Have you heard David Hazell's talk Occupying Preschoolers While Homeschooling?rachel wrote:I was wondering- does anyone- especially those of you who have been there and done that (homeschooling with multiple very young children- Kellybell?)- have any ideas or advice for doing this? I have what I thought to be a good routine but it never actually happens- completely. I'm ok with not having a perfect day- but I think I am still expecting to much or something, I don't know.
Just needing additional perspective and ideas. I read these great posts about productive afternoons and I can't fathom having my afternoons free in the first place and that is just doing MFW1. Yes, we have a busy lifestyle- and maybe that is part of the problem. But still, I feel like I am missing something!
Any ideas or suggestions? THANKS!
Rachel
MFW1 with daughter(6); son(4); twins (3)
good tips in there. In case you didn't know this part.... he was the stay at home dad, while Marie worked full time in a school. He was at home with 4 children. Ages 7 (or 8)and under -- including an nursing infant! That meant he had to load up the kids to get the baby to mom.
order info for that workshop.
http://www.mfwbooks.com/products/25/Workshops-on-CD/
Keep a good sense of humor --- they're only young for a few decades. :)
Rachel.... sorry I was so brief. I meant to include something we do. But I looked over and the kids were playing with packing peanuts and decorating the tree. so I'm not sure I'm qualified to say what works. But I'm in a chatty mood. so why not jump back in.rachel wrote:THanks! Also, how about just basic routine of the day/week. I guess I was just wondering how the day went for any of you who have done this - what you have found to work and not work.... what you would have done differently.....
On a previous post someone wrote something that I hear a lot, "enjoy them while they are young because they don't stay young long". I hear this a lot and I really take it to heart. I am just wanting to know how to have more time to enjoy my babies (I know I've hit some kind of record with having 4 in 3 years, but still)- it seems like I hit the day running and don't stop until they are in bed at night. Maybe that's just the way it is!! Please keep posting if you have any thoughts....
On days when my preschooler is home here are things that have worked a bit (my youngest attends a developmental preschool). She really wants to be in the middle of what we do and recently really wants the oldest child to play with her.
As much as possible, I use the play time to my advantage. Oldest will snuggle and play peek a boo with youngest while I do read alouds or just work with the middle child with individual tasks.
When possible, the youngest has her set of markers to draw on the white board while older sisters are doing seat work.
We try to have youngest looking at books or at least doing something that is similar to older sisters when possible.
I keep lessons as short as possible and I'm not afraid to do some things after supper if needed.
As much as possible I give the youngest a good 10-15 minutes of my time before starting with the other girls. Then she just runs off to keep happy for a while.
I'm looking forward to Kelly's ideas too.
later
crystal