Adjusting Homeschool Schedules
When we were homeschooling, it seemed like I was adjusting our schedules every year. Each year our situation seemed unique, our schedule had different requirements, and my children had a different attitude.
One year, I clearly explained what I hoped to accomplish during my tutoring time with each child:
Tutor Time with Mom ~
Update High School Records & Reading List & Congressional Award
Bible: Read Aloud Memory Verse Daily
Chemistry: Vocabulary, On your own questions and Narration
French: Check French dictation & copywork, Record books read
History: Narration and Essay questions from the Teacher’s Edition
Narration in 1) Music History 2) Fine Arts 3) Literature 4) Bible
Literature Writing: Review quick essay, Review writing & research progress & outlines, Spelling & vocabulary if necessary
SAT preparation: Narration
Not everything happened as planned. I honestly can’t remember doing a lot of narration in history, art, literature, or Bible class. Hopefully we did just often enough so my children were paying attention to what they were reading. I remember trying to get each thing done at least once each week. It often depended on how tired I was. I lightened up a lot during times of burnout, and during December in particular.
Each week, I tried to remember to update my high school records, including the reading list for each child. To be honest, that did not happen. I would usually get to that each month or two, but certainly not each week.
I have “Congressional Award” listed; I never managed to get that done. Although it isn’t difficult to do, it took more time than I had available and I simply had to drop it from the schedule. Looking at those words each week was a little depressing – I felt like a failure that I couldn’t get that Congressional Award handled. Looking back, I see that it wasn’t all that important. It wasn't academics or character. Instead, it was something that might have been nice, but certainly wasn’t required.
If you are in the same situation, I encourage you to just drop what you never seem to get to off your radar. There will certainly be some things that may be good to do, but you don’t have time to complete. There are SO many good ideas and great curriculum choices out there that some truly great things won't fit into your schedule. Don’t beat yourself up about it.
During the time I wrote this schedule, one of my sons was working as a chess coach. While coaching, his brother would spend time at Starbucks with me. I read about how to homeschool high school while my son read about topics he was interested in: economics and politics. He felt very wise and mature during this particular year and wanted to create his own schedule. I encouraged that, hoping making a schedule would give him “ownership” over the organization of his day. He certainly did accomplish a lot with his own schedule!
Do you find yourself adjusting homeschool schedules often? Does your child create their own schedule? Please share!
Please note: This post was originally published in July 2011 and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Homeschooling is NOT the same as doing schoolwork at home. There is LOTS of freedom! My Gold Care Club will give you all the help you need to succeed!