Our School Day Switch up!


Since the beginning of the school year {August 2012} We have had the same schedule 9am-3pm with breaks every 3 subjects/projects. Guess how many times we actually completed the entire days work? VERY seldom. We would start every day out with momentum and excitement but after that first break it was like pulling teeth…the day would quickly go from happiness and excitement to groans of annoyance and cries of frustration. What’s a mama to do? In November/December I reevaluated our school day work load. I also incorporated new fun learning games, like Time Bingo, a game called Pizza Party that is all about fractions, and other fun games. That really seemed to help…we were getting more than 50% done, heck I’ll take that! Now it was the coming back to the school room after lunch that was the problem…it was a BIG problem. I needed a change!

In Late December I was chatting with a few other Homeschool moms and the “What’s your school day look like” question came up. There were a HUGE range of responses…everything from 8am -2pm to 1pm -5pm and everything in between. One of my very dear friends response was very interesting…it was EXACTLY what I had been toying with starting! Her kiddos do school Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am-12pm {Our kids go to the same program on Thursdays!}  I was so excited to chat with her and tell her that I was planning the following Monday to begin 8am-11pm! She was VERY encouraging and gave me a little bit of a break down of her day.

Here is a very basic break down of our day


This is our regular schedule, however some days we switch it around and do Math first, then History, then reading.

Since we started this new schedule we have finish 100% of the planned school work…EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!! YAY!

I asked my 8 year old son what he thought of our new schedule and he told me that he loves it! Having our school day starting and ending all before lunch has opened up so much more time to do things as a family. We are going on family daily walks after lunch {my hubby works from home} we are able to have playdates and field trips without the worry of interfering with our school day! And for me personally…I’m able to to read and actually do my bible study homework! I can even run on the treadmill!  It has been so wonderful for us!

So what about you? What does your school day look like?

Smiles & Blessings

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