What our Homeschool Day Looks Like
We often get asked, "What does your homeschool day look like?" Whether it's a young mom thinking about jumping in with both feet, a seasoned homeschooler looking to switch things up a bit, or just one who is curious to get a look into what these 'crazy people' do, it's worth sharing. Before we became a homeschool family, I remember thinking much the same thing. But honestly, it was more like, "What in the world must their day look like?!" Is it choas? Is it quiet and peaceful? How does she get anything else done? All great questions. So I thought I'd give you a quick peek into our daily rhythm.
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Ever wonder what a homeschoolers day is like? Here's a peak into our day to day homeschool routine.
Wake Up:
I get up at 6ish and read a bit first. Once I get a workout in, throw a load of laundry in the wash, and put myself together, I like to peruse Instagram over a hot cup of coffee.
School Starts:
We start our day by 8:00 am with family devotions around the table. (We've already said good-bye to Dad at this point). I keep our devotional to 15min. Any longer, and I can start to lose 'em. There are many wonderful devotionals out there for children. Here is a list of some we've enjoyed together. I have found that on days where I skip this part to try to save time, it matters. Our day usually falls apart; fighting, tears, anger, frustration, ending with me feeling pretty much like a failure. So, lesson learned. We always start our day with the Lord.I often ask if any of the children would like to pray, after our lesson. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. And if not, that's completely okay with me. Regardless of who wants to pray aloud, we all bow our heads as I thank the Lord for the day He's given, and our time together. Then we pray for our hearts, and the needs of those around us.
Read Aloud:
After we pray together I will read a chapter book aloud. We're are enjoying Star of Light by Patricia St. John at the moment. We read hundreds together throughout the years. But these may well be our favorites. We've read everything from Little House on the Prairie, to Missionary Stories, to fun picture books of the season. I like to pair our read aloud with the time period and / or season we're currently studying. I've made a handy list on Amazon for you here ;)
Independent Studies:
Next we break up from the table and each of the children get to working on their independent studies. These include, Math, Spelling, Vocabulary, and English. Now, I say 'independent,' but really I bounce around helping each one of them for the next hour or so. Some need help reading the directions. Some need help following directions. And others just need help staying on task... So, this is the Wack-a-Mole part of my day. And the reason I need to reiterate how important starting my day with Jesus is ;)
Snack Break:
If all goes well, we are usually done with the independent studies by about 10:30ish. It's at this time we'll get a quick snack, hop outside for a bit of fresh air & to stretch our legs (or I'll run down to change the laundry, if I remember).
Unit Study:
When we've reunited we sit back down around the table for our history and/or science lessons. These are typically done as unit studies, meaning we all study the same topic, but their assignments are based on grade level. This year we are studying Creation to the Greeks by My Father's World. Yesterday we built an Egyptian villa, and tomorrow we're creating costumes from the time period. Much of this learning is done through living books as I read aloud while they color or do something else constructive with their hands. (It just helps my kiddos to stay out of trouble and listen better ;) These extra projects can be finished in their free time throughout the afternoon or in the evening.
Lunch:
We are typically done with our lessons by lunch time. Sometimes if my older two have had difficulty in a writing assignment, I will sit down with them after lunch and help them figure it out.
Specials:
Otherwise, the afternoon is for reading, playing, practicing instruments, and our "specials," they call them. We used to call them "electives" when I was in school. ;) Our "specials" differ depending on the day.
Monday is baking day. We bake bread in the bread machine (my favorite gadget of the year! There's a gluten free setting! or bake some seasonal dessert to go with dinner.
Tuesday is music. Here we work on learning note names, which notes get which beats, etc. All things pertinent in learning to read music. I like to end our time with singing a hymn or two. Happy Hymnody has set up a wonderful monthly program to help with this. Otherwise, I have used these lovely books, which include a history of the hymn as well as background of the writer. There's a Christmas version too! This has proved to be a sweet time with the family. Grandparents especially love to listen to what they have learned.
Wednesday is when we make a projects like painting, seasonal crafts, decorating the house, or working with new mediums. Usborne publishes a very helpful book that I like to reference when I'm in a pinch.
Thursdays are our science and/or nature day. If we have an experiment in our weekly lesson, I usually save it for this day. Otherwise, we always love a good reason to work in our nature journals. The kids and I are always finding things we'd love to add.
And that leaves Friday, which we save for field trips or our Wild + Free nature hikes. Those tend to be the highlight. If you're in the area, we'd love to have you join us!
