If you divide your kids for FIAR...

[Christi in VA]

what I mean is, if you do Vol 4 with one, B4 with one and FIAR with one--or something like that. How does that work?

Mine don't divide so well:roflol: One is always wanting in on what someone else is doing....but I really would love to give some depth to the lessons with the almost 8 yr old and just barely touch on things with the 4 yr old. But, they all end up meshed in together.

How do I do it?

[Tearsa in Michigan]

I don't really have this problem with FIAR because my younger two are so close in age they pretty much do everything together anyway and my oldest is 7 years older than my middle so she is able to do much on her own (although she usually finds a reason to be nearby when we are doing FIAR and has joined in on somethings even helping sisters find go along books at the library).

I think this is a natural thing for siblings who are close to each other, they want to be apart of what the other is doing, especially homeschooled siblings. I ended up starting schooling with my youngest with schooling a lot younger then I planned because she wanted to do school like the other two. Now she is only a week or so behind her sister in math and maybe six months behind in reading and writing and they are 18 months apart in age. I told my husband that I wouldn't be surprised if we don't end up graduating the two together.

I have also found that my two youngers want to do stuff my oldest does, so I usually just let them try or let them listen in while I work with the oldest, you'd be amazed at what they pick up. Sometimes, just letting them try it is enough to ease their curiousity and they often go on to their own thing shortly. They really just want to know what is going on and feel included.

I believe if I were in your position, I'd go ahead and do the indepth with the older and just let the younger listen in, you can give the youngers a taste, that maybe enough for them to decide they'd rather be doing something else. Or they may pick up somethings and surprise you.

Good Luck!

[Kendall in GA]

How do I do it?


My dc are using different vols. of FIAR. My dd is using Vol. 4 and my ds is using Vol. 1-3. I teach each as if the other is not there, i.e. I teach Vo. 4 geared to my 8yo and I teach Vol. 1-3 to my almost 6yo. They often end up listening in and participating with the other's lessons. :thumb: It works very well for us.

[Hollie in SC]

Our oldest is in Volume 4 and youngest is in Vol 1-3. It is more work for me, but it has been SO worth it! :thumb:

In the mornings, I sit Eli down to seatwork that he can do indpendantly and go through FIAR with Kyle. Eli is my talker and I prefer that Eli isn't around--or Kyle will never get a word in. ;) Then Kyle moves to his seatwork. Typically I wouldn't purposefully separate them--but Kyle needs this time on his own.

In the afternoons, I pull out Volume 4 for Eli when Kyle is around. He listens/participates as he is interested.