Before we even get started, a word of caution- not all schedules will work for every family! I know that your friend’s schedule from co-op seems to work so well for her family but remember that every family is different. Every child is different and has different educational needs. This is simply one option in how to organize your day. Your personal schedule will need to be tweaked and honed based upon the unique requirements of your family.
That being said, here are a few basics that should be considered when planning your day:
- When is your child most alert?
- When does everyone in the family usually wake up and get ready for the day?
- What is the length of your child’s attention span?
- Which subjects are more challenging for your child, thus requiring more focused time plus a few more break times?
- What other appointments, schedules, or events do you need to work around?
Taking these ideas into consideration, it is important to always cover the basic subjects such as language arts, math, science, and social studies. (Yes, we think that it is important to include science and social studies, as introductions to these concepts can help with reading comprehension in the upper grades!) Some time should be devoted to each of these subjects, although the actual time devoted to these pursuits will depend upon your child. Perhaps your child needs more support with his or her writing, then more time might be devoted to that subject. If your child gets easily frustrated with a particular subject, it is also important to schedule break times in as well. These short “brain breaks” allow for your child to rest and refocus his or her attention. If you have toddlers at home, it is also helpful to schedule a particular subject that needs more support during that toddler’s nap time. This will allow for more quiet time that increases a child’s ability to focus.
Check out our sample daily schedule here.
Be warned- even with the best schedule that works with everyone, there will still be days in which nothing works. Everyone has them. Days in which the toddler won’t nap and insists on pitching fit, after fit, after fit. Days in which your elementary aged child keeps getting frustrated and cross about everything and fights you every step of the way. We get it. We’ve had those days. On those days, give yourself some grace and switch gears. Have an extra long read aloud time or even a movie afternoon. Reset and remember that tomorrow will be another chance at a fresh start.
Understand the value of schedules, but also be willing to embrace the imperfect. Welcome to the home school life!