Does anyone take daycare kids while they are homeschooling? We have tried to take a 4 year old this year while my son is doing K. I'm not sure it's working though. She's happy, my ds is happy, but I feel like we're not getting things done. The 4yo has a very strong personality. Even if I give her a work book of her own to work on she is listening in and trying to answer questions for my ds. So there are some subjects we actually feel we cannot do while she is there. Even though we regularly have the talk about waiting your turn, and answering questions that are directed to you, not others. I also feel like I'm either ignoring her, or ignoring my son. She has so many demands, that I just have to say no - a lot - if we are going to get any school done. Any suggestions on how to make it work? I'm considering saying no after Christmas. But my DH would be upset. So I'm torn. Help!
Me! Me! I run a family daycare. On average I have 1 two yr old, one 3 yr old, three 4yr olds and a 5 yr old at my table. (this does not include any babies or toddlers) What works for us is we have a group learning time around 10am. This includes some of Delaneys (my kindergartener and DD) learning activities like calendar time, weather, etc. They are free to join in too. Then each child gets their own level work assignments. My 4 yr olds all do pretty much the same work. Delaney does some of her learning work at this time too. And my younger kids are doing simple work they can fairly do on their own. Sometimes I try and keep in all in the family if I can. So my younger kids might be doing a coloring page with the number 7 on it. My 4 yr olds are writing the number 7 out. And Delaney might be adding items with 7 in it. Etc etc etc. And sometimes they are all on different work. I walk around and help as needed. Delaney also does some of her computer work with some of the kids too. I find she is more willing to sit and do the lessons if she has a friend with her. And we do crafts together. Then during naptime we do most of the other learning activities. And if she hasn't completed the computer lessons we work on that too. If the 4 year old doesn't nap then try putting her doing something else like computer, puzzles, movies, etc while you have some more one on one time. And if all else fails....we do some of our work on the weekends if we don't get it done. Like yesterday and today we have some school age kids here because school is closed. I didn't schedule for that! No biggie. We will work on the things at night or the weekend. Delaney doesn't mind. Delaney is also doing Flat Stella. She is looking up maps and marking locations, etc. The younger kids really aren't there yet. But they enjoy being included in it. They all run to the mailbox. We open together. Delaney shows them all the things inside. And they watch and talk with Delaney while she is doing the map and such. It is fun for them even if they can't do it on their own.
I find that the 4 yo won't do her own work. I guess that's the big problem. She wants to do everyone elses, but not her own book. Then if I get her to do it, she wants me right beside her so I can't help anyone else. I have a hard time knowing how and when I need to be firm with her, and when to let her do these things. But right now I'm having trouble getting anything done with my ds. They all do well when we have crafts that everyone works on, or games. But when I need them to take turns and let eachother have their turn to show what they know or to try something, it's really hard. Maybe I need to be more organized, or move them around so the older 2 are not near eachother during book work time. hmmm...
I have our two daughters ages 17 and 12, our 11 year old grandson and our unofficial grandson who is 5. The five year old wants to do everything the older kids do and gets upset doing preschool work. He is a live wire to say the least and into everything. Somehow it all works (most days).
It sounds like maybe you might have to be more firm. The child simply needs to listen and do as asked. If not, then offer a punishment. If so, offer an award. Don't discuss it. Set the rule(s). Done. There is no reason why she cannot do her own work. It sounds like she wants to be the center of attention and is certainly old enough to understand she cannot be. Set up an award chart for her and offer something special when she does as asked. Or a time out in another room when she doesn't. Or rework the set up as you said. Maybe she can do a computer program while you are doing one on one with your son, etc. I see no reason why you cannot add a little extra money in your pocket and still school your children. I don't believe you should have to choose one over the other. And 4 should be old enough to handle what you are asking.
