One of the biggest challenges facing homeschooling families is trying to get everything done.
Time management and home organization are probably the two biggest concerns for homeschooling mothers outside of actually teaching in a home school.
If a homeschooling family does not stay on top of the housework, laundry, meals, and other day-to-day tasks, it can become a chaotic, disastrous situation very quickly.
Here is a suggested schedule and tips for a morning routine that has been time-tested and proven to work.
1.
Be the first one up in the morning, and rise early.
If the school day begins at 8:30 A.
M.
, plan to roll out of bed at 5:30 A.
M.
This may mean less time on the computer at night, but it is important to put the family's needs ahead of virtual social time.
This early morning time is the perfect time to pray, read scripture, meditate, and plan out the day's activity before the rest of the family gets up.
If there is a nursing baby in the house, this is a wonderful time to have a quiet feeding together.
2.
Work out.
Even with only 30 minutes a day, a homeschooling mother can stay in shape.
Women need to fit exercising into their schedules in order to stay healthy and have enough energy for the long haul.
Exercise not only provides physical health benefits, it stimulates endorphins, the "happy" hormones.
If the children wake up, they can be directed to watch a DVD or they may join in on the fun.
Babies can be placed in a swing or playpen right next to the mother as she works out.
3.
Get dressed for the day at about 6:30 A.
M.
The older children can help dress the younger ones.
A quick shower only takes about five minutes, and if the laundry is under control, everyone should have clothes available to choose from without much drama.
Simple hairstyles are easy to fix.
There are plenty of makeup videos available on You Tube that show makeup routines that only take five or ten minutes to apply.
4.
Put the baby down for a nap if she needs it, then start breakfast at 7:00 A.
M.
Older children can certainly help with breakfast preparations.
They can also help watch their younger siblings.
If some young children need more sleep, then this might be the time to wake them up and get them dressed for the day.
5.
Serve breakfast at 7:30 A.
M.
If the father of the family likes to have breakfast with the family before he leaves for work, then the family can adjust to his schedule by getting up earlier and going to bed earlier.
Good communication is required at all times so that the family routines can run smoothly.
6.
Do a morning devotional at the breakfast table while everyone is still seated.
This does not have to be long or all that "spiritual.
" Just reading a few scripture verses or possibly some Proverbs is enough.
7.
Get the morning chores done about 8 A.
M..
Everyone who can walk can help in some way.
Morning chores are individual for each family.
This isn't the time to get the house ready for a magazine shoot.
This is just time to get the house presentable.
Toys get picked up, the kitchen is cleaned up, the toothpaste is wiped out of the bathroom sink, the beds are made, the towels are hung up, the animals are fed, and the laundry is started.
8.
Gather school books and come to the table to begin school at 8:30 A.
M..
The baby can be awakened, and fed and diapered at the table while the children get started on their assignments.
With plenty of toys and activities for the preschoolers to do, the school should run fairly smoothly for a couple of concentrated hours.
A mid-morning snack helps control blood sugar levels and offers an interesting break, then the family can settle back down for another couple of hours of study before lunch.
Time management and home organization are probably the two biggest concerns for homeschooling mothers outside of actually teaching in a home school.
If a homeschooling family does not stay on top of the housework, laundry, meals, and other day-to-day tasks, it can become a chaotic, disastrous situation very quickly.
Here is a suggested schedule and tips for a morning routine that has been time-tested and proven to work.
1.
Be the first one up in the morning, and rise early.
If the school day begins at 8:30 A.
M.
, plan to roll out of bed at 5:30 A.
M.
This may mean less time on the computer at night, but it is important to put the family's needs ahead of virtual social time.
This early morning time is the perfect time to pray, read scripture, meditate, and plan out the day's activity before the rest of the family gets up.
If there is a nursing baby in the house, this is a wonderful time to have a quiet feeding together.
2.
Work out.
Even with only 30 minutes a day, a homeschooling mother can stay in shape.
Women need to fit exercising into their schedules in order to stay healthy and have enough energy for the long haul.
Exercise not only provides physical health benefits, it stimulates endorphins, the "happy" hormones.
If the children wake up, they can be directed to watch a DVD or they may join in on the fun.
Babies can be placed in a swing or playpen right next to the mother as she works out.
3.
Get dressed for the day at about 6:30 A.
M.
The older children can help dress the younger ones.
A quick shower only takes about five minutes, and if the laundry is under control, everyone should have clothes available to choose from without much drama.
Simple hairstyles are easy to fix.
There are plenty of makeup videos available on You Tube that show makeup routines that only take five or ten minutes to apply.
4.
Put the baby down for a nap if she needs it, then start breakfast at 7:00 A.
M.
Older children can certainly help with breakfast preparations.
They can also help watch their younger siblings.
If some young children need more sleep, then this might be the time to wake them up and get them dressed for the day.
5.
Serve breakfast at 7:30 A.
M.
If the father of the family likes to have breakfast with the family before he leaves for work, then the family can adjust to his schedule by getting up earlier and going to bed earlier.
Good communication is required at all times so that the family routines can run smoothly.
6.
Do a morning devotional at the breakfast table while everyone is still seated.
This does not have to be long or all that "spiritual.
" Just reading a few scripture verses or possibly some Proverbs is enough.
7.
Get the morning chores done about 8 A.
M..
Everyone who can walk can help in some way.
Morning chores are individual for each family.
This isn't the time to get the house ready for a magazine shoot.
This is just time to get the house presentable.
Toys get picked up, the kitchen is cleaned up, the toothpaste is wiped out of the bathroom sink, the beds are made, the towels are hung up, the animals are fed, and the laundry is started.
8.
Gather school books and come to the table to begin school at 8:30 A.
M..
The baby can be awakened, and fed and diapered at the table while the children get started on their assignments.
With plenty of toys and activities for the preschoolers to do, the school should run fairly smoothly for a couple of concentrated hours.
A mid-morning snack helps control blood sugar levels and offers an interesting break, then the family can settle back down for another couple of hours of study before lunch.
Source...