Having a well-ordered routine brings a sense of peace. But, learning how to efficiently use the time you have to teach your children, care for your home, and manage your own work is not always easy. Today I would like to share 10 of my favorite scheduling secrets for a peaceful homeschool.
Scheduling Secrets for a Peaceful Homeschool
1. Have a Daily Routine
Determining a daily routine will help everyone in your house feel a sense of peace and order. Establish a start time for school each day and stick with it. Coordinate individualized teaching with one child while the other children work independently or read. Make sure to schedule in snacks and lunch, and allow time for outdoor time and breaks.
2. Strategize
Schedule subjects like math, and language arts earlier in the day when your children are fresh. Save hands-on projects and outdoor activities for the afternoon. Organize activities so students have variety {in our home we like to work in stations and alternate time with mom with independent work}.
3. Focus on Priorities
It is impossible to fit in everything so decide what to prioritize. It’s totally ok to not work on every subject each day. Decide what your baseline is {In our home reading, math, writing, and morning time are non-negotiable.} Most days we go beyond that, but even if we don’t, we can still feel a sense of accomplishment.
4. Disconnect
Turn off your phone when your homeschool day begins and don’t return calls, text, and emails until you are finished.
5. Teach Subjects with Multiple Children
Not only is it fun to learn subjects as a family, but it is also much more efficient. In our home we gather around the dining room table or cuddle up on the couch to learn history, science, geography, art, and Bible together. Learn about our strategies for family-schooling here.
6. Be Flexible
Children learn better with a routine and clear expectations but each day will pose it’s own challenges and it’s ok to adapt as you go. If things become crazy, take a few minutes to refocus and jump back in the game.
7. Get Organized
Everyone in our home focuses better when our environment is orderly. Consider scheduling certain times of day to have tidying breaks. In our home we tidy for a few minutes before school, after school, and again after dinner. Once everyone has put their space in order for the evening we cuddle up on the couch together for a read-aloud. Learn about our strategies for organizing our learning space here.
8. Be Consistent
When educating your kids at home, there will be great days and really hard days. Even if interruptions and distractions cause your plans to fall apart before 9 am, regroup and do your best. Don’t allow the difficult days to define you.
9. Do What Works Best for Your Family
Your family is unique so don’t compare your family to other homeschooling families. Your schedule and plan are meant to help you accomplish your goals, not someone else’s. Read 10 Simple Lessons Learned Through Homeschooling here.