How do I schedule?

So, COVID-19 has made you a homeschooling family!

You can do this!

The question I have been asked most is “how do I schedule our day?”

Well, there is no wrong answer, but I do think there are certain schedules and routines that will make it easier than others. I definitely know families who get up at 9:00 am, read, play, watch tv and start school after lunch. That does not work for my family.

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My quick tips are:

·      SET PRIORITIES – What work absolutely needs to be done asap?  What can wait? What school subjects do you and your children think are critical?  What can be done last?  What home care items are crucial?  What can you let go for now?

·      Literally put the priorities ON TOP of the stack the night before.

·      Lower your expectations of EVERYTHING.

·      Make reasonable GOALS the night before – but stay FLEXIBLE.

·      If you don’t finish one day, ROLL OVER the goal to the next day.

·      PREPARE snacks and meals the night before – get the kid’s help!

·      If you are a scheduler – SCHEDULE but remain flexible (I don’t schedule anymore because it was defeating for me!).

My family works best, by far, in the morning. We are happier, more efficient and “smarter” in the morning. Here are some tips from the Kerrigan Homeschool:

We set timers for 30 minutes for each “session” of work. We get done whatever we can in that time.

At first, set expectations low and give them big praise for success - this will Build Momentum.

After they are doing the appropriate amount of work in 30 minutes, give them an extra few minutes of break every time they finish the assigned amount of work in time!

Our Daily Schedule

  • 7:00 get up by (My kids are usually up by 6:00 - not my choice, they just are!!)

  • We have a good breakfast and, honestly, watch a cartoon.

  • 8:00 everyone should be dressed and beds made.

  • We generally start with brain exercises (see my blog post for ideas) for 5-10 minutes.

  • Next we do our “Building Thinking Skills” book because it gets our brains warmed up and is fairly easy. If you don’t have this, have your kids do an easy puzzle and game that requires thinking.

  • Math comes next because it takes the most concentration and usually draws the most frustration.

  • BREAK 10-15 minutes.- physical activity for sure and a snack!

  • After Math, we mix up History, Science and Sign Language and try to get them done by lunch time. 30 minutes for each subject!

  • After lunch we all get comfortable somewhere and read for 1 hour.

  • After Reading we do grammar and writing.

  • RECESS - we are done with school so we go for a walk, run, bike, roller skate or something physical outside if possible.

Teresa Kerrigan