older and there being more of them needing help, well, it is par the course as a larger family.

 

Yes, MOTH looks good on paper. Sometimes it was a life saver. But when life changes, you have to change it up and remember that there are days that you'll ditch it altogether.

[Emmy]

On a *good* day, I finish at 4:00 or 4:30. Then, I barely have the energy for much else. Am I the only one that feels that way?

 

Hoping for more responses....:D

 

I absolutely feel that way and I have 1 less child than you, and less I'm schooling. Although mine are all 10 and under and I've got those 1 year old twins that keep me hopping. :) I feel like most days we do our best and somewhere around mid afternoon I kind of give up. I am often emotionally spent at the end of our school day. You have an older one so my answers might not be much help but here is what I'm doing.

 

I have a typed to-do list for each child that doesn't really change much because it's based on "do the next thing" - so instead of saying read chapter 3 of Johnny Tremain it says "read from your literature book 30 minutes". That kind of thing. The kids need this or they are constantly badgering me wanting to know what to do next or they disappear under the assumption that "they are done" for the day. Also - sometimes I forget subjects. :tongue_smilie:

 

After breakfast everyone starts on their list. I am flexible on order (to a degree) and if more than one child needs me at once I will sometimes have to say - go to your next thing and I'll help you when I'm done here. We have had to move to more independent language arts choices so that they can work more on their own. This was a real necessity when I was pregnant (on bedrest) with my twins and when they were newborns. I'm not sure if we will continue with GWG and SWS longterm or not.

 

My pre-k guy alternates between playing and doing schoolish things with me at the table. My 1st grader takes breaks between subjects as needed. Sometimes he plays with the babies which is a huge help. He has a lot less to do at his grade. My 3rd grader is efficient with his work and gets done quickly but needs breaks and I have to set the time on my microwave to remember to call him back or he might get totally involved with a lego creation and never return. :) My 4th/5th grader....is tough. He feels his life is hard because he has to do "more" than his brothers :) and he is a high needs child anyway. So a lot of time is spent there.

 

We do science at coop. History for my younger ones tends to be reading and sometimes an activity (time travelers cd, timeline) but often it's just them being read to and discussing it. My oldest does history a bit separately because he is starting that 5th grade level of outlining, reading more on his own, etc. I am spending time in the afternoons doing history with him but I am expecting in a few weeks for him to be doing it more independently.

 

I am really rambling. I'm not sure this has been helpful at all. I will end with commenting that my younger kids are all pretty much done by lunchtime and then the oldest and I work alone in the afternoon. I have a typed list of "stuff to do" that the kids can reference in the afternoon for ideas on how to fill their time since they can't watch tv or play video games at that time. I really don't think I'm getting everything done but we are doing as much as we can. I've had to seriously downgrade my plans and expectations since my twins were born.

[siloam]

If we get to my idealistic goal of including Art & Music, I'll combine the oldest 4 and the younger two can listen in if they are interested. (This would only happen on a Friday)

I wait till 5th grade then start adding music instruction, art and Latin as independent subjects. I start them at a lower level, hand them a text and let them go. In fact my 2nd dd just started Lively Latin. She does one page per day.

 

4:30 is about when we finish around here too.

 

I also have our schedule set up with basics and a "loop" time. The basics we do daily, the loop I only get to about twice a week, and is the first thing dropped if it is a bad week.

 

Loop includes memorization work, programs I want to start them in, but either I don't have time to do full force or they aren't ready to do it at regular pace, and reviewing their work with them (why they got this math problem wrong or that parsing was incorrect type stuff).

 

Heather

[PrincessBride]

I absolutely feel that way and I have 1 less child than you, and less I'm schooling. Although mine are all 10 and under and I've got those 1 year old twins that keep me hopping. :) I feel like most days we do our best and somewhere around mid afternoon I kind of give up. I am often emotionally spent at the end of our school day. You have an older one so my answers might not be much help but here is what I'm doing.

 

I have a typed to-do list for each child that doesn't really change much because it's based on "do the next thing" - so instead of saying read chapter 3 of Johnny Tremain it says "read from your literature book 30 minutes". That kind of thing. The kids need this or they are constantly badgering me wanting to know what to do next or they disappear under the assumption that "they are done" for the day. Also - sometimes I forget subjects. :tongue_smilie:

 

After breakfast everyone starts on their list. I am flexible on order (to a degree) and if more than one child needs me at once I will sometimes have to say - go to your next thing and I'll help you when I'm done here. We have had to move to more independent language arts choices so that they can work more on their own. This was a real necessity when I was pregnant (on bedrest) with my twins and when they were newborns. I'm not sure if we will continue with GWG and SWS longterm or not.

 

My pre-k guy alternates between playing and doing schoolish things with me at the table. My 1st grader takes breaks between subjects as needed. Sometimes he plays with the babies which is a huge help. He has a lot less to do at his grade. My 3rd grader is efficient with his work and gets done quickly but needs breaks and I have to set the time on my microwave to remember to call him back or he might get totally involved with a lego creation and never return. :) My 4th/5th grader....is tough. He feels his life is hard because he has to do "more" than his brothers :) and he is a high needs child anyway. So a lot of time is spent there.

 

We do science at coop. History for my younger ones tends to be reading and sometimes an activity (time travelers cd, timeline) but often it's just them being read to and discussing it. My oldest does history a bit separately because he is starting that 5th grade level of outlining, reading more on his own, etc. I am spending time in the afternoons doing history with him but I am expecting in a few weeks for him to be doing it more independently.

