Homeschooling success starts with a rock-solid homeschool schedule. If you’re considering homeschooling your child, you might be wondering how to plan your homeschool schedule. Creating a routine that works for both you and your child can be a bit of a challenge, but with a little bit of effort and some trial and error, you’ll be able to create a schedule that suits your family’s needs.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some tips and strategies for planning out your homeschool schedule, so you can create a comfortable and productive learning environment for your child. Remember, you are the teacher, so you are 100% in charge of how rigorous or relaxed this schedule is going to be. It’s all up to you when you do math, science, eat lunch, relax, read a book together, go to the park. So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, or whatever your preferred beverage may be) and let’s get started!
Contents
- 1 Organization and consistency are the bedrock of effective homeschooling.
- 2 Do I Need to Buy a Homeschool Planner to Create a Homeschool Schedule?
- 3 Choose a Type of Homeschool Schedule
- 4 How Long Does Homeschooling Take Everyday?
- 5 How Many Breaks Should My Child Take During Homeschooling?
- 6 How to Plan Your Homeschool Schedule
- 7 How to Stay Consistent with your Homeschool Schedule
Organization and consistency are the bedrock of effective homeschooling.
You’ve probably heard a lot about the importance of organization and consistency. And let me tell you, it’s true! Having a well-organized and consistent routine is essential for creating an effective and relaxed homeschooling environment. Once you have a system in place, everything just runs smoothly! You will tweak it here and there and some days you will skip the schedule and follow a rabbit trail of learning, but having a set routine or schedule is key to success.
When you’re homeschooling, you’re responsible for not only your child’s learning but also their daily routine. Without a clear and consistent schedule, it can be challenging to balance all the different aspects of your child’s life, including their schooling, extracurricular activities, and free time. This can lead to stress and burnout for both you and your child.
On the other hand, a well-planned and consistent homeschooling schedule can provide structure and routine, allowing your child to thrive academically and personally. When your child knows what to expect each day, they’re more likely to feel confident and motivated to learn. Plus, a consistent schedule can help you stay on track with your goals and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed or unprepared.
With a little bit of planning and effort, you can create a homeschool schedule or routine that works for both you and your child and sets the foundation for a successful homeschooling experience.
Do I Need to Buy a Homeschool Planner to Create a Homeschool Schedule?
If you’re wondering whether you need a fancy homeschool planner, I’m here to tell you that you definitely don’t! While some people swear by planners, they’re not for everyone. I’ve tried and failed to use a planner several times. They literally just collected dust with maybe the first page filled in.
If you’re the type of person who forgets about planners as soon as you buy them (that’s me), then a traditional paper planner probably isn’t going to be much help. But if you’re someone who loves to stay organized and on top of things, a planner could be a great tool for planning your homeschool year.
There are tons of different options out there, from electronic planners and apps to good old-fashioned pen and paper. You can even find free homeschool schedule printables online if you want to experiment and see what works best for you.
So don’t stress about finding the perfect homeschool planner – use what works best for you and your family. The most important thing is to stay organized and consistent in your approach to homeschooling, so find the tools that make that easy and enjoyable for you!
Choose a Type of Homeschool Schedule
Yes, that’s correct! There are different types of homeschool schedules that you can use to structure your daily or weekly routine. Your method of homeschooling and curriculum choices will factor in when creating your schedule. Here’s a brief overview of four common types.
Traditional Homeschool schedule:
A traditional homeschool schedule can vary widely depending on the family’s preferences, the age and needs of the children, and other factors. It’s basically, cycling through every subject everyday. A typical traditional homeschool schedule might look something like this:
8:00-9:00am: Breakfast and Morning Routine
This is the time when the family gets up, eats breakfast, and gets ready for the day. This might include personal hygiene, making beds, and other tasks to prepare for the day ahead.
9:00-12:00pm: Academic Work
During this time, the children will typically work on their academic subjects, such as math, science, history, and English language arts. The exact subjects and curriculum will vary depending on the age of the children and the family’s educational goals.
12:00-1:00pm: Lunch Break
This is a time for the family to take a break, eat lunch, and recharge before continuing with the afternoon’s activities.
1:00-3:00pm: Electives or Extracurricular Activities
During this time, the children might work on elective subjects, such as art, music, or foreign languages, or participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, or community service.
3:00-5:00pm: Free Time or Enrichment Activities
This time might be used for free play, outdoor activities, hobbies, or other enrichment activities, such as field trips, museum visits, or cultural events.
5:00-6:00pm: Dinner and Family Time
The family will gather for dinner and spend time together, sharing stories about their day, and enjoying each other’s company.
6:00-8:00pm: Evening Routine and Bedtime
During this time, the family will wind down for the day, do any necessary chores or tasks, and prepare for bed. This might include reading, quiet time, or other relaxing activities.
Of course, this is just one example of a traditional homeschool schedule, and many families will have different variations depending on their needs and preferences.
Block homeschool schedule:
When doing a block schedule for your homeschooling, there are a couple of ways to go about it. One option is to use a weekly block schedule, where you start your day with some light learning activities like journaling, reading or math practice for about 20 to 30 minutes, and then focus on just one or two subjects for the rest of your homeschooling time.
