5 Steps for Creating an Efficient Homeschooling Schedule
by Sarah Holt

Description: Tips for setting up a simple schedule to organize a day of homeschooling.
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Struggling to set up a homeschooling schedule that doesn't leave you frazzled and overwhelmed? Follow these easy steps for an efficient schedule that will not leave you exhausted at the end of the day.

Step 1: Make A List of Priority Subjects & Activities

The first step in creating a workable homeschooling schedule is to make a list of the subjects and activities that are a priority. This involves listing every subject that needs to be covered during a week in order for the basics to be met. A comprehensive list will usually start with math and English, as well as history and science. Other subjects will depend on your priorities, and the needs of your family, but may include art, music, foreign language, and/or physical education. Do not forget to list activities that your children are engaged in, such as sporting teams or music lessons.

Step 2: Assign Each Subject A Chunk Of Time

Go through each item on your list and decide how much time you would like to spend on the subject in a day. Take into account different aspects of a single subject. For example, math can have many components, such as a math textbook, flashcards, manipulations, and/or math computer games. When making a homeschooling schedule for the different subjects it is very helpful to make sure there is enough time to encompass all of the components.

Step 3: Use Index Cards To Represent Blocks Of Time

Use index cards (any size will work) to represent a half-hour of your time. Write the different subjects on the cards to represent how much time will be spent on them. For example, if you will be doing 1 1/2 hours of English then write 'English' on 3 of the cards. If you then want to add the components to the card you can do so. For example, you may have one index card that says 'English-read aloud', another that says 'English-spelling & vocabulary', and a third that says 'English-text & grammar'.

Step 4: Arrange Subjects

Using the index cards, play around with the order of subjects and line them up. This will provide a visual for how your days will be spent. This will also allow you to see how much time will be left over for other subjects and breaks, which can now be added into your schedule.

Step 5: Print Out a Schedule

Once the subjects are arranged it is time to print up a homeschooling schedule. Type the items on your index card into a document, or write them in a planner. Leave short breaks between the time blocks, with the frequency depending on the age and attention spans of your children. Also include a block of time daily where the children are encouraged to pursue interests and talents on their own, but with the parent available for help and guidance. It is also a good idea to leave a "free" period of about thirty minutes at the end of the day to get caught-up on anything that took longer than expected, or to cover anything that your children are struggling with in more depth.

Once you have taken all of these steps you will hold in your hands a homeschooling schedule that will enable an efficient and productive homeschooling experience. Print off, or write out, extra copies; one for each kid and one to post in a common area, such as the kitchen. Now when the children ask for a break or question what they will be doing next, you can refer them to the schedule, thereby providing them with structure and consistency and saving yourself the headache of chaos.

Sarah Holt writes for http://homeschool.colorado-native.org. She writes about homeschooling, books, and Colorado.

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