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From public school to homeschool

by Bianca
(AL-USA)

I am finding it very difficult to get into a routine with my 11 year old daughter. I actually love the quality teaching time and I think that she somewhat likes it but to get to that point is very difficult. She has 3 much younger brothers twins ages 3 and another age 4. I want to teach all of them but it is difficult to gap the bridge. My sons and my daughter fight and fuss when they are in the room together. If I just focus on her by herself, they are constantly interrupting with their playing, wining, or altercations(I have a loud physical bunch -- it's genetic). It is also difficult to focus on teaching with laundry, cooking, cleaning, and other household duties calling to me.

My daughter needs constant supervision or else she will just sit there and stare at her books. I have tried instructing her and leaving her to do some on her own and all she does is... well nothing. I end up getting angry and mean and trying to make her do her work and I definitely don't want that.

She tells me that she can't take homeschool seriouslly because she has spent most of her school years in private schools where little brothers are not constantly aggrevating you and their are other children your age in front of you and in back of you doing the same thing.

I am not opposed to putting her back in school but funds are tight for private school and her Dad and I do not approve of the public schools in our district.

I appreciate this website and pray that someone has some concrete applications I can add to our routine to make for a more peaceful and meaningful school day. Thank-you

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From public school to homeschool

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Jul 19, 2010
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The Balancing Act
by: Bas

Hi there Bianca
I read your article as well as Wendy's response. She is right. It wont happen overnight - the first year is the hardest! Hang in there, you're doing the right thing! I have 5 children ranging from ages 15 down to 5. I understand perfectly when you say they are loud and it is difficult for you and your daughter to focus. Believe it or not - you will both get used to it and learn to cope in the "chaotic" environment.

I agree that it will help if the younger ones are busy at the same time your older daughter is.
Colouring, puzzles etc.

Chores are not easy to balance with homeschooling. Try to work out a programme or routine for yourself. You also need to be realistic. Set attainable goals for yourself.

Start school work fairly early so that you can get done early. Then do some chores each afternoon.

My children and I have divided the house into three sections for cleaning purposes. Bathrooms and kitchens need to be cleaned daily but the rest of the rooms get a turn to be cleaned thoroughly once a week and kept neat and tidy thereafter.

I also put on a load of laundry in the evening and when the wash cycle is done I actually fold up the wet washing neatly to prevent creases. Then I hang it out bright and early the next morning - when its dry there are almost no creases!

This is a lot to take in, but I hope it helps.

Chat to the children, share some of your concerns with them and ask for their help. Explain why you chose this option and Tell them you love them and want whats best for them.

All the best
Basheerah

Jul 19, 2010
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Finding the goove!
by: Wendy

Hi Bianca

You do not mention how long you have had your daughter at home, but if this is the first year you need to give all of you a bit of grace.

However, do start with involving your daughter in the routine of home and get her to help with cooking, cleaning and even caring for her busy little brothers.

Encourage her to be patient and understand that this is HOMEschool and not homeSCHOOL - if you know what I mean?

I would also train the younger brothers to respect your daughter's time with you - but this will not happen over night. Set out tasks for them to do while you are busy with her focus tasks and then encourage her to finish the workpage or lesson within a time span.

Further articles on this topic which may help you are:

Help for the dawdling child and while your boys aren't exactly toddlers this article has some helps for you.

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