Thinking about homeschooling a 5 year old??? how with a 2 year old too?

Question

Is there a way to homeschool a 5 year old while staying home with a 2 year old. Is there a way ?

Answer 1

You could always  include the younger one into what you are doing.  If your working on writing give the younger one a piece of paper and a crayon and let them "write" also. If your like working on the alphabet make or buy flash cards and have the younger one do them as well. So they feel included but the older one still gets the knowledge that you are trying to give.  Who knows the younger one might catch onto what your showing the older one. If thats not possible talk to grandma maybe grandma or someone might want to visit with the younger one while your doing studies with the older one.

Answer 2

Well, I'm not sure about all the technical stuff because I'm not NEARLY a parent yet, but my mom "home schooled" me (i didn't go to preschool, so she taught me, but there weren't any legal requirements for that...) while I had a little sister who was 2 years younger than me. If your 5 year old cooperates, it can definitely work out! if he/she is insistent on not getting things done (therefore sapping up your time with the 2 year old) then I would say don't go for it if it is too bad! But, of course, i think that your child would get alot more out of being home schooled! Good Luck!

Answer 3

Sure, there's a way.  A five year old doesn't need to spend a great deal of time on academics.  An hour or so each day, or even 3 days a week, is plenty.

Some of the things that you do with a 5 year old will appeal to a 2 year old, too.  You can teach letters or read stories or read about history or science while the 2 year old sits there, too.  The 2 yr. old can scribble while the 5 yr. old practices writing.  They can do art projects together.  They can each plant seeds and care for them for science, or watch "Bill Nye, the Science Guy" or "Magic School Bus" videos.  Even though the 2 yr. old won't do things as well as a 5 yr. old and won't understand as much, the 2 yr. old will probably want to try to keep up and will learn a great deal in the process.

Also, if there are things that you want to do with the 5 yr. old that require more attention and less interference from the 2 yr. old, try doing them while the 2 yr. old naps.  Even if the 2 yr. old doesn't want to sleep any more, it will probably save your sanity to keep having a "nap time", even if the 2 yr. old quietly plays on his bed during it.

Or have a few special toys that the 2 yr. old only gets to play with during lessons times.  Things that will keep the 2 yr. old from disturbing the lessons.

And don't forget to do a lot of stuff like exploring the area, taking walks and seeing nature, visiting the fire station or police station and learning about what goes on there, playing at a playground or with other homeschoolers if possible, visiting the library and going to storytimes (if they have them), collecting different types of leaves or flowers or seeds, doing crafts or making things in the kitchen, etc.  Little ones of either of these ages will get a lot out of these sorts of things.

Anyway, it is certainly possible.

P.S.  As for the one commenting on lack of social stuff, they'll learn a lot from being with each other about how to deal with other people.  It is a good idea (if possible) to find ways to let them deal with some other children, too, but don't stress over it if you can't because they've already got built-in companions to learn social skills with.

Answer 4

Yes, it's completely possible.  At 5, most of the learning that takes place is still through play; think about it - how many kindergarten classes are filled with worksheets and formal instruction lectures?

There are skills to be learned, to be sure, but many of them can be learned either while the 2yo is napping or with the 2yo "playing school" with you.  Letter formation can be learned while drawing, math can be learned while playing and cooking, etc.  

There are sooo many fun and educational things to do with both these ages - I would suggest checking out Five in a Row and/or Before Five in a Row.  http://www.fiveinarow.com/FIVEINAROW.htm...  These are literature based studies that provide pretty much everything that you could need at either of these ages, using classic children's books.

If you feel that math instruction is necessary, I would suggest Math U See Primer or Alpha.  http://mathusee.com/sequence.html  These are DVD and manipulative based programs that would be at your 5yo's level (I'd suggest Primer unless the 5yo is advanced) and will allow your 2yo to start learning about numbers as well.  Math instruction probably isn't necessary until your child reaches about 6 or 7 though, unless you see that they have a real aptitude for it.

If you've been home with your kids, you've been homeschooling them all along.  There really isn't anything more to it, at least at the early ages - read to them, watch with them, play with them, talk with them, explore and discover with them.  I promise, it's completely doable!

Answer 5

Don't home school your children.  It may seem like public schools are mess, but trust me, it's not the schools or the teachers that are bad.  Keep your children active and make sure they always do their school work and value education.  In my opinion home schooling prevents children from developing a healthy social life, which may hurt them as adults.