 

I am really rambling. I'm not sure this has been helpful at all. I will end with commenting that my younger kids are all pretty much done by lunchtime and then the oldest and I work alone in the afternoon. I have a typed list of "stuff to do" that the kids can reference in the afternoon for ideas on how to fill their time since they can't watch tv or play video games at that time. I really don't think I'm getting everything done but we are doing as much as we can. I've had to seriously downgrade my plans and expectations since my twins were born.

 

My twin girls were born Aug 2009. :) Congrats on your double blessing!

[phathui5]

Unit Study that comes with the necessary books and is scheduled out for me. Workbooks for the basics. Sitting. right. there. with. my. kids.

 

What unit studies have you used?

[Emmy]

My twin girls were born Aug 2009. :) Congrats on your double blessing!

 

Thank you! They are the icing on the cake, truly. Such a blessing. Per your sig line we have kids all the same ages, except I don't have one to match your oldest in age. Fun! :)

[mommaduck]

I've used Weaver, TOG, and MFW. Weaver was fine when my oldest was young...but I found that MFW works best for us (no planning and comes with books). I've also tried to turn VP into a unit study and it didn't work. TOG was way too much for younger children.

[PrincessBride]

Thank you! They are the icing on the cake, truly. Such a blessing. Per your sig line we have kids all the same ages, except I don't have one to match your oldest in age. Fun! :)

 

I just told my dh that it was encouraging to me to read that someone else with kids these ages and twins was wiped out at the end of the day! :) I am not alone! They are a lot of work, but so much fun! :) Truly a blessing!

[PrincessBride]

I've used Weaver, TOG, and MFW. Weaver was fine when my oldest was young...but I found that MFW works best for us (no planning and comes with books). I've also tried to turn VP into a unit study and it didn't work. TOG was way too much for younger children.

 

 

I am considering MFW when we finish SL Core 7, so this was good to know. :)

[silliness7]

I changed things up after Christmas. We've only been at it a week but it worked excellently!!

 

I'm only schooling 5 though. I don't know how it would work with 6. I've still got a year and a half before I have to deal with that. :tongue_smilie:

 

I stopped teaching any of my children together. We all are loving it much better. Maybe I have weird children.

 

I tutor them each 2 hours per day for 4 days, except for my 8th grader...he only gets 2 hours for 3 days. The others are in 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th. My day goes from 8-5 with a 1 hour break for lunch. Of course they are working on their independent work when they are not being tutored.

 

Also 4 of them spend 4 1/2 hours in music classes one day per week. (that's not actual class time but time away from home and a bit of school work does get done during "down" time.) I might have to squeeze this turnip when I go up to 6.

 

It's a wild ride no matter how you figure it. Good luck. :001_smile:

[Rebecca]

I have six children.

Four are in fifth, fourth, second and first with a rising K child.

 

What has really helped us this year- is moving to a "meeting" time. Especially with my two oldest children. I meet with them, correct work, instruct in those intensive subjects, and set them up with their independent work.

 

They also all have independent work that they complete daily and I check.

 

I organize my morning with "meetings" and table times and (hopefully) read aloud. Also preschool (my ideal day).

 

We take a long break for a desperately needed nap time. My older boys do their Saxon "homework" and other work during that time, read, and listen to audio books. After nap we finish up (that is the goal- sometimes we miss it).

 

I just learned we are expecting twins! in July- so that has really caused me to evaluate our school and I have to change some things for next year...

 

I have the most peace that I have had with this many young children- with "meetings."

 

This thread has been helpful.

Rebecca

[silliness7]

I wanted to add that although my school schedule has gone very late into the afternoon for quite a long time now, this week has been the first time that I haven't felt exhausted at the end of my days even though they are still going right up til 5. I think my personality is suited better to one-on-one than trying to wrangle so many. My kids also are addicted to bickering and listening to that wears.me.out. Trying to be productive and get them to be productive in the midst of the bickering is enough to make me INSANE!! So teaching them all separately has made me very happy. :D

 

When dh gets home at 5 we all gather for devotions (15 min.) and then I start supper and everyone else starts cleaning up their assigned area. Dh helps the 6yo with her area. Everyone else is capable of the necessary sweeping and vacuuming, etc. Then we eat and then we play. It has worked so well. We'll see how this week goes. So far, so good. :001_smile:

[Emmy]

What has really helped us this year- is moving to a "meeting" time. Especially with my two oldest children. I meet with them, correct work, instruct in those intensive subjects, and set them up with their independent work.

 

This is where I am headed with separating my oldest out on his history and all the independent work as well I suppose. I am aiming for what SWB talks about in WTM where you "meet" with your logic stage kiddos for so many minutes and then they work on their own for an hour. I think the only way I can school this many is to head in that direction. Right now I am considering only my 10yo to be in that place. For my 8 and under crowd I make sure I spend time working with them each day and then it's just group read alouds or audiobooks and their seatwork. It's not my ideal but I had to give up my ideal a while back! :)

 

I just learned we are expecting twins! in July- so that has really caused me to evaluate our school and I have to change some things for next year...

Congratulations! Enjoy!

[Rebecca]

The meeting time has really given me peace as well! I get exhausted multi-tasking SO much throughout all the day.

 

I also meet with my 8 and 6 year old at the table(separately) and work with them in their subjects. I am still trying to use Sonlight for their history and science (this year.)

However- while I am working with my 8 year old my older two are doing spelling, calculadder, spelling wisdom and? something else that I can't remember right now!!

 

I feel the same way about my "ideal." I fight for it. But I have had to mold and flex SO much over the years.

 

Here's to a great school day tomorrow!!!

Rebecca