One of the joys of homeschooling is being able to teach multiple ages at one time. Much of learning takes place when we are with others, so it only seems natural to have siblings and friends of various ages learning alongside each other. Many subjects lend themselves to this learning style too.
Subjects to Teach Multiple Ages at the Same Time
While we might need to provide individual lessons and activities at times in some of these subjects, they often can be taught together. Bible study, history, science, language arts, arts, music, and others are natural subjects to teach together.
Bible Study
Start your homeschool day by reading the Bible together. Ask questions of your children to help relate the BIble to their everyday lives. Spend time memorizing Scripture together. Learn about the men and women who helped spread the Gospel. All these things can easily be done together.
History
As historical time periods are taught in a cyclical manner, teaching history to multiple ages is a great idea. Gather everyone together and start learning about the Aztecs and Incas, the American Revolution, or the Roman Empire. Younger children can join in on the general lessons or hands-on activities where you might learn about ancient farming techniques or build a replica of a Roman aqueduct. Older children can complete independent work by reading primary documents or completing research projects.
Science
Experiments are always more fun when everyone is involved. With the expense of materials, it makes sense to teach science to multiple ages at the same time. While younger children might not always understand the complexity of the experiment, they will remember the “wow.”
Language Arts
Read-alouds provide excellent opportunities to teach multiple ages together. All children can enjoy the stories, while each one can work on independent vocabulary and comprehension activities. Pull grammar lessons from the read-aloud texts. Have older children read separate but similar books to write a comparison essay. There are many great ideas for time together!
Art and Music: Teaching the Fine Arts Together
From rudimentary lessons that can be done together to art and music appreciation, teaching the fine arts to multiple ages at the same time saves time and works well. No matter what your children’s ages, when it comes to art and music, they can start at the same point without any prior skill or knowledge. As they become more proficient, you can move towards art and music appreciation as a group activity. Individual lessons can be assigned as needed or desired. Although if children work on one music piece, then they can continue to learn together.
Your Favorite Subjects
What are your favorite subjects to teach to multiple ages? Do you have a favorite curriculum to use when having your children learn together?
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HomeschoolingFinds.com Author
This article has been written by Kristen Heider. She is the Business Building Team Manager and teh Social Media Manager of The Old Schoolhouse®. She shares more about her family’s homeschooling journey at A Mom’s Quest Teach.