UPDATE, POST 22: How are we going to do this? What will we have to change?

[annettemarie]

We found out yesterday that we're having twins! Which is wonderful news but... I'm so scared and worried about how I'm going to manage it all.

I already had made some concessions to being pregnant. We are Waldorf-inspired, but I've always pieced together my own curriculum. I bought Christopherus for my first grader and was going to purchase it for my fourth-grader as well. I will have a sixth grader as well and haven't even started thinking about him. But now I'm looking at the Waldorf and it's so mama-intensive. What if I'm on bed rest in the fall? We plan on starting in July so we can take all of December off, but what if the babies come early? What if I end up in the hospital? And I'm not even thinking about once the babies are here!

I know that this is going to be an exercise in letting things go-- something I suck at-- and I know that there are going to be unexpected events all along the way. And I know that I am scared and shocked and panicking right now. But I also feel like I need to do as much preparation as I possibly can.

Am I going to have to give up the Waldorf stuff? I just don't know what else to do. I will take any and all advice.

[annettemarie]

Um... and please excuse my panic. I'm really freaking out.

[Callimom]

Congratulations!

I have twins and I homeschool.
My twins are almost 9 now.
Don't panic - it will all be fine.
Yes you will need to let things go.
But you get something amazing in exchange.

As for specifics, I would say that mama intensive stuff may need to be shelved for the coming year in favour of some independent learning. Keep the rhythm of your day as much as possible but use time saving devices and opportunities- perhaps bread gets done in the bread maker, art happens with a mothers helper, dvds and audio books might stand in for read aloud time -that kind of thing.

There will be lots of time to figure all of this out.
For now, just enjoy your news!
Karen

[annettemarie]

Thanks, Karen.

I forgot to mention I will also have a three-year-old bouncing around. GAH!

[Lillian J]

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by how much independent learning will go on. I started out with an enthusiastic Waldorf orientation, but noticed that my son didn't really need all that orchestration in order to learn things I would have made a much bigger deal of through lessons that weren't necessary. I think you should relax and really enjoy every bit of your pregnancy and babies, and trust that the learning process will continue, even though there may be some big breaks while everyone is getting adjusted to all that's coming. I remember a conference the Colfax family was speaking at - the parents and one of the grown sons - and, when asked for their best piece of advice they could give the audience of homeschoolers, they all looked at one another, leaned into the mics, and said "RELAX! Your kids will do JUST FINE!" And they responded to another question that there were months at a time when no book was opened at their home - they were too busy with other things - but their sons have gone on to do amazing things with their lives, and I believe two of them have multiple degrees from prestigious colleges. Lillian

[lotusdebi]

Congratulations!!!

Yeah, I think you'll have to learn to let things go. And find ways for your older kids to help the younger ones. I don't know much about Waldorf. I do know that kids love to learn, and can learn a lot from each other. Maybe let go of the idea of structured learning, and let the kids dive into books and ask questions and find the answers for themselves and each other? Let them explore things together while you watch and rest. Be ready with ideas for things that they can do without your direct help.

Good luck! You're a smart, strong woman and a great mama! If anyone can do it, you can!

[annettemarie]

I have nothing but love and respect for you all, but I can't unschool. I have OCD and my kids have a high need for structure. It's probably a need that I created, but still. I know the answer is going to lie somewhere in between, but the idea of unschooling really makes my toes curl, and not in a good way.

[Lillian J]

Originally Posted by annettemarie

I have nothing but love and respect for you all, but I can't unschool. I have OCD and my kids have a high need for structure. It's probably a need that I created, but still. I know the answer is going to lie somewhere in between, but the idea of unschooling really makes my toes curl, and not in a good way.

So don't unschool! Just be aware that you may be taking a big ol' break from the usual routine and that it will all turn out fine . Although, unschooling, like life, is often something that happens while you're busy making other plans Lillian

[lotusdebi]

Originally Posted by annettemarie

I have nothing but love and respect for you all, but I can't unschool. I have OCD and my kids have a high need for structure. It's probably a need that I created, but still. I know the answer is going to lie somewhere in between, but the idea of unschooling really makes my toes curl, and not in a good way.

I definitely understand this. I gave up on unschooling because of my older son's need for structure. But, like you said, the answer is going to lie somewhere in between. So, don't think of it as "unschooling". Think of it more as taking more vacation and relaxed days than usual. Plan what you can, and put those plans into effect as you can, but also let yourself off the hook when you're too overwhelmed to take on anything extra. If you collapse from exhaustion, you won't be any help to them anyway, right?

Will your older kids help out? Could you organize more educational things for them to do independently, and organize things for the younger ones that the older kids could help them with?

