Kids at home 24/7 – Time to get organised!
Let us quickly revise where you have got to in the previous parts of this e-course.
You understand why you need to homeschool your children.
2. You understand why your children need some downtime before launching into a curriculum.
3. You are able to enjoy spending time together again.
4. You know why you should give your children a customised learning experience instead of replicating school at home.
5. You have investigated the large range of homeschooling curricula that there is available to you.
Today we are focusing on the specifics of organizing your home, routines and schedules. If you are a Born Organized person you will be able to take on this new dimension rather well. You may have a few birthing pains, but you will find a method that works for you soon enough.
If you are not you are going to need to implement some basic procedures – you can keep them as loose as you want – but nonetheless you do need some “anchors” in your day.
Anchors are:
- Waking times
- Meal times
- Focused Studies time
- Chore/cleaning times
- Errands and shopping days
You can affix a specific time to these anchors should you choose or keep it open ended. For example, Wendy needs to be done with schoolwork by 12h30 most days due to afternoon commitments, whereas Shirley finds it easier to fit in schooling between baby’s sleep and nursing times. She therefore fits her schooling times into her whole day.
You will want to consider where you will do the actual seat work that is required. Will you set up a desk in your children’s room, will you all work around the dining room table or will you set aside a room as a school room? All of these are workable solutions.
Next you need to consider chores for your children. Learning to work in the home, doing chores with a happy heart is essential for good life skills.
Getting food into your house can be a challenge when you no longer have your mornings to pop out to the shop.
In this quick video, Wendy and Shirley share tips for getting it all done:
There are so many other things that need to be thought through when it comes to organization in the homeschooling home so be sure you visit the following web pages for more help.
Websites
8 Goals for Character Training
FlyLady – Your personal coach to get organized in your house and home
Find local or online support. Here is a list of South African Homeschool Support Groups
Suggested Reading
Life Management for Busy Women – Elizabeth George
Coming up in the last part of this E-course: Homeschool Burnout – why does it happen and how to prevent it from happening to you.