Before we decided to homeschool, the plan was for Layla to go to preschool a few days a week to get her started with socialization (she can be a bit of a brut).
But once we had officially decided public school wasn’t enough, we reevaluated our thinking about preschool.
I didn’t see the purpose in paying for preschool if Hayley was going to be at home.
So, we decided both kids would stay home and be homeschooled.
With two kids ages 9 and 3 I think this was easier said than done.
The kids are at very different points in their learning.
Hayley is studying multiplication, practicing her cursive, and almost into the logical stage of the classical education plan we are following.
Layla, on the other hand, is just getting into writing her letters, counting, and the other basic but very important skills that will set her on the path for the grammer stage of her education.
With Hayley, I need to explain new concepts to her, listen to her read aloud, and check her work. She is usually able to work independently for 10-20 minutes at a time after directions have been given.
Layla needs and demands full attention. I need to help her write each letter, count with her, read to her, and more. Even art projects (other than coloring) require my hands and eyes.
This often makes it difficult to teach both kids at the same time. I can’t give Hayley the attention she needs if I’m working with Layla and vice versa.
Inevitably one kid gets more attention than the other depending on the day which leaves me feeling guilty at the end of the day.
I worry that the kids aren’t getting everything they need when it comes to their education since I have to split my time between the two. But then I also remember that in a school environment they would have to share the teacher’s attention with many other kids.
I hope that when it’s all said and done everything will balance out and both kids will have received all of the knowledge they want and need in order to be successful women in the world.
I hope that when they look back at their homeschooling education they know I did my best.
For now, you can find me at the table. Buried under school books and art projects.
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I often wonder if homeschooling would be a good fit for us. I have four littles…the oldest being in Kindergarten this year. It would definitely be a challenge. I love reading how other moms handle it though. How they enjoy it, even! Maybe still in the cards for us one day
sarah sundayspill recently posted..the sunday spill–about nodding yes and being matched up
I do enjoy homeschooling my girls and it works for our family. With everything in life there are ups and downs but overall I’m really happy we made this decision.
Twitter: bocafrau
says:
I’m sure it can be a challenge with kids at different stages of their education but like you said. They get much more attention from you than they would in a regular classroom. And I love how you can be so hands on in homeschooling and think outside the box. I’m sure in the end it will all work out and the girls will truly appreciate what you did for them.
I really hope so. Thank you for your encouraging comment.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I went through the same thing when I was a preschool teacher. Because of the age of the kids I taught, they needed my full attention. All the time. In a classroom of 20 students, I couldn’t do that. At times I would feel guilty, but it also teaches them how to work on their own, which is a very important skill for them to have later.
You’re doing a great job! And the next time the guilt sets in? Have a martini instead!
Kimberly recently posted..A Breakup
You know me so well, Assycakes.
You’re doing a good job, and doing right by your children. Guilt will set in no matter how we swing it, so may as well just accept that it will come and go. In the meantime, know that you are doing the best you can for them.
Alison recently posted..Memories Captured – January Linkup
That’s a good point, Alison. I would probably feel guilty too if they were in public school and I was working full-time.
Twitter: AccidentalDesig
says:
There are a lot of resources that address this problem, in the homeschool literature. I can’t say one off the top of my head because my daughters are twins, and my son was 6 when we adopted him from China.
Don’t let that guilt mess with you. It takes too much energy. You are doing a great job.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t re-evaluate after Christmas.
Maggie S. recently posted..Thirteen for ’13
I’ll have to do some more research in the homeschooling literature. I haven’t really read much beyond the curriculum we are using. Thank you.
I think it’s incredible what you are doing for your girls. Many parents wouldn’t have looked that deap into their children’s education and then chosen to take on the work load themselves. You are a great mother and I applaud you.
Leighann recently posted..What the Musician’s REALLY Mean
Thank you, Leighann.
Twitter: corp2domestic
says:
I think you are doing an amazing job…and I know it can’t be easy balancing it since they are at different levels. Keep up the good work momma!
