Supporting more than one child in their home learning journey is a beautiful and complex responsibility. It can be a big job, especially when you’re navigating different ages, grades, learning styles and interests. The good news? You don’t have to juggle it all at once. With a few intentional strategies—and a little creativity—you can build a harmonious and effective learning rhythm that supports the needs of each child, while honouring the uniqueness of your family dynamic.

Lean into SelfDesign’s flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of learning with SelfDesign is the freedom to shape your days in a way that works best for your family. Being a home learning parent doesn’t mean you’re alone. Here are some ways to structure your learning week across multiple children:

Create a weekly family “Learning Flow”

Design a rhythm that includes independent learning, shared projects, and one-on-one time. Younger learners may need more direct support, while older learners can dive into solo projects or activities. Try using a whiteboard with colour-coded sections to keep it fun and easy to follow.

Try “Anchor time”

Set aside a special time each week to come together as a family—whether to plan the week ahead or reflect on recent learning. This connection point helps everyone feel grounded.

One-on-one check-ins

Rotate individual time with each child during the week. Use this time of one-on-one connection for co-planning, reflection or supportive check-ins.

Use a colour-coded calendar

Assign each child a colour and write down educator meetings, online and in-person events, and any other scheduled activities. Have older learners fill in their dates themselves!

Hold a monthly family circle

Hold a monthly talking circle where your children can reflect on learning highlights, favourite activities and outings, what they would like to focus on next, and how to support each other. This simple exercise strengthens sibling connections, promotes clarity, and builds empowerment.

How to incorporate all ages and levels into a learning strategy

One of the most beautiful parts of learning with SelfDesign is the opportunity to learn creatively, collaboratively and in ways that make sense for your family. A varied learning approach promotes adaptability, diversity and creativity while modelling to your children that it’s possible (and even easy!) to include everyone, regardless of age or abilities. Here are some approaches to supporting multiple learners at the same time:

    • Have older children read to their younger siblings – This strengthens literacy, leadership and patience.
    • Plan hands-on activities that require different skill levels – Whether it’s baking a complex recipe or building a fort made of cardboard and tape, have your children divide tasks based on skill and competency.
    • Plan outings that are suitable and stimulating for all age groups. This could include museum trips or time in nature with an observation practice, where young learners reflect on what they see and older learners journal about their observations.
    • Theme-based learning: Choose a family-wide learning theme for the week, brainstorm (together!) and plan different age-appropriate activities around it.
You’re not alone…SelfDesign is here to support!

We understand that supporting multiple learners at once can be challenging. That’s why SelfDesign offers a strong circle of support for both families and learners:

Weekly contact  with your Learning Consultant

Your learning consultant will engage in weekly communication, providing ideas, resources, extensions, and support for each individual child’s learning path.

Utilize Inclusive Education Services 

Inclusive Education (formerly SupportEd) Services offer one-on-one guidance from B.C.-certified educators, individualized learning plans, and inclusive education supports. Learners with diverse needs can access specialists like educational assistants or therapists, and families can use curated learning resources, online activities and community events.

Family Services

Family Services is a team of professionals whose offerings of support include access to curated resources, access to counselling services, and guidance on graduation path planning. The team collaborates closely with families to address challenges and provide tailored support to meet each learner’s unique needs.

Every family’s home learning journey looks different—and that’s the beauty of it. Some days feel magical, while others may be more challenging. SelfDesign is here for it all. You’ve got this—and we’ve got you. Flexibility is key, and there are practical tips for avoiding parent burnout. Read all about self-care tips for home learning parents here!