[ikesmom]

Take one day at a time like everything.

Learning about pregnancy, birth, and babies counts too!

[Callimom]

Originally Posted by annettemarie

I have nothing but love and respect for you all, but I can't unschool. I have OCD and my kids have a high need for structure. It's probably a need that I created, but still. I know the answer is going to lie somewhere in between, but the idea of unschooling really makes my toes curl, and not in a good way.

I don't know that you have to unschool.
But you might pare down to more independent learning - so math might involve a program that has a dvd teacher (math u see I think?)
Technology might take the place of some of the things you used to do.
There may be more stuff done when Dad is home in the evening - that might be when science experiments or hands on history happen.

I remember jumping right into worrying about logistical issues when I found out I was pregnant with twins. It seemed like the easiest thing to focus on and solve so that I might feel more in control. Unfortunately, the best laid plans and all that.

It will be fine. It probably won't look like what you are planning now. But it will all be good.
Karen

[Lillian J]

And structure could come in the way of just having certain blocks of time each day during which various subjects or activities regularly come into play - with the understanding that it isn't going to be a real problem if it gets missed, since it really isn't all that hard to "catch up" in good time. - Lillian

[jessicaSAR]

Congratulations! You are going to be doing a lot of juggling, for a lot of years to come, lol.

Here's what I think I would do. It is probably fine to drop the Waldorf main lesson blocks. They are very time and teacher intensive. Perhaps you could replace those with a list of books/stories for joint/independent reading that would correspond to the Waldorf curriculum (for example, keep the first grade Fairy Tales in the Christopherus syllabus, and the Norse Myths and Animal stories from the 4th grade syllabus). Read the stories together (this is something you could do even if on bed rest), then have them work more independently on creating their main lesson books. This way you could keep the flavor of the Waldorf lesson without having quite the same intensity.

I would also completely drop the formal circle time. You have been doing that long enough that you and your older children can probably sing so many songs and movement games in plain ole daily life that your younger ones will not be missing out at all.

I would also create a very short list of goals for each child for the year, limited to three or four main subjects, and modeled on the principle of "multum non multa" or "quality not quantity" (The Latin Centered Curriculum makes this case for limiting your scope, and while I would not follow this approach in normal circumstances, it does seem appropriate for busy times). You might decide your 1st grader needs reading/phonics, math and fairy tales, and your 4th grader needs LA, math, history and science. That way you can choose what you think is most important for the year or term and just focus on those three or four subjects.

And, I would spend some time now having lots of conversations with the older children preparing them to help out with the younger ones. Teaching is a great way to learn, and everyone is going to have to help out with such a big blessing on the way. So, try to make curriculum and subject choices that would allow the olders to help teach the youngers. Older children can lead circle games, do handwork and craft activities, help with reading, play games for math facts etc....

Oh, and pray for those magic gnomes that live behind the stove and clean up your kitchen at night....

[splendid]

First congratulations! Don't stress because in the end I am sure your family will do fine.

How old will everyone be when you deliver?

I would see what things your older kids can do independently. I would probably pull out my planner and plug in all independent work in there. Then anything that can be done in a group setting, then divide up any work that needs your supervision or instruction.

Do you school full time (sorry I don't remember)? Then I would continue with those plans so when you deliver you can take off as much time as you need.

If it gets to the point you are on any type of bedrest I used the following idea when I was sick:

Have the kids:

1. Read fiction.
2. Read nonfiction.
3. Write
4. Math
5. Memorize something.
6. Learn something new.
7. Art
8. Music

I had theme boxes and tailored it to my kids.

Hope what I said makes sense.

[meetoo]

Congrats!!!!

What about using something like Time4learning.com until you feel settled?

[TwinMomPlus]

I don't HS yet because my twins are only 8 months old but I just wanted to say congrats!!!!!! And breathe! It will be alright!

Do you have family that can help? If not, can you hire a mommy's helper? Or find a volunteer? My mom came every day to help me with my twins for the first couple months they were home and I don't know if I could have done it without her- and those are my only kids so far (one on the way)!

Congrats again and good luck!

[shoefairy3]

Don't forget that having babies in itself is an amazing life learning lesson. They big kids can read and read and watching documentaries and play. Oh the things they will learn when you are not looking. Promise Congrats on the new babies coming

[Fairy4tmama]

Originally Posted by jessicaSAR

And, I would spend some time now having lots of conversations with the older children preparing them to help out with the younger ones. Teaching is a great way to learn, and everyone is going to have to help out with such a big blessing on the way. So, try to make curriculum and subject choices that would allow the olders to help teach the youngers. Older children can lead circle games, do handwork and craft activities, help with reading, play games for math facts etc....

