comments:
1-2 years of age is perfect for making a baby-safe zone. We got one of these for the toddler to play in, curated a set of safe toys for them, and made a habit of putting the toddler in there after breakfast every day. Make it something consistent, predictable, routine. A "Yes" area where everything inside is safe for them to touch, explore, play with without interruption. Start with five minutes, work your way up to 20, and then you have 20 minutes alone with the other kids. Add it in after Lunch as well and then you have 40 minutes to deliver a lesson at predictable times. That's still not a lot of time. It's better than what you have right now. Further recommendations depend on the curriculum - one advice would be to consolidate lessons. The 7 and 9 year old can work together reading the same book aloud to each other, then answer different comprehension questions relevant to their abilities. The 11 and 14 year old might be able to do the same history/science lessons. They can also watch teachers go over topics on Khan Academy so that way they're getting more detailed, less interrupted instruction. When I was in middleschool, the math teacher (there was only one for all three years) had a rule, "Ask 3 then ask me." We received math problems from a printer, filled in bubbles on a scantron, and were graded by submitting the scantron. The computer then selected our next assignment based on how well we did the last assignment. If we didn't' know an answer, the teacher made us first consult our textbook, and if we still couldn't figure it out ask two other kids before coming to her. She sat in the back "managing the computer" and seldom speaking. Just a reminder that, whatever you're doing, you're still giving your kids more attention than that teacher gave any of her students. Once your kid is 2, don't be afraid to employ Mr. Rogers Neighborhood or Daniel Tiger - just to keep his body still. I'm against tablets etc but many generations grew up on limited TV without it damaging them. If you're hesitant for that, try a Yoto player or some other audio thing.