What should I do if everyone wants to do each other’s art projects and history activities?
If you run multiple Heart of Dakota (HOD) guides and you have multiple art projects or activities on a day, do you do everything? If my daughter has an art project, and my son is supposed to do an art project, as well, everyone wants to do everything. Since the activities are so intertwined with what they are learning, I hate to skip things. Should I let them all do each other’s? Then, should I shift the ones we don’t complete to nights, weekends, or free days? What should I do if everyone wants to do each other’s art projects and history activities?
Sincerely,
“Ms. Please Help with Everyone Wanting to Do Multiple Art Projects and History Activities”
Dear “Ms. Please Help with Everyone Wanting to Do Multiple Art Projects and History Activities,”
One thing we found when we were running 4 different full-speed HOD guides at our house is that when we shifted things off to the weekend or to a free day, they often got overlooked. The more guides we added to our plate the more we found the need to actually do the project on the day on which it was scheduled. Otherwise, it was nearly impossible to remember who had what to do later. (Not to mention, by the time we got to the weekend, no one really remembered why we were doing the project or what possible connection it had to the text anymore).
Do art-based projects and history activities last in the day.
So, what we do to compensate for projects that may go longer is to have our older kiddos do the project time and science time last in the day. That way, the child can take as long as he/she wishes to complete the project. This also allows any younger family members who are done with their school to join in (if it is something the older child doesn’t mind having youngers join in to do).
Do art-based projects and history activities before free time.
For our younger kiddos, we scheduled their LHTH/LHFHG/Beyond/Bigger projects at a time when they had free time afterwards. For example, when our youngest son did LHFHG, we planned an educational DVD after his project time. If his project time went long, then we just moved the DVD to the afternoon. Others have computer scheduled after project time, which can also be moved later in the day.
Try planning a break after lunch.
One other thing we have done is to have a several hour break after lunch. Then, when we come back from the break, our older kiddos can jump in and do their project/science work (and I’m more up for it because we’ve had a chance to regroup and have some time off). Our younger kiddos also had free time in the afternoon, where we could shift any needed work from the morning during that time if needed. Anyway, just a few more ideas to ponder as you find what works for you!
Blessings,
Carrie
“Ms. Please Help with Everyone Wanting to Do Multiple Art Projects and History Activities” Reply:
Thank you, Carrie. I think there is a lot of wisdom in what you say! I was looking over my catalog last night and thinking what an amazing woman you are. Thank you for putting so much time into writing these curriculum choices for us homeschoolers. Thank you for taking the time to answer all our questions here, as well.
