Homeschooling a houseful is an ever-existing challenge for me, and I'm sure many other mothers/parents as well.

Here are some of our own Homeschooling - Morning Photos. 

The routine I've found to work well for us is to do most of our schooling work in the morning, before "Daddy" gets up for the day. I have more energy in the morning than I do in the evening, and it feels good to get things accomplished so they aren't a burden on my shoulders throughout the rest of the day.

I had trouble figuring how to teach the little ones while the olders were being taught. There weren't enough hours in the day, and they bored easily once a "craft" or other activity was provided.

I found that the problem was solved by:

• Conducting "school" with the four smallest children immediately after breakfast. It is quietest, everyone is "fresh and bushy-tailed", and the olders are just getting up and sitting down to enjoy their own breakfasts. Even the one year old gets to participate in "school"! -- He might not retain much (or anything!), but he is supervised, occupied and feels included.
• Assigning the olders' school work for the day, immediately after working with the little ones.
• The older children have the day to complete the work (mainly reviews of the previous day's teaching), and after their youngest four siblings are tucked into bed at night, we "do school". I teach new concepts, and we do practice work on the board/scrap paper. We correct work at this time, as well. And, most fun, we share specific completed activities (like essays, maps, "teaching" posters, etc...)
• Since the oldest are in three separate grade levels, I have found it helps to "merge" their learning into one teaching exchange. They might use separate texts sometimes (I presently have the 14 and 16 year olds sharing Math and English textbooks at a mutual level... and the 11 year old has his own level texts), but we make a point to "share" such subjects as science, geography, history, etc... I allow them to choose their own topics, assigning specific projects and suchlike that need done by the end of the week, to be shared with "the class". This helps greatly and is a lot of enjoyment! We all learn a lot, and create nice memories!
• The oldest children hand in their completed work in a blue "basket" we bought for this purpose. This one, simple thing has helped so much! Everything is right there when we're ready for correcting! No one is searching through notebooks... or for notebooks!

I hope that my experience in this area might somehow help another mother who is struggling with a solution to the problem I was having. It is a challenge to teach so many different grade levels, and to do so with little ones "underfoot"! They need our attention and guidance... but we feel pulled toward the older children temporarily. Frustration can build!

And... the troublesome home-sewn fitted cloth diaper photograph is located here.   As I wrote earlier:

"I thought I would add a picture of the diapers I sew. Sorry the image is poor. I just wanted to "illustrate" that if I can do this, anyone can. (See "Cloth Diapering" post from March 22, in links at left).

These are nice in that they fit every sized baby... no need to make new ones as the baby grows. They're good until potty training! -- For a newborn, the front gets folded under and the two "wings" pin together with only one pin. For a toddler (like my 1 1/2 year old, presently using this style), I use them as-is, with two pins. I often "double" them (and this does NOT create "bulkiness"!) for extra absorbency because he is a heavy wetter."

( Please do let me know if these photo links do not work. )

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Shared by Sweetmama2

Thanks for sharing the picture of your homeschool.
Pictures kinda make the posts that we all do come alive and make it more real. I too am having trouble with some pictures.
GOD BLESS and have a great day.
Sweetmama

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Shared by countrydreamn

Thanks, I can see it know. That is so cute I love the fabric. I just need to get to work. I also enjoyed your school pictures.
What do use? We have just started using the C.L.E. and are really enjoying it. I had been looking at Rod and Staff but I think that for now this is working for us.

Blessings,
Debi

~~ From Carrie:
We use mainly Rod and Staff. I really appreciate their curriculum a lot. Lately, I've also been utilizing http://www.edhelper.com/ (edHelper.com). It's a great resource for reviews and suchlike.

Edited by rellamom on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 11:37

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Shared by mulberrylane

Now, I'm wondering, do you use pins with those or did you sew some velcro type product inside of them? I've made some fitteds, but I like your long tails... Mine were too short. Did you buy the pattern? Great job! Love the material, too. Seems to make diapering more pleasant when they are pleasant to look at. LOL.
Warmly, ~Melissa
ps, I used old flanned sheets and cut them up for my newborn diapers... they were pink flowers. Looked cuter as diapers than as sheets! LOL

~~ From Carrie:
I ordered some pre-made fitted diapers once upon a time. They were so wonderful, that I created my own pattern from them. I simply had one of the older children help by stretching out the elastic as I traced, adding seam allowances. I like the "long tails" too because they allow for the baby to grow! -- No need for separate sizes! For a newborn, the "tail" just gets folded forward and the side "flaps" pin with one single pin. But with a toddler, I use two pins, as their waist is wider in circumference! -- As for velcro or snaps... no, I don't use these. I was afraid it would get in the way of "growth allowance"... and velcro tends to pull on the fabric making the diaper wear more quickly. :-/



Edited by rellamom on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 11:41

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