Today, we’re going to explore creating a homeschool routine together. If you missed our post about planning your homeschool year, be sure you go back and read it first.
This is just one of our posts in our Homeschool Tips & Tricks Series.
Before we talk too specifically, I want to be sure that I separate the idea of a homeschool routine and a homeschool schedule. As a classroom teacher, a schedule was vital. We had to keep our eyes on the clock at all times.
At home, we follow a daily routine. This may involve allotted times for certain subjects, but more importantly than that a routine means a predictable pattern. Instead of watching the clock to tell you when you move on to the next thing, you follow a predictable pattern of what comes next. This allows you the flexibility to lengthen or shorten the time needed for activities.
Why is a Homeschool Routine is Important?
Routine creates predictability, which creates a sense of security for our kids. Some of our kids struggle with attention, transitioning from one activity to another, or unpredictability. A predictable routine allows flexibility, but also stability. It allows our learners to know what to expect from their day. It also helps them know what you expect out of the day as well.
Let’s explore six things to keep in mind when you’re creating a homeschool routine for your family.
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Creating a Homeschool Routine
1. Start small and grow into your year. Instead of beginning day one with every subject area, start with just a couple. During these early days, teach basic routines like, “When it’s lunch time, this is what I want you to do…” or “When you get on the computer for learning time, set your timer first like this…”
Model how to do it and then have your kids practice it. You can offer feedback on how they did it, and you can ask them to retry it if needed. This may not seem like a good use of your time, but if you skip this part of your school year, you may very well spend the rest of it frustrated.
2. Consider the ages of your kids & your life stage. I homeschool differently now than I did when I had a very active toddler! She required so much of my attention, and it was hard to teach dedicated lessons to my older kids. I even created a post with 20 Simple Toddler Activities, which were a go-to for us.
If you are homeschooling with a younger one in tow, I recommend giving the youngest one attention first thing. Give the others something they can start on independently. And of course, the older ones can always read, work on puzzles, or do other simple activities with the little one any time of the day.
Above all, be sure you’re not expecting too much from your kids and yourself, especially when you have littles. Give yourself grace. It is only a season and things will change.
3. Try homeschool rotations. Starting when my youngest was in her last year of preschool, we started homeschool rotations. In this model, each child has a(n):
- one-on-one working time with me where I work on language and math skills at their level of instruction
- independent work time reviewing skills {I write their work on their Independent Work Page}
- chores + technology time {using learning apps and educational websites only}
4. Create breaks in your routine. You may have days where you need to rush through things to get to a field trip or co-op. But as a general rule, don’t try to push straight through.
Your kids will need breaks during the day. Who am I kidding? YOU will need breaks during the day! Breaks give the brain time to unwind and make room to focus again. I developed some Wiggle Brain Break cards, which are perfect for quick breaks.
In our homeschool rotations example above, we had a 10-15 movement break in between the first two rotations and a snack break in between the second and third rotation.
5. Teach subjects to all your kids at the same time when you can. While some subjects may need to be taught separately, other subjects, like read alouds, history {we love Story of the World}, or even science be taught to all your kids at the same time. If you can, do it. It will save you time and sanity!
6. Don’t add too many extracurricular activities to your week. In many places, there are SO many activities and options for homeschoolers. It can be very overwhelming. I would caution you NOT to overbook yourself, though. Otherwise it will be difficult to get to just your basic schoolwork. It can also become a burden to your entire family.
I recommend finding what makes each of your kids tick. What is it that they LOVE to do? Then find something, if you can, based around their love. If they aren’t coordinated and loathe sports, don’t sign them up for soccer just to sign them up for something. Be purposeful in how you handle the extracurricular activities.
What are some of your tips for creating a homeschool routine? I’d love to hear them in the comments below. Or just stop by to say, “Hi!”
Find all the posts in our Homeschool Series!
Enjoy homeschooling!
~Becky
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