Scheduling Conflicts
Every year, we go to a great deal of effort to work out our daily schedules. Each year we fall short of our ideal daily routine. It seems some other home-schooling moms (and dads) are facing the same challenges right about now. Here are my thoughts on the subject:
I could set a 'time container' for school time and keep it loose within that. For instance, say 8-12 everyday is for school and whatever we get done we get done. The children can always go back and do 'homework' - maybe with Papa - later. Alternatively, I could make a priority list of things that MUST be accomplished during the week and go with that. If we have time for more, great!
Much of it will depend on the type of curriculum and teaching style you have. If you feel strongly about keeping some type of schedule, take a couple of days to notice the natural rhythm of your own family's day. You may find schoolwork is best accomplished in the afternoons or evening rather than mornings. Maybe you will have to split school time.
In our case, we need a good working schedule. We have a magazine that operates on deadlines and a business that relies on tight schedules so that each class or workshop runs on time. We teach our children using a classical approach, which requires a certain amount of discipline. We also travel a lot and much of our learning happens in the course of our travels. We’ll need to come up with a hybrid of the super rigid and loosy goosy.
Schedules get blown. There are days when someone is unwell, or when a younger child is feeling more needy. There may be an emergency that needs tending or an unexpected opportunity to take advantage of. Some days kids just aren’t ‘with it’.
I have noticed that what I fed my children radically affected every aspect of their behaviour... High protein, filling breakfasts help tremendously (long slow burn, rather than a spike). It means a bit more work for me in the mornings, but I have a much easier day in the long run. Also, playtime helps a lot - they can burn off the energy and settle down - I believe that's why schools have recess.
Charlotte Mason was very wise in reminding us that right after eating, blood flow goes to the digestive system - not to the brain so much. You've got about 20-30 minutes after breakfast in which to occupy the children in something mindless (chores, grooming, etc.) and then have them do their sit-down work. Keeping that in mind will help you keep your schedule and relieve your stress.
I rely on my oldest daughter (13) to help out a lot too - and she's good at it. All of the children have certain chores, but she has some of the most important. She also helps to look after her younger siblings, including the baby when I need to be physically or mentally occupied. God made her first and oldest for a reason. She gets more privileges too!
Schedule based on your family’s natural rhythm, eat well, and get help. That’ll keep everything on track and pleasant!
I could set a 'time container' for school time and keep it loose within that. For instance, say 8-12 everyday is for school and whatever we get done we get done. The children can always go back and do 'homework' - maybe with Papa - later. Alternatively, I could make a priority list of things that MUST be accomplished during the week and go with that. If we have time for more, great!
Much of it will depend on the type of curriculum and teaching style you have. If you feel strongly about keeping some type of schedule, take a couple of days to notice the natural rhythm of your own family's day. You may find schoolwork is best accomplished in the afternoons or evening rather than mornings. Maybe you will have to split school time.
In our case, we need a good working schedule. We have a magazine that operates on deadlines and a business that relies on tight schedules so that each class or workshop runs on time. We teach our children using a classical approach, which requires a certain amount of discipline. We also travel a lot and much of our learning happens in the course of our travels. We’ll need to come up with a hybrid of the super rigid and loosy goosy.
Schedules get blown. There are days when someone is unwell, or when a younger child is feeling more needy. There may be an emergency that needs tending or an unexpected opportunity to take advantage of. Some days kids just aren’t ‘with it’.
I have noticed that what I fed my children radically affected every aspect of their behaviour... High protein, filling breakfasts help tremendously (long slow burn, rather than a spike). It means a bit more work for me in the mornings, but I have a much easier day in the long run. Also, playtime helps a lot - they can burn off the energy and settle down - I believe that's why schools have recess.
Charlotte Mason was very wise in reminding us that right after eating, blood flow goes to the digestive system - not to the brain so much. You've got about 20-30 minutes after breakfast in which to occupy the children in something mindless (chores, grooming, etc.) and then have them do their sit-down work. Keeping that in mind will help you keep your schedule and relieve your stress.
I rely on my oldest daughter (13) to help out a lot too - and she's good at it. All of the children have certain chores, but she has some of the most important. She also helps to look after her younger siblings, including the baby when I need to be physically or mentally occupied. God made her first and oldest for a reason. She gets more privileges too!
Schedule based on your family’s natural rhythm, eat well, and get help. That’ll keep everything on track and pleasant!
posted by Nissa at 12:26 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home