What does a day in the life of your homeschool look like? Photos to share? Please?!

[EmmieAZ]

Hi homeschoolers. I am seriously contemplating HS. DD is 4 and just started preschool where I enrolled her at a Christian preschool, but if my husband agrees, I would like to try to homeschool her for Kinder. Anyway, I am not a very creative person, and it helps me to have something to model after. Could you ladies share with me what a typical HS day looks like for you from the time you wake up until bed time? I know homeschooling is not like school per say, but I am the lkind of person who would need somewhat of a schedule in order to stay motivated and on top of things.

Also, for those of you who have a designated room or area for HS, I would love to see pictures if you have them. Thank you so much gals.

[NewWorldOrder]

Been homeschooling for 9 years, no designated homeschool room, just the kitchen table, or the couch, or the floor, or even the front lawn.

Kindergarten is pretty easy for homeschooling since all you'll really be doing is phonics and math. You can add some social studies if you want to, but it's not necessary, neither is Science. I highly recommend ABeka's kindergarten curriculum to start teaching your child reading, it's very thorough and easy to follow. After you've done their kindergarten and first grade you'll find you won't need to use it anymore. Try to buy as much of it used as you can, 'cause it's a bit pricey brand new.

The best way to look at curriculum is to touch it. See if there are any homeschool stores in your area. They may be hard to find, 'cause they don't normally advertise, most of it is word of mouth. The best way to find them is to check with homeschool organizations in your area. If you happen in the D/FW area, there are several places here you go to. Ask other homeschoolers where they buy their material, you can also go to curriculum fairs, but everything will be brand new. ABeka is always at the book fairs, but if you buy at the fair, you don't go home with the curriculum, they mail it to you. You can't buy ABeka new anywhere except from them, but you can find it used everywhere. I can give several links to places to buy curriculum; there are many.

If you have any specific questions, just ask, and I'll do my best to answer.

[wife]

We used abeka for our oldest and Horizons for our next two. They are equal in my book, Horizons was a tad bit more mom friendly.

We just do math, reading, and bible in the lower grades..

[funmudder]

they have desks in their rooms for their assignments, but most of our time is spent at the kitchen table. What was going to be the classroom ended up as a nursery LOL

[EmmieAZ]

Thanks ladies. Would any of you mind sharing what a typical day is like for you? Thanks again

[NewWorldOrder]

Well, let's see, now this is just us, it's going to be different for everyone.

I usually try to get up around 7 -8 a.m. We have our breakfast, get dressed, then sit down for a short bible lesson. Then we do a math lesson, then a language lesson. We're doing a unit study this year, so this year will be a little bit different. We will take about 30 minutes and do science and history, then we have a short break. Outside time, or something fun she wants to do. We are usually finished between 12 to 2, depending on what we're doing. I'll try to fit in field trips that go with what we may be learning in our school.

We're very laid back, I do not like a lot of structure. Some things are quite structured, but for the most part, we are laid back. If it's nice outside, we'll do some of our work outside under a tree, and have a snack. About once a week I'll take her to a class, this year I think I'll sign her up for a music class.

[funmudder]

Typical day is much like NewWorldOrders :nod

[songbird]

I get up at 5:30 to go to work (I drive a school bus for the public high school). My 2 girls get up at 7:00 to eat breakfast, get dressed and do their chores before I get home.

When I get home between 8:15 and 8:30, they are in their 'classroom' on their laptops doing their work for the day. I help them with what they don't understand, and they finish anywhere between 11:00 and 12:00pm.

Of course, in daily life I try to make a 'lesson' out of everything.

[lisaann]

Kids up by at least 8:00 - I let them watch tv until 8:30 or play to give them a chance to wake up (perhaps it's just that 'I' need the chance to wake up :heh )
chores and breakfast at 8:30
9:00 Bible, pledge, prayer
reading
spelling
handwriting
silent reading
LUNCH
math
science

Play time the rest of the day unless we have something else to do. I try to make everything a 'teachable moment'.


For K I started both of my kids with Five In A Row. It is a very sweet, gentle start using real childrens literature. It covers everything except phonics and math.

Edited to add that my kids are in 2nd and 4th this year.

[Lorren]

Our typical day involves school in the morning. We wake up when we wake up, unless we have to be somewhere. Laurana is doing 6 classes, but science and history are only 2 days a week each, and music is also 2 days a week typically.

I usually let her take breaks in between classes. Often Tanis needs something to eat or something like that, so I give him attention during her breaks. When she does all her work, she is done for the day. She has rest time in her room at around 2 for an hour, unless she falls asleep and then she gets up when she wakes up.

I try to do most of the cleaning/laundry/meal work after school, although sometimes I get some of that done during school.