How to make a Schedule for your Homeschooled Child
Homeschooling is a job in itself but who doesn’t want a job that lets one spend the entire day bonding with the loved ones? We understand that organization and management become a little tricky for a homeschool parent but on the days you feel overwhelmed, a good schedule will lift the clutter off your back. Here are some of the tips to create a schedule for yourself and your little one.
1. What worked for Martha may not work for you
You know your family better than anyone else. Your habits and likings might be similar to your next-door neighbor Martha’s but that doesn’t mean that her schedule will fit yours. In the initial days, experiment with the schedule to see what suits your needs best. Sit down with your family members and agree to a schedule that works for all, especially the child.
“I tried following my sister-in-law’s homeschool rules but then, I realized that her rules only work for her kids.” – Nancy, 33, mother of two.
2. Stress creates a mess
Do not stress if it takes time to get used to a schedule. Nothing can work overnight. Give yourself time and make adjustments accordingly.
“It took Peter and me two years to get used to being homeschool parents with our first child. But with Robert, our second baby, it came naturally!”- Patricia, 29, mother of two.
3. External factors matter
What you create won’t be carved in stone. External factors such as the weather, family emergencies or sudden illnesses, might impact your schedule and it is perfectly alright to be flexible once in a while and shift things forward.
“I’m a divorced mom and I always have to include Simon’s father’s schedule in mine. For me, homeschooling goes one day at a time!”- Sharon, 37, single mother of one.
4. Add some magic to it
Never stick to the same schedule for long periods of time. Give your cupcake of a schedule occasional sprinkles. Not only will this be beneficial for your child’s learning pace, but it will also never let homeschooling become a tedious task.
“On Fridays, Anthony creates his own schedule!” – Dona, 23, mother of one.
5. All study and no play makes Jack a dull boy
Homeschooling includes extracurricular activities for your child, it also includes all forms of sports and socialization. Take your child on field trips, always have one day of the week dedicated to fun, arrange instrumental or dance lessons and take your child to art exhibitions. Make learning fun by doing it through different activities.
“Mike takes piano lessons. He prefers them over family Sundays, so I let him have that. We’re together for the other six days, anyways!”- Sandra, 40, mother of three.
6. Set the goals
Always set the goals. The goals don’t always have to be long term for the schedule. There can be short-term and long-term objectives and reward yourself and your child after each task or accomplishment gets crossed off the list. Make sure that the goals are realistic.
“Every time James Jr. aces his test, he gets money put inside for a trip to Disneyland!”- Ruth, 25, mother of one.
7. Have it printed
Print a copy of your everyday schedule and put it up. We use this extremely helpful scheduling application called Homeschool Panda which helps us declutter our homeschool life and stay organized. Once we’ve made a schedule, it helps us print out a copy.
“I’m a homeschool Panda mother. The application’s a must have if you’re a homeschooling parent. Help me organize my life and my babies!” – Ruth, 25, mother of one.
