I agree, it is absolutely impossible to play all the DVDs available for the programs you want to teach! We are quite selective about how much time is spent watching DVDs, and I would wager to bet that we actually have a good deal more than those you have listed…
We rotate them constantly, and show them in sequence, a few days at a time, and of course as others have told you, many of the programs are designed to show one at a time.
I have rarely encountered anyone working on multiple DVD-based programs that actually follow the prescribed schedule recommended by the company!
Ad definitely, definitely don’t worry about them actually sitting down to watch it! They will absorb an incredible amount just by having things on in the background as they play. especially with languages. When we are cleaning, playing, down time, we usually have language DVDs or CDs playing as background. This gives them, and you!. An ‘ear’ for the languages.
Also, don’t worry about squeezing everything in. It does sound daunting, especially when you read posts about what other parents are doing! I am always inspired by what/how other parents manage with their LOs, but the truth is NOBODY manages to get in every program, every DVD, every lesson, everyday!
It is funny, but when we enrolled in a pediatric nutrition seminar to make sure we were doing everything humanly possible to ensure our toddler was exceeding nutritional guidelines(she has food allergies and we
are vegetarians!), one very important and wise statement was made.
“especially with toddlers, it becomes extremely difficult to achieve every dietary and nutritional standard at every meal…do your best, but try to think in terms of a full day, or even a week: is the overall nutritional goal met over the longterm?”
With EL, I think this applies as well! Focus on the course of a week, or even a month! There will be days that nothing EL-wise gets accomplished, and days when you will feel likenthe best/ most efficient mom in the world! It’s all about the overall input and finding ways to make it work for YOU and Your family!
Also, the best part of having things on DVD is the flexibility to show just a few minutes at a time!