How to Craft the Perfect Homeschool Schedule While Including Field Trips
Homeschooling is a journey of exploration and personalized learning, where parents have the opportunity to create a dynamic and engaging educational experience for their children. One of the key elements in successful homeschooling is creating a perfect and balanced schedule that covers all essential subjects while leaving room for exciting field trips. In this blog, we will take you through the process of planning a homeschool schedule from Monday to Thursday, infused with enriching field trips that will leave your children eager to learn and explore the world.
Identify Core Subjects
Begin by identifying the core subjects you want to cover in your homeschool curriculum. Common subjects include Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. Don’t forget to include other subjects specific to your child’s interests and educational goals. Some examples can include computer programing, physical education including sports like karate or soccer, music, art, etc.
Set Learning Goals
For each subject, establish achievable learning goals for the week. Consider your child’s age, grade level, and learning pace to ensure the goals are challenging yet attainable. Be flexible and open to modifying the goals as needed based on your child’s progress.
I usually start by looking at common core standards or programs like IXL and Khan Academy that have those standards already established for English and Math per grade level. This helps give me a baseline of what I want to teach my children for the year. For example, this year in 3rd grade my children will be learning about Arizona History. In math, we are starting with reading and plotting diagrams and charts. In English, I have established a unit and the books we will read throughout. This baseline helps me establish what will be taught and allows me to create a good schedule for the year with end-of-year goals in mind.
Little Lions Learn also offers online courses and curriculum in English, Math, and Spanish, in addition to curriculum planning classes for parents. The Little Lions Learn online community is another good resource for schedule planning help.
Create a Weekly Schedule
Divide your weekdays from Monday to Thursday into designated time slots for each subject. Allocate more time to complex subjects and less time to those that require less attention. Ensure your schedule includes regular breaks to keep your child refreshed and focused.
I work during the day, so my children have most of their independent study during the day. When I get off at 3:30 pm we work together and I provide direct instruction. I have built-in breaks during the day for them so they don’t feel like they are in school all day. We take a short recess in the morning and at lunch. They have a good 2 1/2 hour break during the day because I spend from 3:30-6:00 teaching them. We also go to their special classes during this time as well. They have music class, and then each of them has their own class based on what they enjoy (dance and karate).
Click the link to check out the scheduling checklist I have created for my children. There is a blank version so you can modify it to fit your own homeschool scheduling needs.
Integrate Field Trips
Incorporate field trips into your weekly or monthly schedule to make learning more hands-on and memorable. Field trips provide real-world experiences and allow children to apply what they’ve learned in a practical context.
Select field trip destinations that align with your child’s interests and complement the subjects being covered that week. Zoos, historical sites, science centers, botanical gardens, and local cultural events are all excellent options.
Embrace Flexibility
Remember, homeschooling allows for flexibility, so don’t be afraid to adjust your schedule as needed. Sometimes, unexpected opportunities or events might arise, and you should be open to seizing them for educational purposes.
Conclusion
Crafting a perfect homeschool schedule that covers all subjects from Monday to Thursday, while incorporating field trips, can create a rich and rewarding learning experience for your child. The combination of structured academics and exciting real-world explorations will ignite their passion for learning, foster creativity, and nurture a thirst for knowledge that extends far beyond the traditional classroom setting. Embrace the homeschool adventure, and watch your child thrive as they embark on this unique educational journey. Happy homeschooling!
