What sounds better to you when scheduling homeschool? A set schedule or a rhythm and flow?

When it comes to homeschooling sometimes one of the most beneficial things you can do is have a good schedule. I have always thrived on a schedule, but I honestly have to say that currently we do not have a day-to-day schedule for our homeschool and we are happier for it. I am sure this will change when my girls get older, but for now we are fluid when it comes to the structure of the day. We do have set things on set days that we go to, but not a “this is what we learn at what time” schedule. 

I know that for some having a set schedule is important to them and they thrive upon it. If you don’t have a schedule, what can you do? Do you just wing it and hope stuff happens or do you have a rhythm and flow?

WHAT DO I MEAN BY RHYTHM AND FLOW?

It means you are not setting the day by a clock and exacting times. There is a great freedom to move things around, but also to do what needs to be done according to the individual timings. One child might take longer for math than another. Putting everyone on the same timetable can cause more stress.

Each family is going to have a different rhythm based on the number of children, ages, personalities, and needs. But what you want to focus on is bringing peace and quality to your family life. You don’t need added stress. That much is true.

Even though my vlog on scheduling homeschool was about schedule, I think you will see that the key things to note in it are flexibility, fun and functionality. If you don’t have those you are only going to be always trying to play catch up or trying to deal with stressed children. One of the reasons many of us choose to homeschool is that we are not trying to recreate school. 

SET SCHEDULE

So what could a set schedule look like for your family?

• 7:00am wake up and get dressed
• 7:15am make and eat breakfast
• 7:45am brush teeth, brush hair, make beds
• 8:00am Family read aloud/devotion and prayers (if that is what you want to do as a family)
• 8:30am Math
• 9:00am Spelling and Grammar
• 9:15am Reading and Reading Comprehension9:30am Science
• Etc., etc., etc.

I feel anxious just looking at that – and I like schedules!

RHYTHM

But let’s take the pressure off set times and look at what a rhythm could look like.

• Wake up and get ready. Have breakfast and brush your teeth.
• Morning chores
• Outside play (if possible) or free play
• Read aloud
• Math, Science and Snack
• Break
• Language Arts
• Lunch
• Individual Quiet Time
• Etc., etc., etc.

You add what you need to add – like instrument practice or handicrafts, more outside play or family board game time.

You allow your child/ren to work through the list, the rhythm, at their own pace. Maybe they will need some direction after play, but after following this rhythm for a while then they will self-direct. And the great thing about a rhythm is that you can take the “schooling” part and start it whenever. My girls have a homeschool co-op one morning and ballet class another morning. I am not going to try and fit everything in before we leave. We come home, have lunch, and start our learning rhythm when it feels good to us. Some days we don’t start math and reading until 4 or later. Guess what? That is totally ok!

What is important is that you do what works best for your family, that serves them well. Find what works for you. And maybe that is more a set schedule with times. Perfect. Maybe it is a rhythm that lets your children move through their school work. Awesome. Schedule or Rhythm and Flow. It is up to you and what you feel most comfortable with. Scheduling homeschool doesn’t have to be daunting. And you can change it up!