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When we started adopting children, we went from one to seven within a span of five years. Embarking on the homeschooling journey with seven children presented a unique set of challenges and joys. In our home, the dining room became more than just a place for meals; it became the heart of our learning experiences. We embraced the beauty of a flexible and dynamic learning environment without a conventional classroom setup. What I share below isn’t just about the strategies and curriculums that facilitated our educational journey. It’s also about the love, patience, and unity that grew within our walls.

Educating a Small Tribe: Secrets from a Seven-Child Homeschool

Choosing the Right Curriculum: Why Sonlight Worked for Us

Sonlight is renowned for its literature-based curriculum that promotes critical thinking and comprehension through a diverse range of books and reading materials. It’s designed to foster a love for learning by integrating stories and subjects in a way that connects deeply with students. What made Sonlight especially appealing for our family was its flexibility and adaptability to different ages and learning styles, offering curricula that span from preschool through high school. Each level is carefully curated to provide a comprehensive education that includes history, literature, science, and math, allowing for a cohesive learning experience that is both broad and deep. 

Sonlight‘s comprehensive guides and materials allowed us to streamline our daily routines, significantly reducing preparation time and ensuring each child received a rich, engaging educational experience. The Teacher’s Guide clearly outlined daily tasks, supplemented by various handouts and worksheets that complemented the reading materials. This structure significantly reduced preparation time on my part.

Organizational Strategies for a Multi-Level Classroom

I catered to different educational levels during this period by using two distinct Sonlight curricula. The older children worked with Sonlight 100, while the younger ones engaged with Sonlight D. Given that our focus was American History, there were numerous opportunities for joint reading sessions. Organization was key; a large whiteboard in our space allowed us to list and monitor each child’s assignments. This visual aid was convenient for making quick adjustments and tracking everyone’s progress.

The Role of Family in Our Homeschooling Experience

Our homeschooling journey was a family affair, with each member playing a pivotal role. My high schoolers were assigned their own tasks. It was a blessing to have my eldest son, who was then a college student, assist in organizing some assignments and tutor his younger sisters in math and science. Our homeschooling experience was deeply enriched by this family collaboration, fostering academic growth and lifelong bonds.

Maintaining Order and Encouraging Independence

Organization extended beyond lesson planning into the physical setup of our learning environment. To maintain order, we relied heavily on storage crates and bins, with each child having a personalized crate for their books. This system promoted independence, particularly for the high schoolers, facilitating easy access to their materials. Despite our efforts to stay organized, the inevitable mix-up of supplies, like crayons, was taken in stride, with the arrival of new crayons always bringing joy.

Creating a Positive Learning Environment

Beyond the academic rigor, it was important to cultivate an atmosphere that encouraged learning and growth. Through simple touches like the use of aromatherapy, we created a space that was not only conducive to education but also to well-being, demonstrating the importance of a holistic approach to homeschooling.

Speaking of Joy, it was also the scent I frequently diffused in our classroom, using Young Living oils to create a calm and rejuvenating atmosphere for both the children and myself.

Reflecting on those days, it’s clear that love and patience were the foundational elements of our homeschool year. The Sonlight curriculum not only facilitated a smooth learning process but also equipped my children to grow in their faith.

Ten Essential Tips for Homeschooling Multiple Children

Navigating the waters of homeschooling several children can seem daunting. However, it can be an enriching experience with the right approach and mindset. From leveraging a flexible curriculum to embracing the inevitable chaos, these ten tips provide a roadmap for those embarking on or navigating the journey of homeschooling multiple children.

1. Utilize a Flexible Curriculum: Choose a curriculum like Sonlight that simultaneously caters to various age groups and learning levels.

2. Organize with Visual Aids: Use whiteboards or charts to track assignments and progress, helping everyone stay on the same page.

3. Encourage Independence: Provide individual storage for each child’s materials to encourage them to manage their own learning resources.

4. Incorporate Family Learning: Find subjects or themes that allow for group learning sessions, fostering a shared educational experience.

5. Leverage Older Siblings: If possible, involve older siblings in tutoring or organizing, enriching their own learning while helping others.

6. Create a Calm Environment: Use aromatherapy or music to maintain a peaceful and focused learning atmosphere.

7. Adapt Your Space: Transform any area into a learning environment, showing that a dedicated classroom is not necessary for success.

8. Prepare in Advance: Take advantage of curriculums with pre-planned lessons to minimize daily preparation time.

9. Embrace the Chaos: Accept that not every day will be perfectly organized and that flexibility is key.

10. Prioritize Love and Patience: Remember that the heart of homeschooling is the relationship and growth that occurs, far beyond the academic achievements.

Reflecting on Our Homeschooling Journey

Homeschooling seven children was an adventure filled with challenges, learning, and an abundance of joy. It taught us the value of flexibility, the importance of a supportive learning environment, and the unmatched strength of family bonds. More than just an educational choice, homeschooling became a way of life for us, instilling lifelong lessons and memories. As we look back on this journey, it’s clear that the heart of homeschooling lies not just in the academics, but in the love, patience, and unity it fosters.

Additional Resources

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners. Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live. Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer. Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!