60-day returns • free shipping on USA orders $129+
Combining Grades–when does it not work?
- This topic has 7 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 1 month ago by
.
Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
- Posts
I have combined my 3 older children for Bible, Fine Arts, read aloud, science (nature study), and history. In order to do this, I’ve done read alouds (especially for history). I use TQ history and we’re on the Middle Ages (haven’t started yet). The challenge that I’ve run into is when life gets crazy (like being in the middle of a move) or my health is not doing well, these subjects don’t get covered because they are dependent on me. Truthfully, the only subjects that are getting covered this year are sporadic Bible, math, and reading–the last two get done independently. Some of the reading has been G.A. Henty books and LOTR, so I do feel comforted that they are reading quality books.
What I love about combining children with subjects like Bible and history is the rich discussion that follows. We get to mull ideas over, go on rabbit trails, refine our Biblical worldview, etc… These discussions are the highlight of our school day and have shaped each one of us. I hate to miss this. Any insights? Should I be looking for curriculum in these subjects that the children can do independently instead of being held up by me? When does combining grades not work?
Maybe what I need to face is that while we are in transition, this is the way it’s going to be. We should be moving into a house in February, Lord willing. I struggle with whether to continue history as a family or not. Science is not getting covered, right now. We aren’t even doing nature walks. My 6 yr old is ready for reading but all I can do is give her lots of audio books because I can’t even do reading lessons right now. Actually this week may allow me to be home a few days without running around and maybe we can get to some of these things. I just have the guilt and frustration that we are so behind hanging over my head all the time. “Behind what?” I ask myself. I forget that the Lord has His own time table. Maybe I should go back and listen to Sonya’s Homeschool Fear audios again!!
Thanks for any insight or words of wisdom. I’ve never had a year like this before.
Many Blessings,
Betty
I have always been really relaxed. We take off whenever we need to and do not worry about sticking to a “school schedule.” If it is too stressful take a break until after Christmas, then pick up math and phonics until you are settled. We don’t plan to take a Spring break, we prefer to push through to finish early, so know that you can do that or you can push into summer if need be. Get the Carschooling Book from the library for neat ideas on things you can teach in the car. My 9 year old really improved his reading by listening to audio books last year, so I think that its a helpful tool.
Yes, you are right. I don’t mind not doing school right now because we are so busy with Christmas, but the whole year has been like this. We have two more months of this till we are in a house of our own.
Those of you with older kids as well (I have a 14yog, 11yo twin boys, and 6yog), are you able to keep everyone together through high school as well?
Thanks for your thoughts!
I think your question got lost. I would start a new thread with your question about highschool. I’m interested too!
Betty, I think there can be seasons when combined readings don’t work as well, yes. For example, my second daughter went through a period of health issues, and I wouldn’t know from one day to the next when or if she would be able to crawl out of bed in the morning. It seemed a disadvantage to try to work everyone else’s schedule around hers during that season, so I kept the combined readings with the younger children and assigned all of her reading to be individual. That way she could progress at her own pace, as she felt able.
You may want to forego the history spine for now and simply assign the individual students their Middle Ages grade-appropriate books to read individually during this season.
To answer your question about going through high school: We still do combined readings/lessons in literature, poetry, picture study, music study, Scripture memory, and maybe a couple other subjects I’m forgetting right now. But most of my senior’s other work is done independently because that is what she prefers with her schedule.
Do what works best for you, dear.
Sonya, you are so right. I am really having a hard time thinking about this clearly. It looks like the house we put an offer on needs a new roof and septic system in addition to the other issues we saw. It’s still the nicest house we have found….
Anyways, things are really unstable and unpredictable right now. I am so unsettled. I don’t even know what would work for me. I’m sure it’s rubbing off on the children. Right now I’m only requiring math (Teaching Textbooks), reading (G.A. Henty) and a written narration, and Bible. But it seems like the less I require the longer it takes them to do it.
I’m assuming this is a season.
I think for now, I will let them read the Middle Ages grade appropriate books like you suggested.
Can I come over for a cup of tea and fellowship? All the way from Florida??? I’ll put it on my wishlist.
Thank you for taking the time to reply. Merry Christmas!
Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
- The topic ‘Combining Grades–when does it not work?’ is closed to new replies.