How do I schedule our lessons? What if I have multiple students?
HOW TO IMPLEMENT LESSONS
Before diving into practical tips, remember two things: Every family is wonderfully unique—God created each differently, so some ideas will fit while others may not. Above all, live in deep dependence on the Lord.
Now, let’s explore practical ways to implement Charlotte Mason math lessons at home.
Scheduling Lessons
Keep lessons short, following Mason’s timetables as closely as possible (adjusting for today’s high school content). See our Upper-Level Math training video for more information.
General Sanity-Saving Tips
- Train kids to interrupt politely.
- Post the daily schedule.
- Use a visual timer.
- Line trays with liners to reduce noise from handling manipulatives.
- Provide math bins for young children.
- Take movement breaks (e.g., jumping jacks while counting backward).
- Keep backup plans: flashcards, puzzles, partner games, etc.
- Ask simple mental math questions while your student follows you around for unavoidable task interruptions, like changing a diaper.
Take Time to Consider & Pray
Think through your relationships with the Holy Spirit, your students, and math itself. Pray through your strengths/weaknesses and each child’s needs.
- What are your unique strengths and weaknesses with math?
- What is your relationship like with each student?
- How are your students’ relationships with math?
- How can you consider kids in your home who aren’t in formal lessons yet?
Juggling Multiple Students
Combine as much as you can, but don’t overdo it! Don’t teach more than two new ideas at the same time. If you combine three students, at least one should be doing review work.
If a student is reading, you don’t need to read the assigned problems to them. Also, utilize the independent student response.
Once students are doing more than one stream of math, you can do two streams on the same day. Ideally, one as the second subject and the other (easier) one as the second-to-last subject of the day.
Three Ways to Combine Students
- Stagger Lessons: Start one student, add another midway (e.g., begin 1st grader’s lesson 20 minutes into 4th grader’s).
- Pair Students: Often works best when not closest in age.
- Mix It Up: Vary combinations throughout the week.
What Works Changes Over Time
We’ve combined students most days, held group lessons 1–2 times per week, separated struggling students, taught the youngest early, and adjusted schedules as needed.
Some Final Reminders
Don’t Forget About Yourself
Consider your own capacity too! Moms need breaks and variety, too! Don’t spend all morning just doing math.
Involve The Holy Spirit
Cover your decisions in prayer and don’t forget to ask the Holy Spirit for help! He is the indefatigable teacher.