This was a huge worry of mine when we decided to homeschool both of our boys. I knew I was going to have a 3rd and 5th grader at that time and that they would be on different levels with certain subjects. I sat down and researched to see how and if it was something I could do.
My first realization was that I could teach them both at the same time and that I didn't have to stress, that it would all work out how it was supposed to. I knew I would have to be flexible at times but that it was definitely possible to do.
I decided I wanted to teach them as a group at some times with certain subjects and that I also wanted to be independent with them on other subjects. Last year our group subjects were History, Literature, Geography, Science, and Art. They then had independent time with me for Math, Language Arts, Handwriting, Writing, Spelling, and Reading.
This year my plan is to have our group subjects be History, Geography, Reading, Writing, and Art.
When shopping for curriculum that can be shared I either look for what the publishers say the ages or grade levels their curriculum can be used for. This helps to know that my oldest will learn and my youngest will learn something new from it. This also goes back to other posts where I said being hands on with the curriculum is very helpful as you can really see how it will benefit each of your children.
Independent time will be much more independent this year compared to last year where I sat with them the whole time. This year they will have a planner with what they need to do for that day and complete it. I will go back and forth as they need me to help. Some days I will sit with them to be sure they are understanding what they are doing. Our independent subjects are Language Arts, Science, Handwriting and Spelling.
Math for my youngest will be taught by me, just like last year, and my oldest will be using a curriculum on the computer that teaches him. I will be close by for my oldest though if he needs me.
It may sound complicated but I am really looking forward to how everything is planned out for this year. It is possible to teach more than one grade level you just have to be prepared and figure out what can be taught at the same time and what can be given as independent studies.
What have you found that might be helpful to someone questioning if they can teach more than one grade level?
I decided I wanted to teach them as a group at some times with certain subjects and that I also wanted to be independent with them on other subjects. Last year our group subjects were History, Literature, Geography, Science, and Art. They then had independent time with me for Math, Language Arts, Handwriting, Writing, Spelling, and Reading.
This year my plan is to have our group subjects be History, Geography, Reading, Writing, and Art.
When shopping for curriculum that can be shared I either look for what the publishers say the ages or grade levels their curriculum can be used for. This helps to know that my oldest will learn and my youngest will learn something new from it. This also goes back to other posts where I said being hands on with the curriculum is very helpful as you can really see how it will benefit each of your children.
Independent time will be much more independent this year compared to last year where I sat with them the whole time. This year they will have a planner with what they need to do for that day and complete it. I will go back and forth as they need me to help. Some days I will sit with them to be sure they are understanding what they are doing. Our independent subjects are Language Arts, Science, Handwriting and Spelling.
Math for my youngest will be taught by me, just like last year, and my oldest will be using a curriculum on the computer that teaches him. I will be close by for my oldest though if he needs me.
It may sound complicated but I am really looking forward to how everything is planned out for this year. It is possible to teach more than one grade level you just have to be prepared and figure out what can be taught at the same time and what can be given as independent studies.
What have you found that might be helpful to someone questioning if they can teach more than one grade level?
