Everything You Need To Know About Creating A Homeschooling Timetable
Families trying to homeschool their children for the first time often find it challenging to find a routine. Establishing a daily homeschooling routine early on helps children and parents know what to expect.
Things To Remember When Creating A Homeschooling Timetable
Homeschooling is known for its flexibility, which is why many tend not to follow a schedule. For most homeschoolers, it’s recommended to create a routine using work blocks. Instead of starting the first subject at 8 AM and moving to the second subject at 8:45 AM, it’s better to set your first work block between 8 AM and 8:30 AM and have the next subject follow after you’re done.
Many homeschoolers prefer scheduling in chunks rather than individual time blocks. This allows parents to alternate the subjects in a specific chunk while still following a routine.
For example, in the “Languages” chunk, you can alternate between spelling, Latin, and reading. Many suggest alternating more taxing subjects with lighter tasks to give children a break.
Unlike traditional schooling, homeschoolers typically refrain from scheduling five hours of school work into a five-hour block. This is because cramming multiple subjects in a minimal timeframe can cause children to burn out more quickly.
Schedule three hours of work into a 4.5-hour block with a few minutes break after each block. You can also encourage your child to engage in learning activities during break time. Doing this will help children rest their brains and absorb more information.
If your child finds it difficult to get out of bed in the morning, resist scheduling your subject early in the day. Instead, consider starting at 10 AM or later. This ensures that you and your child are working during times when they can be most productive.
Your child’s free time can also be turned into a fun, educational activity. Encourage your child to play board games, try out various musical instruments, or play in the garden. You can easily incorporate so much English, maths and science into a play session.
Factors To Consider When Making A Homeschooling Timetable
Each child differs in their ability to learn and grasp concepts. Homeschool schedules should never be made as a one-size-fits-all. Each timetable should be tailored to meet the needs of a child and the family.
If you and your child have trouble getting up before your 8 AM class, move your schedule to 10 AM. Tweak the timetable to find the ideal routine for your family.
Homeschool thrives on flexibility and freedom. While you need to follow a certain routine, you also have to be ready to change things when needed. If your child is having a rough day, it would be better to adjust your schedule to meet your child’s emotional needs.
Homeschooling families should also remember that schedules and routines shouldn’t last forever. What works for your 5-year-old child now may not work when they turn 6. Unlike institutionalized education, following the same routine is not required, which means you can adjust your timetable where necessary.
Some children are more receptive to information when classes are kept in short 15 to 20-minute bursts. Others learn more when they attend longer, more focused sessions. Some children prefer learning early in the morning, while others are more alert and productive after eating lunch.
Examples of Homeschooling Timetables
Here are three examples of daily homeschooling timetables that you can try. The first is more structured, while the second and the third offer more flexibility.
8:00 AM – Breakfast time
9:00 AM – Reading
9:20 AM – Break time
9:45 AM – Focused Learning Activity
10:30 AM – Break Time
11:00 AM – Focused Learning Activity
12:00 NN – Lunch
1:00 PM – Choose an activity to do together
8:00 AM – Breakfast Time
9:00 AM – Reading / Taking a stroll
9:20 AM – Focused Learning (1)
9:35 AM – Child’s choice of activity
10:00 AM – Focused Learning (2)
10:15 AM – Creative Time
10:30 AM – Focused Activity (3)
10:45 AM – Board Games / Do an activity together
11:30 AM – Lunch
12:30 NN – Focused Activity (4)
12:45 NN – Child’s choice of activity
1:30 PM – Physical Activity
2:00 PM – Focused Activity (5)
2:15 PM – Baking
3:00 PM – Focused Activity (6)
3:15 PM – Child’s choice of activity
- Basic Skills and Individuals Interests
- Basic Skills include maths, languages, keyboarding and sciences.
- Individuals Interests include arts, writing, drawing, and other hobbies.
12:00 NN to 1:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM – Family learning and outdoor activities
Family learning may include watching educational films together, playing games, or completing arts and crafts projects.
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