Combining kids for subjects

[Kara in FL]

I have 2 dds ages 6 & 4. As my younger is getting ready to start hs, I'm wondering if it is better/easier to combine the girls for History & Science (basically following WTM) or would it be just as easy and more age appropriate to keep them separate? Has anyone been in a similar situation? What have you done and how did it work? TIA!

 

Kara

[Starr]

I would keep them together and just expect a little more from your older child in terms of writing and reading. It worked well for us.

[NancyNellen]

Absolutely combine them for History and Science! Your older can simply do more - narrations, reading, etc.

[Rosy]

I combine my 9, 8, 6 and 5 year old for history and science. I combine my 8 & 6 year old for grammar and writing, too. Homeschooling takes a LOT of time!

[myfunnybunch]

I combine all three boys (9, 7, 5) for History, Science, Art, Music, Japanese.

 

In History and Science I do expect age-appropriate work from them. For example, for science, the young K'er listens to the reading and may draw or cut out a picture for his notebook; first grader will listen, draw a picture and copy two sentences; third-grader will listen, draw, and write a paragraph.

 

It's actually a lot of fun learning together.

 

Cat

[applesing]

My daughters are two years apart, and we have always combined for history and science. We love doing those subjects together! I always modify assignments a bit to make them age appropriate for both children.

[Peela]

Mine are combined for all read alouds, history etc

We have independent time each day, and "together time" and have done it this way from the beginning.

I know others for whom it didnt work so well to combine because the younger was more advanced than the elder, and it caused bad feelings- so they are deliberately kept separate for everything, which seems a bit sad but I can understand the reasoning. But for us, its been wonderful to do some subjects together.