Really struggling...need fresh ideas

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have 6.5 and 2.5 year old kids.

I've wanted to homeschool my older since they were 8 months old.

But I'm really struggling. I don't feel as though I can give my older the time and attention that is due. My younger is very demanding with a much more challenging personality than my first.

I do math, reading/grammar, anatomy, geography while my younger is napping. But it's very regimented because I went to public school and I cannot let go of the concept of just sitting down and doing work. I know it's not fun for either of us.

Sometimes we supplement with Miacademy and we do like that. We've tried some online co-ops but it didn't stick. I'd ideally find an in-person co-op, but we'll see.

My husband and I have talked about enrolling in the Fall. I thought I was okay with it because the school is pretty good with good teachers and administration.

But I'm feeling extreme guilt and last night it all hit me. I'm not ready to let my kids go - I know I can be doing so much more. But I don't know where to start or how to improve.

I'm constantly tired and don't feel like I have the energy. But I don't think I'm ready to just walk away from my dream.

I also never feel like my two kids can do any academic learning together because of the four year age difference. My older already knows basic things and gets too bored, and my younger cannot focus long enough so I feel stuck.

I need ideas and suggestions on how I can improve and make homeschooling more engaging and interesting for all.

You should enroll your 6.5 year old in school. What you are describing sounds boring and isolating for the child. Plus, it sounds like it is ruining your mental health. I homeschooled my oldest for one year and similarly felt like I "didn't have the energy" to homeschool her and take care of her siblings. Letting go of homeschooling was the best decision. I am still in touch with many homeschoolers and the ones that are able to make it work have genuine passion for education combined with high energy levels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have 6.5 and 2.5 year old kids.

I've wanted to homeschool my older since they were 8 months old.

But I'm really struggling. I don't feel as though I can give my older the time and attention that is due. My younger is very demanding with a much more challenging personality than my first.

I do math, reading/grammar, anatomy, geography while my younger is napping. But it's very regimented because I went to public school and I cannot let go of the concept of just sitting down and doing work. I know it's not fun for either of us.

Sometimes we supplement with Miacademy and we do like that. We've tried some online co-ops but it didn't stick. I'd ideally find an in-person co-op, but we'll see.

My husband and I have talked about enrolling in the Fall. I thought I was okay with it because the school is pretty good with good teachers and administration.

But I'm feeling extreme guilt and last night it all hit me. I'm not ready to let my kids go - I know I can be doing so much more. But I don't know where to start or how to improve.

I'm constantly tired and don't feel like I have the energy. But I don't think I'm ready to just walk away from my dream.

I also never feel like my two kids can do any academic learning together because of the four year age difference. My older already knows basic things and gets too bored, and my younger cannot focus long enough so I feel stuck.

I need ideas and suggestions on how I can improve and make homeschooling more engaging and interesting for all.

Ok, so I would suggest taking the summer to set up a number of toddler-preschool activities.

-crayons, colored pencils, markers, dot markers, watercolors, tempera
-coloring books
-blank paper
-rocks (paint, wash, dip in water, hide in medium, etc.)
-color by number, color by letter
-unmarked dot-to-dot
-(later) numbered/lettered dot-to-dot
-toddler/preschool mazes
-papers with circled letters, numbers, shapes (can target numerals vs letters, upper vs lowercase, specific numeral or letter, specific shape)
-toddler workbooks on a shelf next to 6yo’s books (2yo can choose to “do school” too for a few mins at a time)
-board books, tactile books
-picture books without words
-device for listening to preschool music or audiobooks
-toddler puzzles with boards in a magazine box, bags of pieces in a bucket… label each board with an uppercase letter or an array or scatter of symbols, pieces labeled with a lowercase letter or numeral
-(for later) preschool puzzles as above, labeled with words for colors, shapes, numbers on boards and corresponding on pieces
-(cardboard or white) egg carton with colors in each cup, mason jar of puff balls, toddler tweezers
-egg carton with numeral 0-11 (later 0-11 random order), mason jar of puff balls, toddler tweezers
-wooden or firm cardboard lacing patterns, shoestring
-shoestring, mason jar of pony beads
-zip tie, mason jar of pony beads
-fine motor board (zipper, hinge, barrel bolt, hook and eye latch, safety chain lock, light switch, lock with key on string, hinge barrette, etc.)
-fine motor cloth (string to tie, buckle, zipper, snap, smaller button compared to buttonhole, velcro, snap barrette, hair claw clip, etc.)
-sensory cloth (fake fur, silk, burlap, satin, spandex, vinyl, embroidery, lace, sequins, etc.)
-tarp, bins for water, bowls, measuring cups, measuring spoons
-tarp, ice cubes with pony beads inside, ice cubes with food dye inside
-tarp, cookie sheet, pudding
-tarp, cookie sheet, shaving cream
-tarp, peanut butter or regular playdoh
-tarp, regular or puffy slime
-tarp, bins for sand, pony beads
-spray bottle with water and food dye
-water bottle with water and food dye
-sidewalk chalk (toddlers/preschoolers loooove using the spray bottle or water bottle on chalk after they draw!)
-timer, visual and/or sound (I like https://apps.apple.com/us/app/visual-countdown-timer/id541364004)

Start your 2yo with a timer for 1 min, work up to 3 and then 5. They should eventually be able to go from one activity to the next in the same room with you, showing you what they’re doing (quietly or not!) while you continue working with your 6yo. While your 6yo works independently for 5 minutes on math, reading or writing, you can do something with your 2yo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You might not be a good personality fit for homeschooling.

OP here. Why do you say that?

I'm teaching my older child various academics. And my younger with age appropriate things.

I just need some help trying to do learning activities with both of them.

If there are other programs or just suggestions on things to do to improve, that's what I'm looking for.

Teach to your 6yo’s level. 2yo can listen and “help” with cooking, science experiments and projects (set them up with their own, don’t let them “ruin” 6yo’s or it’ll cause resentment, don’t pressure them to finish or do it “correctly”). 2yo can listen to read aloud, cuddle with you and look at picture books while you discuss math, look at science books with 6, etc. It doesn’t have to be about holding back 6 or separating the two.

[Anonymous]

For me, I'm more about 'world schooling' so I like to be out and about, and learning from our experiences. (Also I have a masters in education and trained in Reggio so I understand it doesn't necessarily come naturally). Go to museums together and have fun, check out their family events and homeschool events, go to the library regularly and participate in their events, go to the parks a lot. Read about the Reggio approach and also the book 'Montessori from the start'. At that age, I just focus on math and English in a regimented manner, and let the other areas come naturally through their interest. For example, if she really likes outer space, use that for learning about science/geography etc, go to that museum or planetarium. If the really likes animals, visit learning farms and use it to learn about science, read books on animals from other cultures, etc. You have to make sure you have plenty of sleep, exercise, and healthy food. If teachings not do you then it's okay, now you know! Remember to put your child first. We homeschool when its the best thing for our child (not just because it's a dream we once had that we must force to occur).