As you begin to firm
up many of the details of your homeschooling plan, one area that you
will want to explore is your homeschool schedules. Particularly this will
be of higher value if you have decided to take a more structured
approach to your home school environment.
Ultimately, most homeschool parents end up using a
schedule that works best for them. The pragmatic
approach. The operative phrase there is that they
‘end up' with this approach.
Meaning before you really get
comfortable with your home school schedule, it will take some tweaking
and fine tuning that only experience can bring. Don't worry. You will
indeed get there. Initially, be wide open with your thinking in terms of
the daily, weekly, and even yearly schedule. Have some fun planning your
schedule around the seasons and the different events that
come up within your family and the community! Be mindful of any state
and/or local requirements that mandate what a day, or year, or
attendance, is in their eyes.
One possible scheduling encroachment for homeschoolers to watch out for
is; since you are always ‘home' during the day, others may find it
convenient to just drop by and see you, want you to watch their kids,
pick them up from somewhere, give them a ride somewhere, etc. Be very
careful of these interruptions during your day. This will lead to you
feeling as if
you are always behind in your homeschool schedule and lesson plans, and
that you have perhaps scheduled too much. This will create
unnecessary stress for both you and the homeschooling child.
The key to homeschool scheduling is to remember that everyone is
different. Everyone is different in how much time they can spend with
their kids without needing a break. When you first get started as a
homeschooler you may feel overwhelmed with what seems to be a 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year around your child. Keep in mind that time and
experience will evolve your schedule. Work to be comfortable with your
schedule. Vary your activities so you aren't always confined to your
house. Be mindful of outside interruptions during the day from friends
and family.
Relax and enjoy the homeschooling journey.... Scheduling expertise will
come in no time and you will be well on your way.
