Teach kids together; focus on subject area—not grade level.
Abandon grade level! Make learning a shared family experience.
As you create a rhythm for each day, moving from subject area to subject area, each child will naturally engage with the topics at his or her own skill level.
Here is an example of how you may approach your day:
- Begin the day by reading aloud—to all the kids together.
- Move into silent reading time. Older kids will read independently; younger ones can look at picture books.
- Next, copywork and math. Each child will do work in accord with their own ability, but all the kids will work together.
- History—same topic, same era, one unit to prepare for. Each child will glean what they can from the activities and interactions.
- Writing projects — as with history, same topic, same activity, each child working at their own level.
- Then, outside to kick a soccer ball together, or watch a movie.
- Weekly Poetry Teatimes—done as a group, with poetry shared from all levels.
Home education is about a culture of family learning
It’s a shift in thinking. You are a one-room schoolhouse. Create learning opportunities that call all of you together. Your older kids will inspire your younger ones, your younger ones will cheer up your older ones (and make them feel smart). They can work together, helping each other out, and making suggestions. They provide great audiences for one another too!
Read more about Brave Writer's approach to teaching multiple ages together here: