Question of the Week: Do you have a schedule for your homeschool?

[jpapadpapa]

Here's an interesting question: Do you have a schedule for your school? We have had schedules in the past, but I am horrible at keeping one! So, now we just do our subjects when we can get to them and try to be done by lunch or shortly after. I have also become more of an "unschooler" as time has gone on (especially this past year with a new baby). I am always amazed what they learn on their own! For example, the other day my son started telling me about the Incas and Mayans and where they came from, etc. I asked him where he learned that (knowing we hadn't studied it formally) and he said from his Indiana Jones book. Those kinds of conversations really comfort me! It is so easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you're not doing enough!

So, my main rule is that we do Bible and Math every day. In the fall our curriculum will be a little more formal, but I have still committed to not beat myself up if we don't check everything off for each day.

So, in short...no schedules around here. We just do what we can, when we can!

[Shyla]

Well, after this many years you know I've made a great number of attempts at scheduling. For me, there's been a bit of a pendulum swing from tight to loose and back again to tight. Last year was actually one of my most successful years (read: not entirely, but on the scale of experience, pretty darn good.) I had my girls write down in their planners everything they did as it was completed. I also had a printed schedule for each of the days of the week. It was also the first time I held my kids accountable for completing homework on the weekend for what was not done during the week. You'd think this might cure them of squirreling away their time, right? Nope.

Oh well.

Every year I come up with a new plan. By February the wheels are getting pretty wobbly and by March it's all I can do to keep them on the bus and keep moving forward. Still, it must be done. My girls are finishing up math this summer, but all in all the rest of the year was pretty successful. And the fact that I still have the energy and enthusiasm to come up with another "plan for scheduling," well, I find that inspiring all by itself!

Press on Mamas!

God's peace,
Shyla

[ckoshka]

We are still in the early preschool phase with all the kids so I just play it by ear right now. But starting this fall I want to make a light schedule for my 4 yr old. I am not sure how they will do on the schedule but I know I am so much better if I plan and follow one so we will be giving it a go!

[LaurieStuder]

Over the years of homeschooling we've tried all sorts of schedules and plans. I am not the most organized person so in some ways it is helpful. I have found that I need to look at what my children do over the course of time rather than just one day. I used to beat myself up for a bad day or when we just didn't get things accomplished. Over the years the Lord has taught me so much! Now that my children are older (22, 16 & 13) we really don't have a schedule. One of the beauties of homeschooling is that your children do learn to take responsibility for their education and it's more of a partnership. They for the most part manage their work load. We do have goals we set and work towards, but I do allow them the freedom to map out how they pursue it. It's good for them because they have ownership and they learn self-discipline and the reward of a good work ethic.
Hope this helps!
Blessings,
Laurie

[jpapadpapa]

Love hearing all the responses!

I have found that I need to look at what my children do over the course of time rather than just one day. I used to beat myself up for a bad day or when we just didn't get things accomplished.

Laurie, I love this! I, too, am very unorganized. I really need to tighten things in my house, but I find that God gives us each different gifts. I just try to use my laid-back attitude to encourage others. Even though I wish I was more organized and I do try to work on it, I also know that God will honor our efforts if I'm truly trying! I want others to understand that if I can homeschool, anyone can! Somehow, God always blesses, even when I fail. He sees my heart! And hopefully someday I can have some kind of schedule or semblance of order! Ha.

[LaurieStuder]

Danielle,
Thank you so much for your feedback! I guess my heart in this is to try to encourage other homeschooling Moms in that we are not perfect, but our heart is to do what we believe is in the best interest of our children. God gives them to us for a short time and it is up to us to plant as much TRUTH as possible and hope it takes root. I can say this now after years of the Lord teaching me. I also believe homeschooling teaches Moms more than the children:-) It is too easy to get caught up in a bad moment, day, or even week. I had a veteran homeschool Mom tell me years ago to write down the reason(s) why I homeschool-the vision if you will. She told me to refer to it because I would need it-and was she ever right! It is not an easy thing to say the least, but it is worth it. The bond we have as a family and the relationships you form with your children is priceless! For any Moms who feel like they don't measure up, please be encouraged! God is with you in it! His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses! I firmly believe that if we will strive to keep Christ center the rest will work itself out.
Be Blessed all you Mammas!
Laurie

[jpapadpapa]

I can say this now after years of the Lord teaching me. I also believe homeschooling teaches Moms more than the children:-)

Amen, Sister!

I had a veteran homeschool Mom tell me years ago to write down the reason(s) why I homeschool-the vision if you will. She told me to refer to it because I would need it-and was she ever right!

Yes, this is the same advice I gave in my "Getting Started Homeschooling" talk last summer. It is great to have something written down! I have actually not done it exactly like this...but I've written plenty of articles and other things that if I ever need to, I can go and re-read my convictions.