In light of my recent post about planning for a new homeschool year, I have put together a homeschool daily planner for 2013. Now, don't freak out! It looks rigid but it is really just a guide to make sure all the important elements are included each day. One of the benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility e.g if maths is going awesome we may go longer and explore their questions or if my children are having a melt-down then we cut it short and do something else.
This planner is really the 'bare bones' and allows the kids to have a basic outline of what happens when.
The more detailed lesson planning comes later.
2013 HOMESCHOOL DAILY PLANNER
Term 1 – 12 weeks
8:45 – 9:00 Morning Charts / Chores
9:00 – 9:15 Devotion
/ Bible Study
9:15 – 10:00
Maths
10 :00 – 10:30
Brain Break / Healthy Snack
10:30 – 11:00
Literacy Block – Handwriting / Grammar
/ Spelling
11:00 – 11:30
Reading - alternate readers /
independent reading
1:30 – 12:30
(Alternate) History, Science, Composer
study, Writeshop, craft activities and independent inquiry or projects of interest.
12:30 – 1:00
Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 Trumpet / Piano / General Music practice
2:00 – 3:00 P.E ( on non-activity days) Outdoor Play
3:00 + FREE TIME
This include computers / ipad / games /
TV or activities (basketball, tennis, playdates, swimming etc..)
(On days where we have a structured
activity in the afternoon free time begins at 2pm).
Previously we didn't break for school holidays as we would just take a day or two off a week instead. I've realised during our recent holiday that we ALL need a break to refresh ourselves and this is really important. It also means that each term we can make necessary changes to our homeschool daily planner and structure.
The other change we've made is making music practice after lunch. My boys are excellent musicians and although a lot of music happens spontaneously they do have set weekly tasks that their music teachers want them to complete and they often need my help. I also enjoy doing extra theory and music games with them and like to include DS3 as well. Originally we would try and do music practice around 4pm but it didn't seem to work as no-one, including me, felt motivated to get back into 'homeschool mode'.
And lastly, the other change is making outdoor play part of our daily planner. Previously, we would finish at lunch time and then the begging and whining about wanting to play games on the ipad or watch TV would begin. I felt I was spending most of the afternoon getting frustrated and arguing with them. Now, it's simple. After 3pm, you are free to do what you like!
This homeschool daily planner is not set in stone. Another benefit of homeschooling is that I can change it whenever it's not working as I learn new ways of planning our days better.
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