Homeschool Lasagna Learning

In this series, we will dig deeper into the helpful habits that have blessed our homeschool. And I’ll share some updates on how those habits have grown up with our children. Just how to teach multiple ages all together? Well that is just what lasagna learning is! Lasagna learning is a lovely mixture of ingredients plus the recipe for teaching multiple ages. Back when I originally shared about this learning approach, it was a simple recipe.

It still is, really, and goes something like this: Place a layer of learning in the pot (like my favorite slow cooker), add another layer, season with sauce, add another layer. Keep alternating layers until it is appetizing. Cook well, seasoned with spices.

It’s irresistible! Fill your plate of learning high! Little ones learning from older ones. Middle ones keeping things lively, always asking questions. Read the original post, A Recipe for Teaching Multiple Ages.

I’ve found, through trial and error, that the very best mixture for teaching multiple ages is a base of habits, a recognition of learning styles and, most importantly, starting the day with prayer.

Homeschool Lasagna Learning Recipe

Early on, with all of our ages mixed together, I needed strategies. I turned to tried and true habits of parenting. These habits laid the foundation for learning. They built some loving boundaries. Our children grew into middle schoolers, high schoolers then young adults. I saw the fruits of those habits and that foundational framework.

My mama always told me that boundaries show a child love. And even though children will often test those boundaries, they feel secure knowing what those boundaries are. It helps us all to know what is expected. I found what my mama said to be true. Oh, it definitely was and is not always easy. But holding on to some basic habits sure offer long term benefits all around.

Lasagna Learning Styles

Not only do we have an age range here, we also have a wide range of learning styles. The temperature and conditions in which we serve our lasagna. See if you have any matching these descriptions (See the original post for learning styles when our five children were younger):

• Two daughters learn by reading and are visual learners – give either a book and she’s pretty much got it.
• Both sons – are auditory learners. They will listen to anything. Audio books, Teaching Textbooks, podcasts, YouTube.
• Another daughter loves to create, display, concoct, play, dialogue – she’s a hands-on, kinesthetic learner.
• If you need help with determining your child’s learning style, The Way They Learn is a great resource.

So you see that I need to be aware and teaching to not only ages and ability but also to the different ways learning styles mesh together. So each child soaks up the rich vitamins of knowledge.

Start Homeschool with Prayer

How to Start a Homeschool Day with a Household? Get up before the children and get on your knees. Most homeschool mamas realize this. But if there anything you get from what I share here in Lasagna Learning, I encourage you – impress upon you – start your day with some quiet prayer time. Wow, what 15 minutes of alone time in the morning or late at night can do for a mama! It’s good to keep a daily habit of stepping out of the urgent, into the quiet, out of our regular spot and look to our source of strength. Jesus set the example. (Luke 4: 42-43)

“If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.” James 1: 1-5, The Message

For a very practical way to teach children to practice the habit of prayer, see Practical Prayer.

For a long time I’ve called it Layers and Levels of Learning. That one-room schoolhouse type of learning. But Lasagna Learning describes it much more accurately. Next, we will dig deep and scoop into those day to day helpful habits.