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Homeschool Schedule Guidelines



Are you looking for a good Homeschool Schedule that works for your family? Are you frustrated by not being able to "fit it all in?

Every year that we prepare for the new school year, I have to try a new schedule...

I have babies, preschool, kindergarten, elementary, junior high and high school...I definitely need a good schedule to keep up on our toes! :)

Each home will have their own homeschool schedule that works just for that particular home. Looking at the homeschooling guidelines of setting up a schedule is the best way to personalize your own.

Just because one schedule works for one family, it may not necessarily work for another family. The best homeschooling schedules are tailored to the needs of individual families.

Try these timeless tips...

So let's get started!

Homeschool Schedule Tips

homeschool schedule tips
  • Set a time to start and end the day.

Part of being diligent with our homeschooling means that we do not lie in bed until we feel like getting up. DO NOT let them sleep until 9 am and never really get dressed.

In the real world, there is a time to get up and a time to go to bed.

If I do not get up and "make it happen" we can get WAY behind and then EVERYONE is frustrated!

My biggest concern when I started homeschooling my children was that they develop good habits. My children learn from me, because I am their teacher and their mom!!

No matter what they do in life, they will need the discipline to get up in the morning and to go to bed at a proper time.

homeschool schedule

Field trip to Cabalas

  • Schedule a Lunch time and Recess/Break Time.

I write the lunch and recess times into our homeschool schedule to give my children a goal to work toward. It also keeps the day consistent.

Children need boundaries. I have found my children do much better when they know exactly what is expected of them.

  • Determine Your States Laws For the Number of Hours and Days of School.

Some states require number of days and some require number of hours.

In either case, it is important to now what days you plan on doing school and for how long... All year, 3 months on and one month off, or 9 months on and 3 months off.

Check out your state's laws here!

  • Consider the Number of Children in the Household.

With 9 children in my household, different children are doing multiple tasks all through out the day.

Some of my little ones take naps in the afternoon...put that in the schedule.

My younger ones finish school earlier. This leaves me with more time in the afternoon to help the 4 older children and do music practice.

Homeschooling Preschoolers and Kindergarten can be a special challenge. Having a working preschool and kindergarten schedule can really help your home run more smooth.

  • Plan in Normal Household Activities, Such as Cleaning, Cooking, Laundry, Rests...

A good schedule not only includes teaching school, but has times to clean,cook,laundry, and nap in it as well. If I do not take the time to put these regular activities into my homeschool schedule...they do NOT happen!

In my schedule, I try to do all the cleaning and vacuuming while my older ones are independently working on school.

My preschool, kindergarten and first grade children (yes even my two year old) follow me around and help me clean. Check out age appropriate chores for preschool children. Then around 9:30, I start the younger ones on school.

  • Schedule in Extracurricular Activities.

We go on field trips to the fire house, park, zoo, Children's Musem and library visits.

But don't forget grocery shopping, doctor appointments, music lessons, soccer games... Don't let these times change your schedule...just add it in.

  • Plan in Chores For All the Children.

It is very important that children in the household help in chores. Each of my children have a chore list...Even my preschoolers learn to do chores around the house!

Mom does less work if everyone is pitching in.

That is why I created a Houshold Chore Schedule for the entire family to follow!

In our household, everyone needs to be showered, dressed, hair brushed, bed made, bathroom clean,and room cleaned BEFORE breakfast. With five bedrooms, that is five less rooms I need to clean in the morning. This works for after school and before bed as well.

  • Make a List of All the Tasks You’d Like to Accomplish Each day, Estimate the Time Required...

Make a list: school, cleaning, meals, laundry, nap, music practice...

And don't forget about homeschool record keeping!

Then put how long each of these might take to accomplish.

Create a Schedule That Allows You to Get Your School, Housework, Meals, Sleep, and Activities Finished.

Be realistic with your times...yet not rigid. The schedule is to give you some guidelines to work with not to stress you out!

  • Schedule the Hardest Subjects When The Children Are At Their Best.

My older children do Math, Science, and History first. These are their harder subjects.

They take longer and use more brain cells! I have planned these in the morning, because this is the time when they are thinking the best!

  • Decide whether you want a Time/Clock Schedule or an After Breakfast and Before Lunch type schedule.

A time schedule is when you are set on the clock. For example 7:00 is breakfast, 7:30 start math, 8:30 history...ect.

On a before breakfast schedule: Certain chore or tasks are accomplished before breakfast...OR...Math, Science, and History or finished before lunch.

Depending what works best for you is the type of schedule you pick.

Now What?

Sit down and create your unique homeschool schedule!

Need an example? See our Examples of Family Homeschooling Schedules

It is important to have a schedule for homeschooling, yet be flexible, don't let the schedule control you.

Try these free printable homeschool schedule charts! to help you write your schedules in!

It is just a guideline to help you accomplish your daily tasks. Try many different schedules to find the one that works best.

In the end, your hard work will pay off and everyone in the home will be happier for your time and effort!

Enjoy your Journey,

Cassandra (Mom of 9)

More Homeschooling Schedules!

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Return to Pros and Cons of Homeschooling


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