Welcome to Part 3 our series, Organizing Your Homeschool for a Brand New Year! I’m so glad you are here, and I hope to help you learn more about scheduling this week with some tips from me, as well as a few links and recommended resources for your homeschool.
In Part 1 of this series we discussed decluttering and in Part 2 we talked about getting rid of curriculum. If you missed either post, be sure to go back and read them before tackling this third step.
After decluttering and getting rid of ‘extra’ curriculum and other unneeded items, in my home it is then time for creating a schedule of sorts.
I have talked before about our unschooling tendencies; our desire to be more child-led in our learning pursuits. Still, we do have a bit of a routine that we follow.
Currently we have a large marker board that is located just above my desk near the kitchen. On it are written all of the chores for each child; our weekly menu along with our Dinner Time (6:30), for easy reference when a child invariably asks “what’s for dinner” at 5 p.m. each day; and a current quote or Bible verse which we are trying to live by. Our routine is not written on the board, as everyone already knows what it is. It goes something like this:
- wake/shower/dress
- eat breakfast/complete kitchen chores
- feed pets
- complete other assigned chores
- begin any assigned lessons
- check ongoing chores (such as trash, wiping down table, washing dishes) at key times throughout the day, such as after breakfast, after lunch, and before dinner
- be sure all chores are complete BEFORE asking for computer/iPad/video game time
This looks great written out, but please know we do not have it all down pat. We have great days, and some are not as great, as far as staying on task goes. We are a work in progress, much like the rest of you.
Are you looking for tips for creating a schedule or routine for your homeschool? Keep reading.
5 Ways to Prepare a Homeschool Schedule
- Routine A routine is simply an order of doing things, much like the list I shared above. Decide what needs to be done, list it out, and then instruct your children to follow it in order. For me, this works well, because I have a list to follow but without times listed I do not feel overwhelmed or stressed if we do not finish ‘on time’.
- Time Schedule This method is exactly what it says; creating a schedule that lists out exactly what needs to be done and during which timeframes. This may be your preferred method if you do not get stressed trying to be on time or if you need a little nudge to improve punctuality in either yourself or your children.
- By curriculum program Using your curriculum exactly as written, following the provided schedule, and sticking to the suggested hours of instruction for each day. This method works for many and if it is what you and your children prefer, I say go for it!
- By subject You may choose to have your child complete assignments or learning pursuits by subject. Simply choose one subject per day to study. Perhaps Mondays will be science, Tuesdays will consist of art projects, and so on down the list. This could be a fun way to spend your days, learning about any given subject for hours at a time, never needing to stop to move on to the next subject.
- Wing it Study whatever you want, however you want, anyplace you want, and for as long as you want. No pressure. We use this method a bit, but I am hoping to get to the point where I am completely comfortable and confident enough to wholly embrace it!
Need to see more samples and resources to help you to determine what will work for you? Check out these posts from some of my blogging friends!
Why a Daily Schedule Doesn’t Work for Me ( What We Do Instead) Sarah Mueller
Extra Freebie – Curriculum Planner Sandra Modersohn
Homeschooling Plans, Charts, and Ideas Tonia Lyons
Do you have tips and tricks for scheduling your homeschool day? Please share in the comments! And be sure to visit again next week for Part 4 of this series, Organizing Your Homeschool for a Brand New Year!
