| Struggling to set up a homeschooling schedule that | | | | so. For example, you may have one index card that |
| doesn't leave you frazzled and overwhelmed? Follow | | | | says 'English-read aloud', another that says |
| these easy steps for an efficient schedule that will not | | | | 'English-spelling & vocabulary', and a third that says |
| leave you exhausted at the end of the day. | | | | 'English-text & grammar'. |
| Step 1: Make A List of Priority Subjects & | | | | Step 4: Arrange Subjects |
| Activities | | | | Using the index cards, play around with the order of |
| The first step in creating a workable homeschooling | | | | subjects and line them up. This will provide a visual for |
| schedule is to make a list of the subjects and activities | | | | how your days will be spent. This will also allow you to |
| that are a priority. This involves listing every subject | | | | see how much time will be left over for other subjects |
| that needs to be covered during a week in order for | | | | and breaks, which can now be added into your |
| the basics to be met. A comprehensive list will usually | | | | schedule. |
| start with math and English, as well as history and | | | | Step 5: Print Out A Schedule |
| science. Other subjects will depend on your priorities, | | | | Once the subjects are arranged it is time to print up a |
| and the needs of your family, but may include art, | | | | homeschooling schedule. Type the items on your index |
| music, foreign language, and/or physical education. Do | | | | card into a document, or write them in a planner. |
| not forget to list activities that your children are | | | | Leave short breaks between the time blocks, with the |
| engaged in, such as sporting teams or music lessons. | | | | frequency depending on the age and attention spans |
| Step 2: Assign Each Subject A Chunk Of Time | | | | of your children. Also include a block of time daily |
| Go through each item on your list and decide how | | | | where the children are encouraged to pursue interests |
| much time you would like to spend on the subject in a | | | | and talents on their own, but with the parent available |
| day. Take into account different aspects of a single | | | | for help and guidance. It is also a good idea to leave a |
| subject. For example, math can have many | | | | "free" period of about thirty minutes at the end of the |
| components, such as a math textbook, flashcards, | | | | day to get caught-up on anything that took longer than |
| manipulations, and/or math computer games. When | | | | expected, or to cover anything that your children are |
| making a homeschooling schedule for the different | | | | struggling with in more depth. |
| subjects it is very helpful to make sure there is enough | | | | Once you have taken all of these steps you will hold in |
| time to encompass all of the components. | | | | your hands a homeschooling schedule that will enable |
| Step 3: Use Index Cards To Represent Blocks Of | | | | an efficient and productive homeschooling experience. |
| Time | | | | Print off, or write out, extra copies; one for each kid |
| Use index cards (any size will work) to represent a | | | | and one to post in a common area, such as the |
| half-hour of your time. Write the different subjects on | | | | kitchen. Now when the children ask for a break or |
| the cards to represent how much time will be spent on | | | | question what they will be doing next, you can refer |
| them. For example, if you will be doing 1 1/2 hours of | | | | them to the schedule, thereby providing them with |
| English then write 'English' on 3 of the cards. If you then | | | | structure and consistency and saving yourself the |
| want to add the components to the card you can do | | | | headache of chaos. |