We are starting homeschooling for the first time this fall and I have almost all the curriculum (except one backordered book) that we need doing math and phonics/reading for the 2 kindergarteners, but I also have a 3 year old and a 6 month baby I watch.  I am wondering how the homeschool moms make everything work and how long the teach one thing before moving on, etc.  Any ideas for making homeschooling kindergarten work?

Relax!!  It's just K.  Have some fun exploring the world around you.

If you feel like you have to "do school" pick some time when the littles are busy/ distracted.

I remember well my cry of, "The baby's asleep!  It's time for school!"  We also made the most of meal times - while the littles are eating a leisurely meal with lots of "finger food", you can be doing some teaching of the others.  You can all be at the table where you can keep an eye on everyone.  We also did a few lessons here and there in the evening when Dad could help with the little guys - maybe have him do bath time, while you do a math lesson.  Be creative!

FWIW, Christa, my children are now 16,14,13, and 10 1/2. It really doesn't get any easier, just different!

Having said that, I taught my now 16yodd while nursing my youngest. Just do what you can - K should be a time of fun and exploring. Read books aloud together, visit zoos and museums, and above all, relax! My favorite resource at the time was Early Education at Home by Jean Soyke. Each week has suggested reading, activities, Bible stories, and a letter to focus on for that week. I left it at the library and bought a used copy, that's how much I liked it! For math we just used one of those all-in-one workbooks you can get at Wal Mart or Target.

Best wishes!

Patrice

School during naptime.  Keep it simple. 

My 5th child is starting kindergarten this year.  I think I've scheduled an hour and a half for us to read, do a math page and practice her phonics.  What else is there to do?  She'll spend the rest of her day lurking in on other lessons, making her "crafts", playing with siblings, working puzzles and other educational type "stuff" including a video or two.