Homeschool Scheduling

Homeschool scheduling is the first thing on everyone's mind, when they start homeschooling. How often do you teach electives, how many electives are necessary, how many days, how many classes, how many hours etc., etc.! Having a planned, structured day, was very important for us, even if some days felt like the plan wouldn't happen. Having a plan in place, always makes it easier, when you need to adjust the schedule, rather than just winging it.

Some of the questions of class requirements, are answered by state requirements, the rest are up to you and that can be overwhelming.

Last year, as far as subjects, we stuck to the basics; reading, writing, arithmetic, history/social studies, science, music, and P.E.. Our weekly schedule was 4 days a week, like a lot of homeschooling families. But, for me, I wanted the boys to have a few more electives, and not feel rushed on how much time we spent on them.

This year we were able to figure out what we needed and wanted, and went from there.

Our schedule this year is 5 days a week, but the 5th day, is what I learned a lot of homeschooling families call a "flex day". We do pretty much all our electives and arts on that day. They have piano lessons, art, typing, golf, and science lab, all on our flex day. This way I don't rush the boys through the lessons like I did last year, so we can focus on the core classes the rest of the week. This flex day can also be for field trips or Dr's appointments, so we don't take up our weekend time.

Sometimes the weather plays tricks with our schedule, so we have to adjust. This picture was from this last Friday, studying before golf. Golf this last Tuesday was canceled due to freezing temperatures. But, we're homeschooled, so we have flexibility, even when Mother Nature changes our schedule.

 

 

Our amazing new Spanish tutor, teaching our boys Espanol! They are deep in thought.

Here is a snapshot of our weekly schedule:

 

 

*They take religion on Wednesday evenings through the church, so they also get religion.

I love homeschooling, and I'm grateful for the time I get with my boys one on one. Life goes by so quickly with our kids. I'm just glad I have the gift of having this time with them, to see them grow as students and as young men.

Have a Great Sunday and Have a Wonderful Week!

 

Posted with Blogsy