As you begin to firm up many of the details of your homeschooling plan, one area that you will want to explore is your homeschool schedule. Particularly this will be of higher value if you have decided to take a more structured approach to your home school environment.

Ultimately, most homeschool parents end up using a schedule that works best for them. The pragmatic approach. The operative phrase there is that they 'end up' with this approach. Meaning before you really get comfortable with your home school schedule, it will take some tweaking and fine tuning that only experience can bring. Don't worry. You will indeed get there. Initially, be wide open with your thinking in terms of the daily, weekly, and even yearly schedule. Have some fun planning your schedule around the seasons and the different events that come up within your family and the community! Be mindful of any state and/or local requirements that mandate what a day, or year, or attendance, is in their eyes.

One possible scheduling encroachment for homeschoolers to watch out for is; since you are always 'home' during the day, others may find it convenient to just drop by and see you, want you to watch their kids, pick them up from somewhere, give them a ride somewhere, etc. Be very careful of these interruptions during your day. This will lead to you feeling as if you are always behind in your homeschool schedule and lesson plans, and that you have perhaps scheduled too much. This will create unnecessary stress for both you and the homeschooling child.

The key to homeschool scheduling is to remember that everyone is different. Everyone is different in how much time they can spend with their kids without needing a break. When you first get started as a homeschooler you may feel overwhelmed with what seems to be a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year around your child. Keep in mind that time and experience will evolve your schedule. Work to be comfortable with your schedule. Vary your activities so you aren't always confined to your house. Be mindful of outside interruptions during the day from friends and family.

Relax and enjoy the homeschooling journey... Scheduling expertise will come in no time and you will be well on your way.

Mary Joyce

Mary Joyce is a former educator, successful homeschool parent, and the primary contributor to the Homeschool-Curriculum-4u website. Please visit Homeschool-Curriculum-4u for a complete list of Mary's articles, resources on homeschool, ideas, and curriculum information. Also tips guides and how-to's to help you successfully teach your child at home.