How Our School Day Usually Goes ....

& what I'd like to add, eventually.

Some changes will be taking place this Fall, most importantly, we'll be adding a new baby to the family in November. So, we'll likely take a few days off. I've usually gone back quickly because 1) my mom is willing to help/teach when she stays (and I love to have her stay with us - it's just fun), 2) the lesson plans are done well in advance and just need to be slightly rescheduled on Homeschool Tracker if we miss a few days, and 3) the routine is calming for all of us!

Another change is that we will start a few subjects in August. I have not done this before (but then, I've never had a baby due during the Fall semester and I haven't been homeschooling three during the arrival of a new baby). So, as always, I'll be flexible.

Scheduling ideas that work for our family:
1) Work with the youngest homeschooling child first (some choose to spend time with toddlers before starting the school day ... getting breakfast, nursing, and dressing my toddlers is enough and then they're ready to play). During that time, older kids work in subject areas they can complete by themselves. My older kids are pretty independent, so that means Math, Spelling, Geography, Music or Piano. This works doubly in our favor because when Zeke is done, he'll go play with Graham.

2) We start at school at 8a. The kids have all been early risers from birth. While Dash has slept in more often during this summer, it's because he's stayed up late the night before. Zeke is generally up by 6:30a and ready for school before 8a! If I have his schedule and supplies ready, I let him go to work. The morning hours are our best hours, both in attitude and concentration.

New Ideas that I will be implementing:
1) Each year, I start the day with prayer and it goes by the wayside at some point. I recommit myself each year. This year, I want to have our prayer time at 7:45a. However, I plan to schedule a different child (I'll include myself & maybe my husband) on each school day. I want each leader to choose the prayer or devotional reading for that day.

2) Have each child list three weaknesses to work on and help them create a 'plan.' I read this in John Taylor Gatto's latest book, and I thought it was a great idea. I'm sure I can incorporate virtues (which has been a yearly focus according to the age of each child) into our 'plan' quite easily.

3) Have each child list three projects/areas that they want to learn about in the coming year. Also from John Taylor Gatto's latest book (and probably previous books, but it didn't strike me before now). Some of the desires can be covered by 4-H projects; I'm hoping.

Activities I Would Like to Add (ie. the Wish List):
1) Weekly Mass closer to home. We generally attended the Noon Mass when in Fargo on Fridays. We need to find a better alternative that fits our new schedule.

2) Adoration. I miss it. We gave up our hour (the kids and I went on Tuesday afternoons) when we started building the house almost two years ago. Not sure if it is realistic this year, but wanted to put it on my 'wish list' of activities.

3) Family Rosary in the form of reciting a Decade together. Haven't figured out the time, yet. Need to pray and think a little more.

Changes From Past Years:
1) I am taking a break from my Friday Mom's groups. I will be registering for a once-a-month Women of Grace study and will help arrange childcare, but I'm not in charge of leading the group, training, or fundraising this coming year.

2) Angelina will also be studying dance/tap closer to home (haven't figured out where, yet, but it won't be Fargo). So, no more set trips to Fargo on Friday for the coming year.

3) Our Wednesday evenings will be free (no more trips to Fargo for Family Formation). I will miss seeing friends, but this is a necessary step. We will be joining a church closer to home this Fall and religious education occurs on Sunday morning after Mass. I'm glad it's not another trip late at night, but am a little concerned because we are out of town a lot over the weekends! Don't worry, I know my kids get the bulk of their faith education at home, it's just hard to miss when we will be new in the parish.

The Lahlum Family School Day Schedule for 2009-2010:
5:30-6:30a Parent rising time ... usually, but always up before 7a
7:00-7:45a Morning Chores (dressing, bed-making, breakfast, feeding pets)
7:45-8:00a Morning Prayer
8:00a-12:00p Our official school hours
12:00-12:30p Dinner (or Lunch!)
12:30p-1:30p Afternoon Chores (silly stuff: clear the table, straighten lockers, etc.)
1:30p-2:30p Finish up school work
6:00-6:30p Supper
6:30-7:30p Evening Chores (straighten kitchen, pet chores, prep for bed, baths/showers)
7:30-8:30p Reading Time & Prayers with Dad (usually start earlier, but I'm allowing flexibility)
8:30p Bedtime (the oldest can read quietly in their rooms for up to another hour)
10:30p Parent Bedtime