Homeschool Schedules and How to Be More Flexible

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homeschool schedules, homeschooling schedule, homeschool, homeschooling

Flexibility is the Key to Success

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Perhaps you are looking into homeschooling because of the flexibility. Reading about different homeschool schedules and plans can be overwhelming, however. I like to plan things, and I work best on a schedule. When making a schedule, I like to think that it will work just as I have written it out. However, we know that, with children, things often do not go as planned. This is why flexibility is the key to success.

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Types of Homeschool Schedules

There are a variety of homeschool schedules. They can all work in different ways, for different families. Here are a couple of different schedules you likely have read about.

Block Schedule
Loop Schedule
Relaxed Schedule
Checklist Schedule

There are, of course, many different types of schedules. However, I only mentioned a few.

Block Homeschool Schedules

When using a block homeschool schedule, you are doing certain things at certain times. Say that you schedule it something like this:

8:00-8:30-breakfast
8:30-8:45-clean up
9:00-9:30-morning work
9:30-10:00-handwriting practice

You would keep adding things to the time blocks until all subjects, and activities, for that day, were scheduled. You may have some flexibility and change the times of day things are done, or what subjects are covered.

However, I personally cannot connect with a block schedule. We need more flexibility than I feel is given here. Over the last three and a half years of homeschooling, I have found a bit of a hybrid between a loop, relaxed, and checklist schedule.

What is a Loop Homeschool Schedule?

When using a loop homeschool schedule you have the core subjects, such as math, reading, language arts, and writing daily. But you have the extras, like social studies, geography, history, science, or any other subject you choose. Check out your state’s requirements. Specific subjects are required in some states. Or visit HSLDA.org for more info. Once you decide what you will teach, simply add the subjects in the loop. For example:

MONDAY:

Math
Language Arts
Reading
Writing
Geography

TUESDAY

Math
Language Arts
Reading
Writing
Social Studies

And the loop would continue daily until the extra subjects are all covered. However, you may choose to focus on an extra subject for just one day a week. This would give you a greater chance to really focus on that subject and enjoy it more.

I find greater flexibility in this schedule, and it can be done in a variety of ways. Besides, no way is the right way, just what works best for you.

The Relaxed Approach

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I hated to put the word schedule in this subheading. The relaxed approach is just that, relaxed. No schedule or time frame controls your day. Basically, you get to it when you are able.

I am able to mix this in at times…but I like structure. However, I am trying to be more flexible.

The Checklist Homeschool Schedule

We likely feel good when we can check something off our to-do list. The checklist schedule can foster independence in our children. You can make a checklist for your child to complete each day or each week. There is room for more structure or flexibility here. Make it a weekly checklist, or a daily one. Currently, this is the method I use on a daily basis. I have found myself crossing things out more and more. This is okay too. I plan to write more later about how I use these methods.

Picking the Right Homeschool Schedules for You

person writing on brown wooden table near white ceramic mug planning their homeschool schedules

First, you will want to think about your family, and what routine you are already in. Are you already on a tight, or even strict, schedule? Does your family, and most importantly your children, do good with time restraints for tasks?

Next, think about the months you plan to homeschool. Of course, you need to know what your state’s requirements are for homeschooling. Some require a certain amount of hours per year, in addition to around 180 days of school being completed. As previously mentioned, some states require certain subjects to be covered.

Do you plan to homeschool year-round? Maybe you want to do a more traditional schedule and stick with the public school system in your area. There are pros and cons to both. You have the ability to change your mind, though, if you decide that what you picked was not the right fit for you.

Now, what do you want your homeschool style to be? Do you want your children to learn more through play, getting outdoors more, and exploring? Or maybe your children will do better with a more structured approach. How many books will you choose to homeschool with, and what extra subjects will you teach? All in all, these factors can be considered when thinking of your homeschool schedule.

How Do You Choose?

It takes time for us to fall into a routine that works for us. Our styles, schedules, and preferences change. Not to mention what our children will be willing to do. Take them into consideration as individuals, because each child may work better with a different type of schedule or routine.

Eventually, you will get things figured out. Above all remember that flexibility is the key to success, and if you’re having fun, your children will be more likely to enjoy the experience.