Is there such a thing as the perfect homeschool schedule? Well,
if it is perfect for you, your child, and family then that's all that
matters. It may take some time before you discover the Valhalla of
homeschool scheduling, but it can be done. Feel free to chop, cut, slice
and dice your schedule until you get it tasting juuuussst right! And
above all, if there is any part of it that just isn't working, relax,
modify, and get rid of the offending part if you just can't polish it
up.
Early on the biggest cautionary note would be to watch out for
information overload as you peruse all the various types and ideas and
writings on homeschool scheduling. With every idea that you come across
you must analyze it in reference to your own family situation. One
person's perfect homeschool schedule certainly may not be yours. Also,
keep your schedule realistic with the load you put on your time and your
family's time. It does neither you nor your child any good if you
continually try to take on the world and end up burning yourself out.
Hitting the wall, or burn-out can happen anytime during your school year
or even in the off season. And just about anything can cause it or
contribute to it. Usually though, this problem rears its head due
largely in part of your homeschool schedule and all of your other family
obligations. Watch out for the signs of the days are always too long,
you feel as though you are always working, you never seem to get out of
the house, the added stress of the holiday season, other family members
stress is adding to yours, and on and on.
For much of this, scheduling is the key. Don't over schedule your day.
You'll probably soon realize that with the more focused one on one
learning and attention that your child gets, you'll find that you can
get much more done in a much less time than a teacher in a traditional
setting that has to split their time and attention between twenty or
thirty children.
In summary, don't overscheduled, get out of the house often using such
things as field trips, schedule teacher work days with no class for that
day, cancel classes if necessary. If you feel you are still hitting the
wall, re-evaluate your schedule and cut and paste some more. Learn to
relax. It's your homeschool schedule, it doesn't have to be
perfect.
