We are going to do a lot of unschooling-type things, but I have such a hard time keeping my 3 yo from getting out of control some days, esp. when his sister is trying to do something that I worry about how it will work out with the age gap? First time around HSing, when she was in 3rd grade, he had just turned 1 and it was easier because he was mostly in my arms all the time. Now that he is 3, I am really worried that dd may not get what she needs from me because he's all over me and underfoot and causing commotion.

Kaya is usually around and involved when we're doing our learning. For times when Nico has to concentrate, for some writing or math, I will set Kaya up with an activity at our craft table. Basically, that's a card table on the other side of a divide in our great room. Kaya has always been eager to sit and do worksheets or copy letters, shapes, numbers, so that has made things easier for us. She's not high maintenance and has been able to understand when Nico needs some space to think.

Can you have some special "schooltime only" toys/activities for those time when quiet is needed? Maybe if your daughter needs quiet to do something, you could explain it to her and then she could do it in her room, in your room, outside, away from her brother. Or you could explain it and she can do it at the table or schoolroom or wahtever while you give the little one a bath or watch him play outside or get him set up with something fun in his bedroom. Does he still take a nap?

For the other times, when absolute quiet is not necessary, can you integrate him into "school" somehow? Or give him something to do nearby that is not terribly distracting: playdoh, domino races, a "car rug" are some things that will keep my 2 1/2 year old quiet for a little while.

I have this struggle daily as I homeschool our third grader, but still have a 4 year old ds, an almost 2 year old dd, and then 2 other 2 year olds that I babysit. The 4 year old is relatively easy....he enjoys "doing schoolwork" like his sister...I print him off worksheets, letter pages, coloring pages, etc and he works on those. For the two year olds, I try to get them engaged in toys before we start our schoolwork (Little People and Legos have been the toys of choice this week!). Sometimes they'll sit at the table with us and color or have snack. I save a few subjects that require more concentration (such as math) for the afternoon when the little ones nap and my dd can have my undivided attention!

Jenn

My 20 month old plays while we school. We start at breakfast, so sometimes he's eating breakfast still, and listening while we read. Then sometimes he colors, uses markers, "writes"... he loves to write. And when he's done, he gets down and plays. He's just always done well at it, so far. He gets his "reading time" later on-- we read books for him at lunch (in addition to reading throughout the day, of course).

I've heard some give the suggestion that if you take some time for one-on-one with your little ones BEFORE you start schooling, they often are more willing to play independently. It helps Anders to know that HIS reading time is later, so he understands that it's Erik's turn at breakfast.