How To Homeschool A Large Family

How We Homeschool with a Big Family (And Stay Sane!)

Let me just say this upfront: homeschooling can be overwhelming—especially with a big family. But it can also be incredibly rewarding, peaceful, and even fun when your home is rooted in rhythm, grace, and purpose. Over the years, I’ve found my own groove, fumbled (many times), and prayed my way through seasons of chaos and calm alike.

This isn’t a “perfect homeschool mom” guide. This is real life—with babies underfoot, toddlers climbing furniture, and a pile of laundry that may or may not be clean. But by the grace of God, we’ve found a system that works for us. Here’s how we homeschool our crew—and stay mostly sane doing it.

1. We Start with Scripture

Every morning begins at the kitchen table with Bibles open. Before we ever touch a workbook, we touch the Word.

Our family devotion time is short and sweet: a Psalm, a Proverb, or a reading from the Gospels, followed by prayer. This centers our hearts, reminds us why we’re doing this, and invites the Holy Spirit into our homeschool day. Jesus isn’t an add-on in our curriculum—He’s the foundation.

2. We Don’t Mimic Public School

One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was trying to recreate the structure of a traditional classroom at home. Big mistake.

Now, we embrace the freedom homeschooling gives us. We don’t use bells or rigid blocks of time. Some kids work best in the morning; others need a slower start. I follow each child’s natural rhythm while keeping a basic flow to our day.

We prioritize learning, not just checking boxes.

3. We Embrace “One-Room Schoolhouse” Style

When you have multiple ages, teaching each one separately is not only exhausting—it’s nearly impossible. Instead, I teach as many subjects together as I can.

• Bible, History, and Science are group subjects.

• Math and Language Arts are usually done one-on-one or independently, depending on age.

Little ones color or play quietly nearby while older kids learn. Sometimes the toddlers are on my hip while I read aloud, and sometimes learning looks like a messy craft at the kitchen table with everyone involved.

And you know what? That’s beautiful.

4. We Keep Curriculum Simple (and Flexible)

I’ve tried the Pinterest-perfect lesson plans and overstuffed curriculum packages. They left me burned out and my kids overwhelmed.

Now, we use a few trusted resources, many of which are open-and-go. We don’t feel pressure to finish every page. Some weeks we lean heavier on nature walks and audiobooks. Other weeks we do more book work. I always ask: Are they learning? Are they growing? Are they enjoying it?

Flexibility is key to peace.

5. We Train for Independence

Even my younger kids have small responsibilities and routines. I encourage independent work as soon as they’re capable, which frees me to work with another child or tend to the baby.

We also use visual checklists and daily rhythms to help them stay on track without me needing to micromanage. Responsibility is part of the lesson.

6. We Include Chores as Part of School

Managing a big family means the home has to run like a team effort. Chores are a part of our homeschool life.

From toddlers putting away toys to older kids doing laundry or prepping lunch—this is real-world learning. It teaches stewardship, discipline, and teamwork. And yes, it lightens my load.

7. We Take Breaks—And Breathe

Homeschooling allows us to rest when we need it. If someone’s sick, we take a day off. If we’re having a rough morning, we pause and reset. Sometimes a walk outside is more productive than forcing a math lesson.

Sabbath rhythms are baked into our weeks. We rest hard and work joyfully. That balance keeps us sane.

8. We Rely on Grace (Not Perfection)

There are days I cry. There are days the baby is teething, the toddler has colored on the walls, and my preteen is eye-rolling during Bible time. But every day is covered in grace.

Homeschooling is not about producing perfect kids or being the perfect mom. It’s about discipling their hearts while growing in patience, love, and trust in God.

And somehow, even through the chaos, it works.

Final Thoughts

If you feel called to homeschool—especially with many little ones—know this: you’re not crazy. It’s doable. It’s sanctifying. It’s sacred. The Lord equips those He calls.

We’re not doing this alone.

And no, it doesn’t always look pretty. But it’s holy ground.

🪴 Are you homeschooling a big family or thinking about it? I’d love to hear your rhythms, wins, or struggles in the comments.
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