How To Win At Homeschooling
Are you Looking for a functional daily homeschooling schedule? Then you have come to the right place!
You are probably reading this article because you have discovered that whilst in lockdown, each day can bring its own breed of chaos. Well, now you can start to bring some normality back to your home by introducing a homeschooling schedule that works for you and your children.
Homeschooling can be overwhelming, which is why having a homeschool schedule will help reduce stress and anxiety and will even be rewarding for both your and your little ones.
So, I thought it would be a great idea to show you how you can create a homeschooling schedule that works for your household and your busy daily routine.
How to plan for a homeschooling schedule in your household
So how do you put homeschool schedules together? Firstly, you need to know your goals, and have decided which subjects are most important for your children and what time of day works for the family?
I know there is a lot to think about and that you too have a busy schedule and may even be working from home also. Making a mental note of what times in the day best works for the family is a perfect place to start. Perhaps you have phone calls or chores to do in the morning, but you are more freed up in the afternoon. In which case, you could look at having your children study subjects they enjoy the most or are better at whilst you get on with your own work. Or perhaps you have emails and Zoom calls scheduled later that day, in which case you could help them with subjects they find difficult and reward them with some downtime whilst you carry out your work or daily responsibilities of being a parent.
In a lot of ways, there isn't one answer that fits all I’m afraid. This is why it is vital that you first determine the subjects they might need a little help/persuasion with and then try to get some structure to your family's day to work with.
Having structure and a weekly routine will help with this. It helps you to keep track of the different subjects that need covering and also gives your children something to work too. Don’t forget to also include break times, so both they (AND YOU) have something to look forward to.
If you have to hold down a job at the same time, it is also a good idea to speak with them, explain your circumstances and try to get some structure there too so you can keep to your homeschooling schedule.
Here are some things to bear in mind when homeschooling..
Consider your family. Are you really going to be able to structure their time? Schedules just don’t work with some homeschooling families.
Don't stress it. It's not going to be written in stone! If your homeschool schedule is intimidating you, bin it and start again.
Be flexible. Things change, and homeschooling isn't an exact science. If things aren't working according to the schedule - change the schedule.
Keep it fresh. Doing the same thing day in day out will get boring for everyone. Try changing your schedule once in a while - or throw something new into the mix.
If you are going to carve out some time in the day, then it is best to ring-fence that time. Don't make appointments during that time. Don't answer the phone, and don't allow pop-in visitors. It may take a little time but be firm - everyone will get used to it.
Remember
When writing out your homeschooling schedule, you need to determine what type of schedule you want.
Ask yourself. Are you a perfectionist who needs every second organised? Will that work for the rest of your family? Can you work with something looser? Do you and your family really need a homeschooling schedule at all?
Sometimes a checklist of things to get done each week is more flexible and eases stress for the family. As long as the subjects get done, and you can fit in a few hours a week helping and encouraging them, this is more than acceptable if that is what works for your family.
Sharan (JS Tutoring)
Sharan Spall BSc (Hons) First Class is Lead Learning Mentor & Private Tutor, Founder and Director at JS Tutoring.
Experienced in professional Private Tutoring and Mentoring for over 10 years, she has a large portfolio of over 200 successful clients.