For instance, you could set aside Mondays for science and Wednesdays for language arts. This way, you can group all of your weekly subject work together and complete it in one day, allowing you to focus on a different subject the next day. By doing this, you’ll have more flexibility and won’t feel overwhelmed trying to tackle every subject simultaneously.
Unit study schedule:
A unit study is an educational approach that integrates multiple subjects around a central theme or topic. For example, a unit study on Ancient Egypt might include lessons on history, geography, art, literature, and even science, all focused on this one topic. Here is an example of a unit study schedule for homeschooling:
Week 1: Introduction to Ancient Egypt
Monday: Introduction to Ancient Egypt, including maps, timelines, and basic facts
Tuesday: Art and Architecture of Ancient Egypt, including pyramids, temples, and hieroglyphics
Wednesday: History of Ancient Egypt, including major pharaohs, dynasties, and events
Thursday: Literature and Mythology of Ancient Egypt, including myths, stories, and legends
Friday: Science and Technology of Ancient Egypt, including irrigation, medicine, and engineering
Week 2: Life in Ancient Egypt
Monday: Daily Life in Ancient Egypt, including food, clothing, and housing
Tuesday: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt, including pharaohs, nobles, and commoners
Wednesday: Religion in Ancient Egypt, including gods, rituals, and beliefs
Thursday: Agriculture in Ancient Egypt, including crops, animals, and farming techniques
Friday: Geography of Ancient Egypt, including the Nile River, deserts, and natural resources
Week 3: Exploring Ancient Egypt
Monday: Virtual Field Trip to Ancient Egypt, including videos, photos, and interactive websites
Tuesday: Guest Speaker on Ancient Egypt, including an archaeologist or Egyptologist
Wednesday: Hands-on Activity, such as making a pyramid model or creating hieroglyphic art
Thursday: Research Project on Ancient Egypt, including a presentation or report
Friday: Culminating Event, such as an Ancient Egyptian Feast or Fashion Show
The exact schedule will depend on the specific topic, the age and needs of the children, and the family’s educational goals. However, the basic idea is to integrate multiple subjects around a central theme, allowing children to explore a topic in depth and make connections between different areas of learning.
Loop schedule:
A loop schedule is a flexible approach that allows families to cycle through a list of subjects or activities, rather than following a strict timeline or order. This can be particularly helpful for families with multiple children or for those who want to prioritize certain subjects or activities based on their interests or needs.
A loop schedule is a type of homeschool schedule that allows for more flexibility and variety in the day-to-day routine. Instead of following a strict schedule that repeats every day or week, a loop schedule allows for different activities to be rotated in and out on a regular basis. You cycle through a list of subjects or activities. Here’s how a loop schedule might work for homeschooling:
Determine the Subjects or Activities to Include in the Loop
Start by making a list of the subjects or activities you want to include in your homeschool schedule. These might include math, language arts, science, social studies, art, music, physical education, and so on.
Decide on the Frequency of Each Subject or Activity
Next, decide how often each subject or activity should be included in the loop. For example, you might decide to do math every day, but only do art once a week.
Create a Loop Schedule
With the subjects and frequency in mind, create a loop schedule that rotates through the activities on a regular basis. For example, your loop schedule might include:
Monday: Math, Language Arts, Science, Art
Tuesday: Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Music
Wednesday: Math, Language Arts, Science, Physical Education
Thursday: Math, Language Arts, Art, Science
Friday: Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Music
Notice that each subject or activity is included in the loop, but the order and frequency can vary from day to day. This allows for more flexibility in the schedule, and can help prevent boredom or burnout from doing the same thing every day.
Adjust the Loop Schedule as Needed!
Eventually, you may find that certain subjects or activities need to be adjusted or rotated more frequently. For example, if your child is struggling with math, you may decide to do it twice a day, or if your child is really interested in art, you may want to include it more often. The loop schedule can be adjusted as needed to accommodate these changes.
A loop schedule can be a great way to provide structure and variety to your homeschool routine, while still allowing for flexibility and customization. By rotating through different subjects and activities on a regular basis, you can help keep your child engaged and motivated in their learning.
Below is a video showing you how to set up a morning time Loop schedule.
Ultimately, the type of schedule that works best for your family will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and homeschooling goals. By experimenting with different approaches and being willing to adjust as needed, you can find a schedule that supports your child’s learning and overall well-being.
How Long Does Homeschooling Take Everyday?
To successfully schedule your homeschool days, you will need to have an idea of how long it will take to homeschool daily. If you are new to homeschooling, you may be wondering how long does it take to get through the work everyday.
Do I really need to plan 6-8 hours of lessons like traditional school? Absolutely not! Nowhere near that, actually.
But the truth of the matter is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Homeschooling should take as long as it needs to for your child to learn and make progress.
The amount of time you spend on homeschooling will depend on several deciding factors, like your child’s attention span, their age, and the type of schedule you’re using (from the list above). Some homeschoolers like to start with short sessions of formal learning and gradually increase the time as their child gets older. But really, the most important thing is to focus on your child’s progress and skill development.