Natalie recently posted..Solitaire-y Moments and a Giveaway!
Thank you Natalie! I’m hoping it gets easier as they get older but only time will tell.
I think because you care so much, they will both be amazing! I hope it gets easier after a while.
xo
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Thank you, Jen!
Twitter: gfunkified
says:
I bet that is tough. I know how demanding three-year-olds are! Yikes. I’m sure it’ll all balance out, though. You’re doing a great job.
Greta @gfunkified recently posted..Mamavation Update
My youngest seems to be even more demanding than her sister ever was. Guess it’s a good thing I’m done having kids.
Twitter: laurenweber84
says:
I give you major props, girl! It can’t be easy, but I am sure your kiddos will turn out just as intelligent as you. I think you hit the nail on the head when you discuss how a teacher would be sharing their attention as well. I think one little distraction is much easier than 20! Keep up the good work!
Mrs. Weber recently posted..Disney’s The Lion King – Coming to Detroit! {+ Giveaway!}
Sometimes it feels like my little one is as busy as 20 kids. But I’m doing the best I can.
Twitter: FarewellStrangr
says:
I honestly couldn’t do it, so I think you’re doing an amazing job. You sound organized and focused and you obviously know what matters to you in terms of their education. And they will totally know how important it was to you to do this. I think that’s incredible.
Robin | Farewell, Stranger recently posted..Connorisms
As we go along I am figuring out what works and doesn’t work and making changes accordingly. My oldest has told me she is happy with homeschooling and likes it better than public school so that was reassuring.
Twitter: thesistershood
says:
I love reading your posts about schooling and the many different avenues you have approached with the girls. You will find a stride, and figure out activities that take longer like sensory tables and puzzles for Layla, even educational dvds while you have the heavy stuff going on with Hayley. Then have longer art projects for Hayley while doing the real hands on busy work with Layla. Mix and match – you are rocking it xxxx
Sisters from Another Mister recently posted..Fork in the road
We are figuring it out day by day. It seems Layla always wants to do art projects while Hayley prefers dance parties.
My husband and I want to home school our son when he is born. I’m always amazed at the level of commitment to the child for doing this. My cousin was home schooled and she’s a beautiful, thoughtful, intelligent, caring adult who has a daughter of her own now.
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That is so great to hear. Gives me hope that my daughters will be the same.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. I sometimes feel that way because my son is going through some very complex math & gets a lot of attention during that. But then my youngest is one that needs a lot of guidance in her work along with the fact that she is just at that age where she can’t work as independently as the older two. I think when we were at your stage I did them at separate times. We either did one’s lessons in the mornings & the younger one in the afternoon since the time spent for the younger one was less. Also- because at those grades they were flying through the curriculum in 6 months, I could go through with one for 6 months & then start with the other & so we never worked them at the same time. The best part about homeschooling in a state with lots of freedom like NV is that you can choose how you want to work it. Do what fits for you & your family. It will work out & you will find your groove. I know that!!! You are an awesome mom & they will have a better education because of what you are doing for them.
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We have been flying through the curriculum for my oldest. It’s been really nice and I love that there is so much flexibility with homeschooling in Nevada. Thank you for your help along the way!
Twitter: elainea
says:
I think you make a great point that they both have individual attention with you. That’s pretty awesome! I hope you continue to find your groove. You’re doing awesome!
Thank you, Elaine!
Twitter: galitbreen
says:
Ohmygoodness Jess! I love this transparent slice of how things are going!
I know, for sure, that they’ll know you did your best for them, did so much for them, because you’re chronicling it right here! How fab is it that they’ll be able to look back and see how this path began? Love!
{I’m rooting you on from here, girl! I know how hard you’re working!}
Galit Breen recently posted..This is Childhood: ONE
That is a great way to look at it, Galit. I never thought that they would/could come back here and read about our homeschooling journey.
Thank you!
I can’t even imagine! Props to you my friend and here’s to hoping you find a balance that works for all three of you soon.
P.S. I LOVE that quote!!
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