Create an Effective Homeschool Schedule
How to Plan for Subjects and Extras Throughout Each Day
Get your kids up, dressed, and prepare a healthy, hearty breakfast in the morning. These are the beginning ingredients for a successful day of homeschooling. Children really do work best when there is a schedule to follow. It provides a sense of expectations, which makes a homeschooling day run more smoothly. Try and stick with your schedule. You will be more efficient, and your kids will be able to meet the goals set.
Planning Your Homeschooling Schedule
You will need to know what is required by your state when it comes to hours of homeschooling and planning a schedule. Some states do not require any set number of hours for teaching, while others do keep record of this time. You want to be sure you are following your specific state regulations.
Sit down and figure out how much time needs to be spent for each subject. Some subjects will require more time than others. Be sure to add in time for lunch. A field trip counts as instruction, be sure to include field trips throughout the school year.
The basic subjects are math, reading, science, and history. Some states require other subjects than just the basics. Check with your state requirements and make sure you are teaching your children all they need to know. Plus, you will need to know what subjects are required, so you can plan your daily schedule effectively.
In order for your children to have a solid all-around education, add in art, music, and physical education. Even though these subjects are not required, they are important, and may help your child discover what makes them happy, and what they may want to be when they grow up.
You can add in any other special classes you and your children may be interested in, such as a cooking class. It would be nice to have a different "special class" each day that your child looks forward to. These classes are generally referred to as electives.
Finally, put the schedule down on paper. This may take a few tries. Once you have your schedule and try it out, you may find you are spending too much time on one subject or not enough time on other. Adjust your schedule until you have it the way you want.
A Sample Schedule for the Homeschooling Family
Here is a sample schedule to give you an idea of how the day would go. This should give you some good ideas on your own schedule. Of course, you will come up with one that suits your family's particular needs and style. This is only an example, and not something required by any state.
8:00 am – Warm up exercises and Pledge of Allegiance.
8:30 am – Reading, either alone or with a parent, depending on child's reading level.
9:00 am – Discussion of the book.
9:30 am – Spelling and Vocabulary, test or study.
9:45 am – Free reading time.
10:30 am – Writing assignment. This can be done in a journal, on paper, an assignment sheet or on the computer.
11:00 am – Lunch.
11:30 am – Recess/sports. Rotate between sports. Focus on a different sport each month. Rotate during the week between sports and free play.
12:15 pm – Math lesson.
12:45 pm – Computer time or hands-on activity.
1:30 pm – Special class/elective.
2:00 pm – History/Social Studies. Includes discussion, worksheet, or activity.
2:30 pm – Science lesson.
3:00 pm – Snack time.
3:20 pm – Arts and Crafts or Music.
On field trip days, just stick to the core subjects.
It is okay to deviate from the schedule once in awhile. Having the freedom to allow for different circumstances is one of the many benefits of being a homeschooling family. But, having a good schedule, and sticking to it, is beneficial for both you and your children.
A Homeschool Schedule
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