You’ve probably seen the homeschooling memes (and some pretty funny ones often make the rounds). This is what such-and-such groups think homeschooling is versus what it actually is. These types of memes strike a chord, however: what does a typical homeschooling day look like? Is there such a thing?
Is There a “Typical” Homeschool Day? Yes…and No
Yes, we have our typical homeschool day (which still changes year to year and sometimes month to month). But our typical day will not be like hers or theirs or yours. Instead, I know a large number of what I would call “successful” homeschooling moms who do things radically different from how we find our groove in our house.
This is What Our Groove Looks Like
Moms, you need to be who you are in your homeschool venture. For instance, I am not the most laid-back mom around, and I love academics in general. So, I am probably more scheduled than many moms. Even so, I leave plenty of room for flexibility. Because life happens, you know, to all of us.
Sometimes I set a goal for when I’d like to start our day, but it’s usually not a hard-and-fast deadline. My one kid just has a different sleep rhythm than I do and does better if he starts later. It took me awhile to come to accept that.
Opening Our Day
We often don’t start anything until maybe 9:00. I have both my kids together just for a little bit in opening our day. They’re too far apart in age to do many subjects together. We used to do science together up until last year when my older son began middle school and starting doing science on his own. But now, we only do some Bible together before they break off into their separate corners.
Something I slacked off on last year, but would like to reinstate for this one, is some memory work. The memory work may include specific Bible verses like a Psalm, or the Nicene Creed. It could also mean committing to memory some passages from history like the the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution or the Gettysburg address.
Core Subjects
Math is usually first, at least for my older son (8th grade). He’s his freshest at this point, and math can be the most challenging subject for him. About once a week we do a DVD lesson (usually about ten minutes), and then he starts on the practice sheets. By the time test day rolls around at the end of each lesson, he’s usually mastered the concept. Test day usually takes far less time than the others.
He then tackles science (usually every day) and logic (not quite every day) next. If he gets done with all those before lunch, that’s great. That’s not always the case, though, and that’s okay.
While he’s working on his core subjects, I have my younger son (4th grade) read out loud to me, and then I read science and history to him. We also work on geography together. We ended last year with him memorizing the fifty states on a map; this year we’ll pick up with each state’s capital and then move on to countries. My younger son has usually completed his math on his own by this point because he’s an early riser and prefers to get a lot of his work done even before breakfast. Fine with me. He also does copy work early in the morning, using history cards to copy from, and practices some cursive writing. I work on some light Latin with him too, most days.
Afternoon “Lighter” Subjects
We take our time with lunch. Usually my younger son is done by this point and goes off to play with Legos or draw something. During the quarantine, we would often take a long walk after lunch before starting anything again. But when we’re ready to pick up again with any academics, I’ll do Latin with my older son. Then he’ll work on reading whatever literature/history book I gave him to read or finish up a writing assignment connected with his reading (like a summary or an outline I’ve assigned him to do).
Field Trips and Extracurricular Activities
Pre-Covid19, we took a lot of field trips. I was always keeping my eye out for opportunities we hadn’t done before. New, adventurous field trips always topped a “regular” academic day. I knew the academics would get done eventually, so I wanted to grab as many chances as I could with my kids.
Likewise with extracurricular activities. We’ve done all or a mixture of the following during each year: piano lessons and Kindermusik classes, homeschool PE with the YMCA, swim lessons by a USA year-round swim club focused on stroke development, a fun, elementary-age Spanish class, and more. Each of these was able to be done during school hours, not taking up our evenings. We have also tried our hand at sports: basketball, soccer, and swimming. Out of the three of these, we found swimming to be, by far, the most beneficial. Most recently, this summer we tried out a track program and have loved it as well.
I am in no way only about the academics. I try to leave plenty of time for my kids to be kids, while giving them a solid education in the process.
A Typical Homeschool Day for Other Moms
Well, obviously I can’t answer for any other moms. But I have seen scenarios pretty much across the board. I’ve seen many moms that I admire have a less-adhered-to schedule than mine. I’ve seen others that have a more rigid schedule. Some moms loves to school year-round and just take regular, longer breaks throughout the year. I love that idea, but it’s never worked out quite so well for us. Large families find amazingly unique ways of making the homeschool life work beautifully for them. Some, mostly the wonderful extroverted moms I know, do even more field trips than us and prefer to be out of the house a lot. Other moms love to stay at home and find their peace and rhythm there. Each to her own. So many different scenarios in homeschooling can have the result all of us moms are going for: kids who turn into mature, well-adjusted adults who know what direction they want to pursue in life.
What About Co-ops?
Some moms love co-ops and couldn’t imagine a homeschooling life without one. Others (I would somewhat fall into this category) find that co-ops often take from you more than they give.
We did join one co-op for two years that the kids and I really liked. But it was a fairly low commitment one, meeting for one morning every other week for science, PE, and writing for my older child. While up until this point I have liked teaching the core subjects myself, I would definitely be open to trying out another co-op in the future that focuses on art, music, and electives. I’m keeping my eyes open for a potentially good fit. But I’m fine without one too and will find other ways to supplement the areas I’m lacking in.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. If you are currently a homeschool mom, how would you describe your style? If you’re one of the many moms who’s jumping in for the fall of 2020, what would you like your typical homeschool day to look like? Join the conversation!
I applaud you for taking this massive responsibility on for your kids. I hope you can get back to going on field trips soon!