Are they completing the work you’ve planned for them each week? Are they able to explain what they’ve learned to others? Can they apply what they’ve learned in real-life situations? These are the things that really matter when it comes to homeschooling success.
So don’t worry too much about the amount of time you’re spending on homeschooling. Instead, focus on helping your child learn and grow in the way that works best for them. That’s the real key to homeschooling success!
How Many Breaks Should My Child Take During Homeschooling?
Taking breaks is an important part of any learning routine, and this is especially true when it comes to homeschooling. Children who are homeschooled spend more time learning at home than they would in a traditional school setting, which can make it challenging for them to stay focused and engaged for long periods of time. In order to help children stay motivated and productive during their homeschool day, it’s important to take regular breaks.
So, how many breaks should kids take during a homeschool day? The answer will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the child’s age, attention span, and the type of activities they’re doing. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you determine how often your child should take a break.
One recommendation is to take a break every hour or so. This allows children to recharge their batteries and refocus their attention. During these breaks, children should get up and move around, stretch, or do a quick exercise routine to help them stay alert and engaged.
It’s also important to factor in longer breaks for meals and snacks, as well as time for outdoor play and other physical activities. These breaks help children stay active and engaged, which can have a positive impact on their overall mood and motivation.
Another important factor to consider is the type of activities your child is doing. For example, if your child is working on a project that requires a lot of concentration, they may need more frequent breaks than if they’re reading a book or watching a video. Paying attention to your child’s cues and adjusting their break schedule as needed can help them stay engaged and motivated throughout the day.
Ultimately, the key to determining how many breaks your child should take during a homeschool day is to be flexible and responsive to their needs. If your child seems restless or unfocused, it’s probably time for a break. By taking regular breaks, you can help your child stay motivated, focused, and productive throughout their homeschool day.
How to Plan Your Homeschool Schedule
You can easily create a personalized and relaxed schedule that works for you and your family. Here are some tips to get you started:
Set realistic goals:
It’s important to set small goals for each day, based on your child’s age, skill level, and interests. Be sure to include breaks and time for exercise and outdoor activities.
Create a routine:
Establish a daily routine that includes time for learning, play, and rest. Consistency is key, so try to stick to a similar schedule each day. I’ve always loved following a homeschooling routine instead of a rigorous schedule.
Use a variety of resources:
There are so many great resources available for homeschooling, from online classes to books and educational apps. Experiment with different tools to find what works best for your child. Check this huge list of homeschooling curriculum.
Be flexible with your homeschool schedule:
It’s okay if your schedule doesn’t always go according to plan. Life happens, and sometimes things come up that sidetrack you. Just remember to dust yourself off and keep moving forward the next day.
Use a Homeschool Schedule Template:
With this the Homeschool Schedule Template, you can quickly and easily set up a weekly schedule that provides structure, keeps kids on track, and lets them plan ahead for upcoming assignments and tests. And with this weekly planning tool, it’s super simple to keep track of appointments outside of the home too.
This Homeschool Schedule canva template comes with a full range of features, including:
• Flexible and intuitive design that can be tailored to any homeschooling needs
• Pre-made template to help you get started faster
• Ability to easily customize with different formats, images, fonts, and more
• A blank PDF version for quick and easy printing and you can just write in your schedule
This product is an essential part of any homeschooling plan and offers unbeatable value. Download instantly and get your homeschooling schedule up and running today!
You can either print the blank PDF on heavy paper, laminate and use dry erase markers to write in your schedule or type in your schedule using my drag and drop editable Canva Template.
Have fun:
Homeschooling can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both you and your kids. Take the time to explore new topics and activities together, and remember to celebrate your successes along the way, preferably with ice cream.
How to Stay Consistent with your Homeschool Schedule
Staying consistent with your homeschool routine can be a challenge, but there are several strategies that can help:
Create a dedicated learning space:
Designate a specific area in your home as the learning space for homeschooling. This could be a separate room, a corner of a room, or even a space outside. Make sure this area is comfortable, well-lit, and free of distractions.
Change things up:
Avoid doing the same thing every day. Mix up your routine by incorporating different activities, exercises, and teaching styles. This will help keep your child engaged and interested in learning.
Be flexible with your homeschool schedule:
Remember that homeschooling is a process, and it may take time to find the routine that works best for you and your child. Be flexible and open to making changes as needed.
Stay organized:
Keep track of your child’s progress, assignments, and materials. Create a system that works for you, whether it’s using a planner, an online platform, or a physical folder.
Connect with other homeschool moms for support:
Join a homeschooling community, either online or in-person, to connect with other parents and share tips and advice. This can be a valuable source of support and encouragement.
When it comes to true homeschool success, remember, don’t sweat the small stuff, enjoy your kids and know that you are enough!
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Forest Rose is a God Loving, Blessed Wife, & Mama to 3 girls. She’s passionate about lifting moms out of the trenches that are discouraged, overwhelmed, or feeling alone or isolated. Her hope is to point them to Christ and equip them to rise up with a newfound hope and joy within, that He alone can provide. Besides blogging, she also loves to create printables!
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