Homeschool SchedulingHere is where the homeschool scheduling helps us so much. We need a "trip itinerary" to guide us and help us pace ourselves to avoid overload, burnout and overall dissatisfaction. When do we begin? How far will we go in the next nine months? Do we want to take some detours along the way to learn about special subjects or topics? What schedule do we want to follow each day? How early will we begin our day? How long will we go? Yearly MapBeginning with the overall view of the year, lets us know if we have too much planned or not enough. Are we covering the basics? Are we trying to do too much?First, we want to list the subjects we will study- the basics: math, language, science, etc. Then list any other topics, subjects, special interests that you or the children wish to learn about: frogs, magnets, Europe, or World War II. I also list any outside activities such as music lessons, karate, swimming, etc. that we will be participating in. These all go on a large-blocked calendar, each row for a month, a square for a week. That way I know when I will be studying what, and when I should be moving on to the next thing. Ah, the joys of homeschool scheduling!
Then we break it down into our monthly schedule, including field trips, outside classes, etc. This all goes on a monthly calendar where each square is a day. That way I know what days may be fuller, which days I need to block out for Doctors appointments, etc. Weekly PlannerFinally, what does our week and day look like? The weekly planner is my micro-manager.
This weekly planner gets finalized the week or two before it happens. To plan it out any further ahead would be futile- we all know how quickly life can change. Why set ourselves up for defeat before we begin? Besides, with the yearly and monthly, I have a great way to stay on track. Let's plan our day. What time do we want to begin? When will breakfast, lunch and dinner be? What subjects do we want to do in the morning when we are fresh, or is afternoon better for that one. Then I further define my activities: laundry today?, maybe a special reading time. Having a Plan Makes ALL the Difference!As you plan your weekly, monthly and yearly journey, remember that it's not the destination that is so important as it is the journey!That's why we plan and use our homeschool scheduling....so our journey will be what WE want it and not what circumstance or events dictate. Things come up and we go with the flow...but ultimately we are living OUR HOMESCHOOL ADVENTURE! If you are enjoying the journey AND have a plan you will get to your destination with flying colors (and your sanity!) You are doing great at this homeschool scheduling and getting started on YOUR HOMESHOOL ADVENTURE! 
For help getting started check out our Getting Started Checklist Need a little help with time management? |
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