Answer 6

oh sure.  not gonna say it'll be easy because there will be ups and downs.  a lot of the things they can do together - alphabet, numbers, math (counting, etc - for a special treat you can let them count m'n'ms or skittles, as well as pick out colors of them ie can you pick out all the red ones, how many are there, etc then at the end of the lesson they can eat them), science (experiments, like what happens if you put water in the freezer vs in a pot on the stove, etc.) plus when the little one takes a nap or is playing quietly by themselves you can do the more concentrated things like "handwriting" or you could do that with the younger one as well.  for example you could have your older one do a number worksheet where on the left you have the number 0 - 9 down the side first bold, then two or three dotted (for tracing) then the lines for them to write it themselves; while the younger one has a piece of paper with one number in outline so they can color it in.  you can also do this with letters, giving the older one a letter a day, using that for english as well (letter A - big A small a for writing, for english long a says a short a says ah  and give words like ape, apple to cement each one in the brain).

also when you are out at the store have them 'read' to you like the cereal boxes point out a letter ask what it is and what sound it makes, etc.  your younger one may start chiming in or may not, but if not no big deal.  you can teach them the colors (what color is this box of cheerios? - yellow) etc.    most of the work they do is not formal work.  my 5 y/o sister (end of may birthday) did Kdg last year because she wanted to do schoolwork and did enough to complete kdg and will be starting 1st grade this year in homeschooling, but in co-op will be staying with the kids her own age.

Answer 7

It is possible to do it but not to do it well. One or the other, or both, will be shortchanged. And so will you.

Answer 8

Homeschooling is very rewarding. I applaud you for considering it as an option for your family. Homeschooling isn't for everyone; but, for those of us who have chosen it for our kids have received many rewards. I have three kids. When my oldest was 5, my second was 2.5 and I had an infant (who slept a lot). If I can do it, you can! My children who have auditory processing disorder (it's inherited) learned best with the ACE learn to read curriculum. It is stories and songs with flashcards to teach the alphabet and their sounds. Each sound has an animal with a corresponding story and song which goes with it. Each day, my kids wanted 'school' earlier so they could get their new story, animal, and song for the day. The songs are short and fun. By the end of the year, my then 3 yrs old knew all her alphabet sounds. She also knew the calendar months b/c we'd say them every day. Remember, I was technically teaching my 5 yr old. The residual was that my middle child was learning, too.

More suggestions:

1. Teach the alphabet with playdough....both kids will enjoy playing and forming the alphabet. Put three letter words together with the play dough...like 'cat'.

2. Teach colors and counting by getting an old cool-whip container and cutting a hole in the lid. Get a collection of basic colored bears or other manipulatives from the wal-mart education aisle. Have them put the bears in while counting per color...yellow first, green next, and so on.

3. Develop dexterity to enable more efficient handwriting by having them both pick up small objects and put them into smaller containers...like baby food containers and navy beans.

4. Go outside on nice days with a stick and have them 'write' their alphabet in the dirt! Kids love dirt...make it educational.

5. Save your table work or worksheets for the younger's nap time. This is when I'd introduce a more formal handwriting session through copy work. I would also introduce math through a good preschool computer program--jumpstart is excellent and pretty cheap. He/She should also practice their written name, know their ph #, parent's names, what city and state they live in, etc. If you feel you must buy a good handwriting program, consider 'handwriting without tears'...a bit pricey; but effective. Another is 'a reason for handwriting'.

6. DO NOT shy away from scissor work b/c of the mess. The scissor work helps develop hand strength for better control during handwriting. There's also a hand-eye coordination which effects future learning styles. It's great for both if you get the baby a special set which has handles made specifically for his/her age. They make them also that is easier to 'cut' with....see if the teacher supply stores has these. Then, get some light-colored construction paper, draw straight lines, wavy lines and zig-zagged lines and let them go cutting it out...straight is easiest, of course.

7. Of course, use kitchen cooking time to introduce measurements and numbers, zoo time to introduce biology and geography, nature walk time to introduce earth science, etc.

If you chose to homeschool, then they have the benefit of having their teacher 24/7. Begin to see life through their eyes. See every opportunity as a means for them to learn something. And encourage grandma and grandpa and their dad to help. You'd be surprised what others 'bring to the table' that you'd overlook.

If this is something you choose to do, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. I am a public accountant by trade: but, my career as an accountant wasn't as challenging and rewarding as being a homeschooling mom. It's the best job I've ever had. And as far as the socialization is concerned, as long as you get your kids exposed regularly to play with other kids through park visits, scouting, 4-h, church functions, social activities, etc, then your kids will be fine.

God bless you in your decision-making!

Answer 9

We did this with no problem at all.  You can easily homeschool K in an hour or so a day anyway.  A lot of that can be hands on, kinesthetic stuff--jumping chalk numbers on the driveway for number recognition and simple addition, counting and sorting matchbox cars or plastic animals, doing shape puzzles or tanagrams, forming letters and words out of playdoh, practicing handwriting in mud or pudding, reading fairytales out loud and putting on a puppet show afterwards, making a stuffed animal store and counting pennies or nickels to buy them, etc.etc.  The toddler will be fascinated and will go along with it all!  If he gets bored, you could have a busy box for him to rummage through or special toys you get out just for school.   You will probably be surprised how much he picks up in the process!

  You can save the stuff you need to spend the most one on one time, say reading, for when the toddler naps or after his bedtime.  Trust me , it really can be a lot of fun!

Answer 10

there is a way. but i wouldnt homeschool a child. think about their future. if they go to a camp they wont no anyone. or even in regular places when someone asks she or he where they go to school they might get embarresed to tell people.

Answer 11

It is possible to do it with more children than that and do it well. You will have to put the 2 year old on a schedule and teach the five year old while the 2 year old is napping. You will have less alone time for yourself. That part is hard.