Field trips are such an important part of the learning experience. They are so enriching; virtual tours are great, but in no way replace the real thing.
This is a great peak into a homeschool day, which I’m sure is super helpful right now with more kids being homeschooled. And I love all the field trips and extracurriculurs y’all have done!
This is truly a.new way of life for many families! Great schedule and flexibility, kids learn so much better this way!
It was great to get some perspective as to what a day in the life of homeschooling looks like.
Wow, kudos! I don’t have kids but if I did, I don’t see myself ever pulling this off like this!
I homeschooled my kids for years. We did a summer track program that they loved. Both my girls went on to be track stars, and my youngest still competes in college! We had a similar schedule to you, except I didn’t really care what they did first. They usually picked grammar since it was their favorite. 😊 We also spent the afternoons practicing musical instruments. Both girls are majoring in music (violin and viola) too!
Thank you for sharing your homeschooling story! My older kid plays piano, but needs some encouragement to practice. I definitely hopes he keeps up with it. It’s so good to hear your success story (and learn there is a light at the end of the tunnel!).
Every homeschooled kid I’ve ever met has been exceedingly smart and kind.
We have a routine that we try to stick to Monday-Wednesday, and then we have co-op on Fridays, and an altered schedule on Fridays. At least that’s what we did last year. I thought it worked out really well, but will have to see what this year looks like.
Every year does turn out differently for some reason. I’m trying to figure out a new schedule, too, now that our extracurricular activities are becoming more firmly set.
I honestly think with everything going on with COVID-19 I believe homeschooling is going to be a lot more popular. So many more jobs are figuring out ways to work from home so I think having a building where kids go to school may be a thing of the past. I know a few people, my sister included who are leaning toward homeschooling this year. I don’t have any kids yet but I think I would be leaning that way as well. I love that you don’t judge how others want to teach. Everyone is different and every child learns differently. Keep up the great work!
Homeschooling is the one good thing that is coming out of COVID. There are so many parents who are taking on the challenge like you are.
I’ve never had the desire to homeschool but given the circumstances, I’ve made the decision to do so coming this fall. I’ve been trying to make a daily plan do this so I’ve been reading similar posts and trying to gather pieces that I think will work best for our home.
I know there are a lot of other women in your shoes, too. Let me know if I can help you in any way–I’d be happy to.
Good insight for the parents just joining you in this journey!
I am probably more like you. I really like a schedule when I homeschooled
I love the sounds of your typical groove! We had a fairly similar structure to our days, most days. But sometimes, we just had a free learning day. I typically tried to account for the whole year in such a way, that if we needed to have a free day, we were far enough ahead to make it work.
Thanks for sharing this. Seeing other homeschool schedules is helpful–especially right now. Although we are distance learning, and it’s different than homeschooling, I still find myself setting up a schedule and routines so the kids know what to expect.
Great job to the Homeschooling Moms! This looks tough!
You make homeschooling seem such a breeze! My son is homeschooled as well and I couldn’t do it without his learning coach as I’m a full time working mom. Your post makes such great advice especially now when a lot of schools are opting to distance learning in fall. Thanks for sharing your day!
I applaud all you dedicated parents homeschooling! Wonderful suggestions for those in need!
Field trips & extracurricular activities are so important!
Great job! Homeschooling can be challenging at times. I homeschooled my daughter two years and while there were some “moments,” I would not change a thing! We went on lots of field trips and did a lot outdoors.
Great peak into a typical homeschool day. Good advice to be who you are as you homeschool. It’s so easy to get into comparing yourself to what you think other families are doing.
I’m inspired by all the families who have taken homeschooling instride! I love the focus on lighter studies in the afternoon and going on field trips! Very cool!
Thanks for sharing! Many families will find this helpful as well as me.
I truly admire the dedication and creativity that goes into homeschooling! Great job!
I love the idea of home schooling. Especially now when schools can introduce topics which parents would rather they discussed at home instead of from a biased teacher.
I did not know Latin was taught anymore.
Latin is not taught in too many public schools anymore, but Classical or Catholic private schools usually offer it, as well as some homeschool co-ops. It’s making a comeback of sorts, for sure!
My granddaughter will be starting school in 2021 and we are considering home schooling. Also, the upswing in pods is interesting. Would love to know your take on those.
I’m hoping to home school our kids when they’re old enough. I like reading what other families’ schedules are to give me an idea of what I might like to do.
I homeschooled my three until they started college. We found our groove about six weeks into our first year. I primarily did unit studies, that I wrote, until they started high school level subjects. So we did lots of hands on projects, lots of field trips and lots of deep learning on topics. We were part of a wonderful homeschooling co-op that met every Friday. I don’t regret those years at all!
A few months before COVID hit, my daughter asked if she could be homeschooled due to her busy dance and theatre schedule, which often keeps her out late (especially during tech week) and she is not really a morning person. I didn’t seriously consider it because I am a teacher at the K-5 level, so I’m not as comfortable teaching high school material. Also, I told her that I would still be gone for those hours of the day, so even though she could transition to a different schedule, I couldn’t. And knowing me, I may be crabby if I am frustrated with her after teaching all day, then coming home… to teach. No down time!! I think it’s great that homeschooling is an option – especially now with the pandemic – and I have a lot of friends who homeschool… many of the theatre moms, actually. It’s a great way to be flexible!