English is not our first language. We live in South Africa (Afrikaans home language) BUT we have decided to school english. So ALL our schoolwork has been in English. We decided therefor to not go straight for year 1 as soon as our kids turn 6… and I took a slower/longer approach to year 1 (doing it over a 1.5 year). And eldest is coping okay with that. Do you think this is wise for the other kids too? Only starting Year 1 at 7 uears old? Just because english is anyway not our most familiar language.
May be hard to explain to kids but its honestly all about what level they are in not based on age (age is just a guide). Not all kiddos of the same age will do the same year. So 2 kids age wise a year apart maybe 2 years apart may be able to do the same year depending on their ability.
This was helpful information. Thank you!! I would rather keep my 1st and 2nd grader together. My 1st grader is a stronger reader than my 2nd grader. They do all the same material. I need help in deciding what would be best. To start with year 1 or year 2. Or if it matters?
Hi! Have you looked at AO for Groups? That would keep your kids together for now and allow you to separate them more easily later. If you want to keep with AO years, I'd start with yr 1 for both. If your 2nd grader needs more challenge you can move her up.
Hi! I don't have any experience switching to AO since we've always done it, but my video on schooling with preschoolers may help you schedule your days with your school age kids and your little ones!
I have a question. I have my 7 yr old and 5 year old in YR1. We just started this past school year and we are all enjoying it. My 5 year is really on top of narratives and listening to the stories. But I worry that my 2nd grade being in year one will not be able to complete YR12. She is still learning how to read independently (dyslexic) but I’m wondering if when she reads more independently I can skip a year. What do you think?
Hi Joy! The upper years of AO are very flexible, so don't worry about "finishing" with year 12 right now. Plenty of AO kids graduate after year 10 and are completely prepared for whatever next steps they take. The important thing is to have your children in the right place right now. As your child gets more independent you might decide to skip ahead if she needs more challenge, but you can make that decision later.
Hi Melissa, thank you so much for your helpful videos. I have 4 children coming from a textbook background. They are 4th, 5th, 8th, and 9th. Should I do groups with Form 2 and Form 3? Or should they do individual years? I'm feeling a little unsure about how to approach this.
Hi Melissa! I'd let them have their own years. Groups is most useful for a cottage school or for the younger years before they are reading independently. However, lots of large families enjoy doing a Morning Time together with some group subjects. I did a video on that if you're interested :)
I love this video and all of your insight! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
Thank you
English is not our first language. We live in South Africa (Afrikaans home language) BUT we have decided to school english. So ALL our schoolwork has been in English. We decided therefor to not go straight for year 1 as soon as our kids turn 6… and I took a slower/longer approach to year 1 (doing it over a 1.5 year). And eldest is coping okay with that. Do you think this is wise for the other kids too? Only starting Year 1 at 7 uears old? Just because english is anyway not our most familiar language.
May be hard to explain to kids but its honestly all about what level they are in not based on age (age is just a guide). Not all kiddos of the same age will do the same year. So 2 kids age wise a year apart maybe 2 years apart may be able to do the same year depending on their ability.
True! Homeschooling gives us the flexibility to customize their education to be challenging but not overwhelming.
This was helpful information. Thank you!! I would rather keep my 1st and 2nd grader together. My 1st grader is a stronger reader than my 2nd grader. They do all the same material. I need help in deciding what would be best. To start with year 1 or year 2. Or if it matters?
Hi! Have you looked at AO for Groups? That would keep your kids together for now and allow you to separate them more easily later. If you want to keep with AO years, I'd start with yr 1 for both. If your 2nd grader needs more challenge you can move her up.
I would love a video for families switching over to AO and how to schedule their days! Ill have 2 in year 0.5, 1 Y3 and 1 in Y6
Hi! I don't have any experience switching to AO since we've always done it, but my video on schooling with preschoolers may help you schedule your days with your school age kids and your little ones!
I have a question. I have my 7 yr old and 5 year old in YR1. We just started this past school year and we are all enjoying it. My 5 year is really on top of narratives and listening to the stories. But I worry that my 2nd grade being in year one will not be able to complete YR12. She is still learning how to read independently (dyslexic) but I’m wondering if when she reads more independently I can skip a year. What do you think?
Hi Joy! The upper years of AO are very flexible, so don't worry about "finishing" with year 12 right now. Plenty of AO kids graduate after year 10 and are completely prepared for whatever next steps they take. The important thing is to have your children in the right place right now. As your child gets more independent you might decide to skip ahead if she needs more challenge, but you can make that decision later.
@@cairparavelacademy Thank you!
Hi Melissa, thank you so much for your helpful videos. I have 4 children coming from a textbook background. They are 4th, 5th, 8th, and 9th. Should I do groups with Form 2 and Form 3? Or should they do individual years? I'm feeling a little unsure about how to approach this.
Hi Melissa! I'd let them have their own years. Groups is most useful for a cottage school or for the younger years before they are reading independently. However, lots of large families enjoy doing a Morning Time together with some group subjects. I did a video on that if you're interested :)
@@cairparavelacademy checking now on your video. Thank you!
What grammar curriculum did you like and use for year 6
We used Easy Grammar 5. It was given to us and it covers everything we needed to cover so I've kept using it with all of the girls!
Thank you. I'll have to look into that!