7/01/2011

Homeschool Planning According to Heidi

Edited March 6, 2012:  You can still read this post, but also understand that I am constantly changing things for (hopefully!) the better in our little homeschool.
Here's what we're doing with schedules now.
 

I am "schedually challenged".  Remember this post?

I'm not the type of person (at this point in my life - I like saying that because it leaves room for improvement or change ;) ) that does so well following a schedule (besides the schedule of: wake, breakfast, do things, lunch, naps, do things, dinner, do things, sleep - does that count?

I'm spontaneous. 

At least that's what I keep telling myself because it sounds so fun.  Doesn't it?!  :)

However, because I am spontaneous (and super fun), I don't do so well following a strict schedule.  I like to drop everything and take the opportunity to enjoy days like this

I can feel badly about this at times because I read about all these other moms who are extremely organized and have their days laid out in 15 minute time increments.  It looks so...well...organized!  There are days that I WISH I could be more like this!

But, that is not who I am (at this point in my life ;) ).

And I'm okay with this.  Everyone is different.
(Although I do admit to a small amount of schedule-envy when I see things like this and this.)

As a homeschooling mom, though, I do need some sort of accountability (besides my hubby who faithfully makes sure I'm not TOO spontaneous).





Not only is this homeschool planner asthetically pleasing, it has been a great way for me to see how much schooling we've done.



I don't exactly use this planner to "plan" out my days.  Instead, I use it as a record keeping system.  I write down what we did for each day.  This is a great way for me to see what we've accomplished by the end of the year.  It also helps me know what we need to do weekly.

For example, Thursday comes around and I can see that we haven't done any art and we've only done one day of math that week.  I can then add subjects in to make sure the kids are getting a balanced educational diet

Keep in mind that I only have one child officially in school and she just finished 1st grade, so even though we may not do every subject (or even any subjects) every day, we still finished all of our 1st grade curriculum by April.


I know this may seem crazy to those of you 15 minute time-slotters, but it really does work for me.
And THAT is a good thing!





4 comments:

Jennifer said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Oh man, I look at those schedule examples and want to cry... it seems it would be so awful to be stuck to that much of a schedule -but different strokes for different folks right!?

I like the "here's a general idea of how our day could/should go but in reality we do whatever seems best for that day" approach. Then I can mix efficiency and fun to my heart's content!

I also LOVE you idea of using a planner to keep track of what you have done instead of planning it out in advance! I will surely be borrowing that idea! Thanks!

Ann Marie said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Well, I did it. I ordered one of these bad boys (or maybe I should say "good girls" since they are too pretty to be boy anything) today for myself, and the 4 year one for Sarah. Thanks for introducing me to it. I'm excited to begin using it!

Amber said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Hey sis! I was talking with a few girls today about Preschool. I am just wondering if you could post something about that? I know you have mentioned it to me how much young kids learn so much better at home from their parents. If a family is going to put their children in school for kindergarten what should we be working with them on? Should we be getting them ready, certain things they should know? Or just be laid back and read to them? Just curious your thoughts (and then I can send them here for ideas & reference )

Heidi said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Jenn: I hear ya about the "stuck" feeling. :) Maybe that's why I struggle with schedules so much.

Ann Marie: Awesome! I'll be curious to see how you and Sarah like it. I sure enjoy it.

Amber: I'll see what I can come up with. Thanks!

Post a Comment

Thanks for taking the time to let me know what you're thinking. I may not always answer, but I appreciate your comments!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...