Routines for Homeschooling Older Elementary/Middle School Child/ren

[PoetryLover]

Hi! I am soon to be homeschooling my 6th grade DSD. I also have 9 month old son (who will be 11 months by the time we really begin homeschooling... I like to cook from scratch, play with DS throughout the day, spend quality time with DSD, maintain a relatively clean/organized home, have a little "me" time and also connect on a daily basis with DH.

Please share with me your schedules for homeschooling and also for the larger picture. I'm hoping to "see" how I can meet everyone's needs, including my own. Thanks so much!

[PoetryLover]

Anyone? Like how many hours a day is spent on homeschooling activities? How much time do you spend teaching lessons, as opposed the the child working more independently? Does the child appreciate the evenings and weekends being free of the homework of public school?

Do your older homeschool children help out with any chores during the day? Do you try to make time for your homeschooled child on a daily basis that doesn't necessarily involve school?

[MamaMonica]

I have a middle schooler and most days of the week we drive somewhere for a class, activity lesson or sports practice. So our days never have the same schedule and we work things in around activities. I use the crock pot a lot for dinner since we're often gone around dinner time.

[AAK]

OK, I will share--but first, know that my house should really be kept a bit more tidy and I am hs two children and I have a four year old too. So, things may be a bit different.

My OLDER child (5th grade--11yr in January) is a very independent learner. I set up her week in a portfolio on Sunday. There is a slot for each day. In it I put worksheets, assignments, or whatever will be helpful. I also put reminders (like empty dishwasher, or practice piano) in there. We start "school" at 9 and are usually done by lunch. However, she can stretch it out throughout the day if she likes. I just set aside the 9-12 part of my day for my "teaching". So, the mommy required parts need to happen at that time. She is using sequential spelling so we do that in the mornings. She is using Life of Fred for the most part and is independent right now (most is review right now) but if she has questions OR if I want her to demonstrate something, we do it in the morning. We discuss books together--well this happens anytime but often over breakfast or lunch. We are using Meet the Masters and do it Friday mornings.

Ideally, 12-3ish is for lunch and housework. However, life happens and we take opportunities when they are available. Also, there is one day that piano is at 1PM. The kids usually do their chores at this time and then play or create or self guided learning. Sometimes, my oldest will work ahead so she can have a day "off".

The reason mornings are our "school time" is two part. One, my 4 yr old goes to prek 3 mornings a week. Second, most random activities and scheduled things happen later in the day.

For you, I would look at nap times and designate those as "teacher" times. Most teaching would take place at that time. Your 6th grader can probably self initiate a bit and be or become pretty independent too. He can play with baby while you do some housework and he can contribute by doing chores too. I think you will be able to maintain an orderly home and still homeschool. Life will be different and there will be a transistion, but I think it will be good.

Good luck and enjoy.

amy

[phathui5]

I have four children, but I'm going to answer your questions as they pertain to my 10 year old.

Like how many hours a day is spent on homeschooling activities? 3-4 hours a day.

How much time do you spend teaching lessons, as opposed the the child working more independently? About 30-45 minutes a day, some days not even that long.

Does the child appreciate the evenings and weekends being free of the homework of public school? A little bit, but having never gone to school I don't think he appreciates it like he would if he had dealt with it before.

Do your older homeschool children help out with any chores during the day? Yes. He clears the table after meals, takes the trash out and helps with picking up and putting things away.

Do you try to make time for your homeschooled child on a daily basis that doesn't necessarily involve school? Not really. We're together most of the day, but we don't do much in the way of "making time" for each kid.