Answer 12

As a person who was home schooled I think that kids need the social contact of other people their own age.  School is not just about academics. People who are successful in life are usually comfortable in social situations.  When I went to collage I had a hard time interacting with others and really had to work hard at being at ease in group situations. I had to learn the rules of the "playground" that the rest of my classmates learned in grammar school.

With all that said, homeschooling can be done but make sure you consider all the factors.

Answer 13

It may be a challenge, but it can be done. You will need to set both of them up on a schedule and keep to it. I would suggest that you include the two year old in on some of the learning activities like phonics. You will be surprised of what a two year old can learn if challenged. Another thing you can do is set up your Home School room that is connected to another room where the two year old can play while you teach the five year old. Materials can be ordered for both ages or can find activities on line. The key is keeping them busy and moving ahead.  Please let me know if can be of any further help. You may contact me through my web page below.

Answer 14

My kids are 10, 5, and 2. We are teaching 4th grade and 1st grade as well as teaching the 2 year old the basics she needs to know for her age. There is no formal program for the baby just playing with blocks, and all kinds of toys. Of course it is possible to teach your older child and still keep on top of the baby. Just do school in the living room or play room where you can keep an eye on the baby and still teach. We also do the main part of the school during nap time.

Don't worry about the socialization myth so many here have started to spout! It's total BS! It is so easy to get the socialization that they think your kids will be missing. Just by letting them play outside with the neighborhood kids they get real socialization. Also there are local home school groups, girl scouts, boy scouts, local sports, Co-Ops and so on. If your kids aren't socialized by the time they graduate from high school then it was because you locked them up in a closet all day! If I were to keep my kids in all day I would go absolutely crazy and so would they.

Answer 15

Every one is different.  Many people have suggested that you stay on a schedule.  If that is your style, it will work.  If you are more relaxed, as I am, a schedule is just a suggestion.

I didn't start homeschooling our son until 8th grade, but  even now, it is not unusual for either of us to get off subject and take a detour or "rabbit trail"  when something gets our attention.   It is still learning, but it is interest based learning.

For example, if you and your 5 year old are reading together and you are reading about an earthworm --stop and go dig up an earthworm.  Put it in some soft moist dirt and watch it.

Hey,  I think your 2 year old will get in on that study.   While you are doing that, you can explain to both of them the importance of washing hands and you can explain to your 5 year old that all critters are not harmless.   You can use your creativity and your children's curiosity to create children who want to learn and love to learn.

There is a christian article available online called "The Baby is the Lesson".   It explains how our attitudes shape our children.    Here is link if you are interested. http://www.schoolofabraham.com/babylesso...

Janis

Answer 16

Yes it is possible.  Make a schedule and follow it.  Homeschooling will not work if you are not discipline to stay on task.  Your 2 year could do some fun things along with your 5 year old.  Plan field trips and outings around the curriculum.  Plan to spend some time with your 5 year old during your 2 year olds nap time.

Answer 17

Of course there is, and if you think it is hard for you to homeschool your child with a 2 year old around - imagine how hard it must be for a teacher to teach them in a more traditional setting with 20 other kids around (even if they are 5).

Kindergarten is relatively unstructured or at least it should be.  Many of your activities are going to center around developing fine motor skills, building language skills, some basic recognition etc.  

I have a 5 year old, 3.5 year old, 2.5 year and 6 month old and I honestly have no trouble finding the time, but you may have to think outside the box and be flexible and creative in your approach.  For instance, my 5 year old is working on reading.  I actually encourage him to read to my 6 month old.  Or I might have him help my 2 year old with her project.   Teahcing a younger child is also a great way to master a skill.  You can easily incorporate your younger child into some of the activities and use naps times when and if needed for one on one time.

One of the benefits of homeschooling I think is it helps to strenghten the bond between siblings and this can be an oppurtunity for the oldest to also mentor.

My 2.5 year old is so far advanced in a lot of ways because of her older siblings as well.  As your children get older there are lots of learning activities they can both participate in together even though they may (or may not be) at different levels.   The montessouri method actually encourages putting childern of different ages together because they realize that this can actually enhance learning oppurtunities.

Good Luck

Answer 18

It's definitely possible. Most homeschooling families have more than one child--they experiment to find whatever works best for them at any given time.

With a 5yo, there's little structured stuff you need to do, unless you want to. Think of a typical kindergarten class: half day, first of all, and what do they spend the bulk of their time doing? Listening to songs, listening to books, colouring, painting, playing... Small amount of literacy and numeracy. In grade 1, they still spend lots of time colouring and cutting and pasting with more time spent on literacy and numeracy. With homeschooling, you can use whatever approach you wish with any type of schedule you wish.

There are lots of ways to do things together, too. You can read them both a story, but ask your 5yo to find certain letters for you or read certain words. You can play hide and seek and count for your 2yo but have the 5yo count to 20, or from 20-40... Just decide what you want him to learn and come up with different ways to have him learn that information. It doesn't have to be sitting down at a table with formal lessons for hours.