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There seem to be certain times of year I am keenly aware of the needs of an age range of children that we have. It’s continually changing. Just when I think my husband and I have things set, there is something new. Just how to meet the needs of an age range? I asked myself the same question daily over the last weeks as we’ve settled into our fall semester homeschool routine.
Here is what I have discovered and been reminded of recently. Especially with one away at college, two high schoolers and two elementary aged children. The needs vary widely and tend to overwhelm now and then.
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First…
Seek wisdom and ask for help
🎶When peace like a river, Attendeth my way, When sorrows, Like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, It is well, with my soul.” It is well, with my soul, It is well, It is well, with my soul. 🎶 #hymn #truth #1000gifts #SundayTheBestDayoftheWeek
Keeping my priorities in order is big for meeting the needs of an age range of children. That means me having my quiet time to start the day. Even if I don’t get up as early as I should have. Even if (insert all the other excuses and immediate needs of the morning). More on ordering priorities in Keeping God as the Center of Your Life.
Most of us have trouble juggling. The woman who says she doesn’t is someone whom I admire but have never met. ~ Barbara Walters
Ask for blessing
Ask the Lord to bless your homeschool – I have made a purposeful change. I have been asking the Lord to bless us. Because He has shown me in many ways this week “…you do not have because you do not ask.” James 4:2
Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or turn away from them. Proverbs 4:5
Get Practical
1. Doesn’t everyone make an edible cell after supper? We loved this fun project from @apologiaworld Anatomy & Physiology! #homeschool #HodgepodgeHomeschool 📚#allergyfriendly #eggfree #nutfree #glutenfree 2. Afternoon @apologiaworld Biology is not just for high school sister 🔬📚 #HodgepodgeHomeschool #homeschool 3. Mummifying some apples in Epsom salts and baking soda with Apologia Exploring Creation with Anatomy and Physiology.
One of the reason we choose the curriculum tools we do is so that multiple children can do certain subjects together.
- All learn history and literature with Tapestry of Grace.
- Our elementary children learn science together. This year – Apologia’s Anatomy and Physiology.
- Our high schoolers do their elective world history together – Compass Classroom’s Modernity.
“This is SCARY!!” she said as she sat down and put the CD in. Then Lesson 1 of Algebra I Teaching Textbooks literally opens and starts with, “A lot of people are scared of Algebra.” My 9th grader and I laughed so hard! Thanks, Teaching Textbooks. I love that we can laugh with math. 💙 #HodgepodgeHomeschool #homeschool #homeschoolmath #homeschoolhighschool
We also love Teaching Textbooks for math because each child can do their daily math on the computer independently – with lecture, problems, quizzes, bonus rounds and more!
Let learning grow and watch the progress
About four years ago we watched the butterfly cycle, thanks to my Aunt Mary Ann who has an abundance of gulf fritillary caterpillars in her yard. Well, Lil’ Buddy and Littlest Girl didn’t quite remember that. So it was time to do it again! Thanks Aunt Mary Ann!
Lone caterpillar 🐛among four – maybe five? – chrysalises. We can’t wait to see a gulf fritillary butterfly!
#HodgepodgeHomeschool #butterflycycle #naturestudy #homeschool #gulffritillary
Enjoy Read Alouds as Bedtime Stories
We are hooked on our latest read aloud. Highly recommend
. Looking forward to the next in the series!Celebrate!
College girl came home for the first time in a month and we celebrated her birthday!
Birthdaying downtown🎉 with our college girl! California Pizza Kitchen 🍕 a train ride 🚂 and more 🎈
Cherishing these times with the folks I love! ❤️ #hodgepodgesummer16 #1000gifts
Count blessings at the end of the day
Earlier, in between storms, I was counting up the gifts of a whirlwind weekend. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with parenting and life in general. So I decided to take my own advice and just step outside. Folks, sometimes we simply need to step away and look up. God’s got this. He’s got the whole world in His hands.
Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight Proverbs 3:5-6
#1000gifts #thosecloudsthough #HeMustIncreaseIMustDecrease
So how to meet the needs of an age range? In summary, seek wisdom and ask for blessing, use some practical resources for a good number of subjects, weave learning into times throughout the entire day, celebrate successes and count gifts.
You might be interested in all our Hodgepodge Homeschool Curriculum Choices.
Linking up and sharing in the fun with Finishing Strong at Education Possible and Kris’ Weekly Wrap Up.
Just a few years ago I was where you are now. Now I have three graduates, two of which are in are college, one high schooler and one middle schooler who wants to do duel enrollment in 4 years. Life is in some ways more hectic, but the responsibility of teaching so many different ages is gone. The ones I have left are more independent as well. Ironically enough, I miss the old days when so much was going on. It is lovely to see that you are embracing this stage. You will be glad you did once it is over.
It is enjoyable watching each child grow and mature in their understanding of their world. Your college student’s first visit home must’ve been so fun.