Name: Great Homeschool Conventions (Columbus)
Start: 2025-04-24T00:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-04-26T23:59:59-05:00
Location: Columbus, OH

Tagged: Simplifying schedules

This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 11 months ago by Tristan.

Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)

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January 28, 2015 at 9:59 pm
MrsB
Participant
This summer I hosted the Learning and Living workshop for a group of moms. We met weekly and we learned so much. The first term was the best term of my homeschool experience, and I’ve been doing this for 12 years. I have 8 kids (16, 10,9,8,6,4,3,1). Its been hard to get back into routine after Christmas break. Adding to that, I’m becoming concerned/aware that my 9yo is probably dyslexic. Researching and trying to find solutions is overwhelming. Much of the research shows that its hereditary, and even indicates that half of my children will be wired this way. My oldest probably is, but I didn’t catch it. I’m overwhelmed trying to help him, especially because he would really like to do dual enrollment next year, and I’m not sure he’ll be able to get into the program.
The additional needs of my struggling reader, the demands of toddlers, and the looming future of my oldest have me in a tizzy. I just want to get back to enjoying learning. We use Heart of Dakota for the oldest four kids. My oldest is in the World History guide and the 10, 9, and 8yo are working together in the Preparing guide. We tailor it a lot, and dont’ do all the extra stuff. Even so, I can’t wrap my mind around what we need to be doing right now or maybe HOW I need to be doing it. I need to give one-on-one time with my 9yo for the dyslexia (we’ll be starting AAR when the package comes), plus extra help for my 16yo with spelling, writing, and math (he’s great on history and science.)
I don’t even know what I’m looking for…lol. 🙂 I’m a veteran, so I know this is just a freakout. Any tips on how to give everybody what they need?
January 28, 2015 at 10:35 pm
suzukimom
Participant
Hugs…
My 11yo is dyslexic, and probably my 9yo. My 6yo doesn’t appear to be, and I have a 4yo.
Dyslexia can be very frustrating for both parent and student (and any teachers). And as this is something you are coming to realize it does add to ‘freak out’ feelings.
I find Ben Foss’s website helpful – I can’t think of the website name but google Ben Foss. It helps me when I worry that ds or dd will never read/write well… it discusses strengths, accomodations, helpful technology, how toghelp the student stand up for themselves, etc. Not that I am not still trying to get my kids proficient at reading etc – but that things can be ok if they don’t.
I do get the everyone needing my help problem.
Hth!
January 29, 2015 at 9:59 am
Tristan
Participant
It’s a constant balancing act! I have eight as well, ages 13-1, with five school age. I think for me there are a few keys.
1. Independence where they can.
2. Family work done in a row. We knock this out first in our day so I’m them available to help individuals and they are all working on individual work at the same time instead of waiting around for someone to finish up something so we can do group work.
3. Be structured on when you do one on one work. If you need a focused time with several children individually then make it formal – tell one you’ll work with them from 10:30am-11:25am and one you will meet with them every day from 1:00pm-2:00pm for example. Is there a child you need one on one work with who is a morning person, up and going before the rest? Maybe do one thing with them before breakfast or just after, while the others are sleeping/getting dressed/otherwise engaged.

Also, know that sometimes one child will need more of YOU than the others. It’s okay.