Homeschooling in Illinois

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Large Families

Homeschooling in a large family is both a joy and a challenge. Learn how to manage those challenges, while meeting the needs of everyone in the family. Here you’ll find information on keeping your home running smoothly, tending to toddlers while homeschooling, teaching many different grade levels at once, and avoid burnout.

Organizing the Large Family Homeschool
This article offers a smattering of simple ideas to help keep homeschooling materials organized.
How Do I Teach with So Many Kids?
This series includes a look at schedules, schooling year round, busy bags, teamwork, and surrendering to God.
Tips for Homeschooling Multiple Ages in a Large Family
Heather Bowen shares some tips, tricks, and shortcuts for homeschooling multiple ages within a large family.
Implementing Discipleship Homeschool with a Large Family
How do you switch to a discipleship homeschool way of life? Theresa, mother of ten asked such a question – here is her letter and a reply. Theresa has given permission for this to be shared in the hope that other families will be encouraged too.
Get Along Home
This blog follows Cindy and her family as she talks about homeschooling, large families, and parenting.
Day in the Life of a Large Homeschooling Family
Take a look at a day in the life of a large homeschooling family. Alison and Paul have seven children and share what a typical day is like at their house.
IA Christian Moms of Many
Any mom in or near Iowa (Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota, Missourri) with 4 or more children living at home is welcome here. Discussions include household organization, homeschooling ideas, frugal living tips, child training, Christian living, modesty, and general encouragement.
CM for Moms of Many
An email group for homeschooling moms using Charlotte Mason's methods. Focuses on homeschooling larger families.
Tips for Homeschool Planning for Multiple Ages
For the most part, the more well ordered days are the more smoothly the day will go. Not only does it require planning on our part as homeschooling moms, it requires diligence and perseverance – daily.
Field Trips in a Large Family
There are lots of things to love about a large family, but being agile and moving about quickly isn’t really one of them. Learning in action and experiencing something first hand is one of the best things about homeschooling. It’s often what really sets apart our education from that of a traditional brick and mortar school. It is worth it to make the effort for field trips, though it doesn’t necessarily make them any easier!
Finding Me Time for Mom in a Large Family
Between the meal prep, homeschooling, laundry, and constant demands for our attention, how do we ever find a moment of peace?
Planning a Homeschool Routine When You Are Homeschooling Multiple Children
How do you structure a homeschool day with four children? Do you teach each subject separately with each child? If not, what do you do together? This mom shares her strategies as she shows a day in her life.
Introversion, Large Families, and Homeschooling
The introvert can homeschool! Here are some tips for those whose nature is more introverted. Especially helpful for those homeschooling a large family.
Married (with a lot) of Children

Have a large Catholic family? You know the challenges, sacrifices, and joys that such a family results in. Tom Hoopes shares his personal experience with raising a large family along with some anecdotes of large family living. It's not always easy, or accepted by society, but the rewards are worth it. 

K12 Large Families
This group is for large families using the K-12 curriculum created by Dr. William Bennett. Both homeschooling families and Virtual School families are welcome. It is particularly intended for families with more than 3 children in K-12 as well as additional teens, toddlers and babies. Discussions include both the curriculum and the challenges of implementing it in a large family.
Homeschool Planning for a Large Family
Homeschool planning for a large family can seem daunting. From choosing curriculum to setting up a daily schedule, there are seemingly endless decisions to be made. The good news is that you can simplify the homeschool planning process. The key is to prioritize your goals before you begin planning.
Homeschooling with a Large Family
This podcast features Amy of Raising Arrows who currently has seven children on earth and one in Heaven. She shares ideas and encouragement for anyone who is homeschooling more than four children.
School Room Organization for a Big Family
There are so many benefits to having a large family, too numerous to count. However, one of the very few disadvantages is that a mom has to really stay on top clutter, particularly a homeschooling mom! It can be challenging to find a spot for everything. Organization is key when school six children.
Catholic Homeschooling Multiple Ages in a Large & Busy Family

It takes a bit of creative thinking to homeschool lots of kids of different ages, but it can be done. First pray! Then read through these tips to make the days smoother when homeschooling a large family. 

How I Teach a Large Family in a Relaxed, Classical Way: Math
A look at a tag team approach to teaching math in a large homeschool family.
How to Homeschool During the Post Partum Period
If you are going to be a homeschooler and continue to grow your class size, then you need to be prepared and you need to be flexible. Adding a new family member during the school year can be a smooth transition. Explore these ideas and tips to help during this time.

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