If you’re reading this, you likely survived the newborn stage at least once. That means you’ve also probably experienced the phenomenon that is finally figuring out a schedule that works, just for your baby to hit a sleep regression, start teething, cluster feeding, or any other number of schedule and life interrupters. Figuring out a schedule and routine for homeschooling can feel just as daunting. Every time you think something is working, someone gets sick, you go on vacation, your normally sweet 7-year-old seems to suddenly have the attitude of a 16-year-old and not want to do anything. In my last few years of homeschooling my own kids, as well as working with hundreds of homeschool families, here are a few things I’ve noticed and recommend when trying to figure out what works for you!
Spend a week or so with NO schedule.
I know. It sounds crazy. Believe it or not, when you don’t have a schedule to follow, you will likely discover natural patterns and flows to your day. This can include anything from when your kids want to eat (we live on a Hobbit schedule around here), to when you need to start making dinner, and all sorts of quirky points in between. You may even find one child is a super bright morning person, while another likes to move slowly in the mornings but is really productive after lunch!
Consider what and how you want to to cover.
Many students like to spend a day doing all of their work in one subject, in 1 day. I’ve had many students that will do their week of ELA work on Monday. Their math day on Tuesday, etc. Others like to do a bit of all subjects, every day. This depends on your learner and their style! Are you doing social studies every day, or 2 or 3 days a week? Do you have a music or art day each week or do them daily? Take notes of these preferences and rhythms.
What external parts do you have to consider?
Are you part of an in-person coop? Is your student signed up for classes with a group like True North Academy that meets weekly? Do you have piano lessons? Soccer practice? Youth group?
After looking at these things, you will be surprised to find you’ve really created and found your own rhythms without trying too hard. I spent a few years trying to force routines that didn’t really work for us because I thought I HAD to have routines that looked a certain way. When I stopped holding myself to that standard, and we just did what worked for us, I was able to notice the patterns and create a schedule that we realistically have been able to stick with and use! What’s even better is that even when life interrupts us with illness or spur of the moment adventures, or any other manner of disruption, we’ve been able to bounce back into our routines with relative ease because it’s already based on our natural rhythms.
Check out our weekly schedule:
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Anna attended the University of Valley Forge where she met her husband and graduated with a degree in Secondary English Education with a concentration in Medieval and Renaissance Literature. Anna is a licensed Pennsylvania teacher and homeschool evaluator. She has over 20 years of child care and teaching experience including Vacation Bible School, Advanced Placement Courses, Honors, College Prep, Life Skills, Online Teaching, and Coaching. Anna has been a yearly speaker at the Rooted in Faith Homeschool Conference. She has been teaching with True North since 2021.
You can get to know her better at her blog, The Nurtured Bee.
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