Oh, and pray for those magic gnomes that live behind the stove and clean up your kitchen at night....

This

CONGRATS

• Consider unit studies. I know its not usually your style but it might fit the bill for the next year or two. You might consider Konos in a Box.
  
• Michael could help fill workboxes for you.
  
• Checkout the blog formerly called Here in the Bonny Glen. The gal who writes posts about a concept called Tidal Schooling and I also recommend her posts about pegging.

[annettemarie]

Well, now DH is pushing putting them in school next year.

I'm going to go back and read everyone's advice...

[annettemarie]

Originally Posted by jessicaSAR

Congratulations! You are going to be doing a lot of juggling, for a lot of years to come, lol.

Here's what I think I would do. It is probably fine to drop the Waldorf main lesson blocks. They are very time and teacher intensive. Perhaps you could replace those with a list of books/stories for joint/independent reading that would correspond to the Waldorf curriculum (for example, keep the first grade Fairy Tales in the Christopherus syllabus, and the Norse Myths and Animal stories from the 4th grade syllabus). Read the stories together (this is something you could do even if on bed rest), then have them work more independently on creating their main lesson books. This way you could keep the flavor of the Waldorf lesson without having quite the same intensity.

Thank you for this- these are really practical ideas.

I would also completely drop the formal circle time. You have been doing that long enough that you and your older children can probably sing so many songs and movement games in plain ole daily life that your younger ones will not be missing out at all.

True-- I also have a lot of Kindermusic and other CDs that we could use.

I would also create a very short list of goals for each child for the year, limited to three or four main subjects, and modeled on the principle of "multum non multa" or "quality not quantity" (The Latin Centered Curriculum makes this case for limiting your scope, and while I would not follow this approach in normal circumstances, it does seem appropriate for busy times). You might decide your 1st grader needs reading/phonics, math and fairy tales, and your 4th grader needs LA, math, history and science. That way you can choose what you think is most important for the year or term and just focus on those three or four subjects.

I'll definitely check this out.

And, I would spend some time now having lots of conversations with the older children preparing them to help out with the younger ones. Teaching is a great way to learn, and everyone is going to have to help out with such a big blessing on the way. So, try to make curriculum and subject choices that would allow the olders to help teach the youngers. Older children can lead circle games, do handwork and craft activities, help with reading, play games for math facts etc....

Trust me, we're having those conversations already.

Oh, and pray for those magic gnomes that live behind the stove and clean up your kitchen at night....

Originally Posted by splendid

How old will everyone be when you deliver?

Michael will be 11 (6th grade, but he's doing work at a higher level), Katie Grace will be 9 and in 4th, Nicholas will be 7 and in first, and Daniel will be three and bopping around. We're seriously considering sending him to the church nursery school 3 mornings a week.

I would see what things your older kids can do independently. I would probably pull out my planner and plug in all independent work in there. Then anything that can be done in a group setting, then divide up any work that needs your supervision or instruction.

I was thinking about doing something like this, maybe getting a file folder for each week and starting to sketch out a general plan for each week.

Do you school full time (sorry I don't remember)? Then I would continue with those plans so when you deliver you can take off as much time as you need.

Year round? Oh yes. I'm mean that way.

If it gets to the point you are on any type of bedrest I used the following idea when I was sick:

I had theme boxes and tailored it to my kids.

Hope what I said makes sense.

It made all kinds of sense. Thank you!

Originally Posted by meetoo

Congrats!!!!

What about using something like Time4learning.com until you feel settled?

I checked it out today. On the one hand, it's kind of spendy-- it would be $35 a month for two kids. On the other hand, I'm canceling my Weight Watchers online and my gym membership, so that should even things out.

Originally Posted by TwinMomPlus

I don't HS yet because my twins are only 8 months old but I just wanted to say congrats!!!!!! And breathe! It will be alright!

Do you have family that can help? If not, can you hire a mommy's helper? Or find a volunteer? My mom came every day to help me with my twins for the first couple months they were home and I don't know if I could have done it without her- and those are my only kids so far (one on the way)!

Congrats again and good luck!

Sadly, no family. My husband is a pastor and we have no family in the area. There are no other homeschoolers in our church.

Originally Posted by Fairy4tmama

This

CONGRATS

• Consider unit studies. I know its not usually your style but it might fit the bill for the next year or two. You might consider Konos in a Box.
  
• Michael could help fill workboxes for you.
  
• Checkout the blog formerly called Here in the Bonny Glen. The gal who writes posts about a concept called Tidal Schooling and I also recommend her posts about pegging.

Thank you for these-- I'll check them out!