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“The Only Difference Between A Mob And A Trained Army Is Organization.” – Calvin Coolidge
Sometimes running a homeschool can feel like dealing with a mob! President Coolidge was right. A little, or not so little, organization can make a world of difference. There are many types of homeschooling (we’ll talk more in-depth about that in the future). No matter what philosophy you choose to follow, daily organization and planning can be a huge advantage.
I consider myself a traditional or eclectic homeschooler. I’m the type that needs a schedule in order to get things done in a day, but I’m always first in line to ditch the pen and paper and go on an adventure; so much of learning is doing. But on those days when we are home and learning traditionally, a solid plan is our key to being productive.
Schedules
Google Keep is my best friend. We make a schedule for each day of the week. First, we list all of the subjects that we want to cover throughout the year, necessities and not. Then, we decide how much time needs to be devoted to each one; days per week, and hours per day. After that, we list them all out on a Google Keep list with checkboxes. Each list is labeled by the day of the week. I choose to put times in as well, for reference, but they are flexible. This also allows for rewards. If you focus and get something done in less time, the remainder is yours to do with as you please. I’m totally not above bribery! It also allows me to add in things like practice and chores. If the time is allotted, then there shouldn’t be an excuse of, “I didn’t have time”. I think it also encourages time management.
And I never know what image is going to pop up! More dragons…..
Assignment Bins
As Sophia has gotten older, more of the day-to-day schoolwork has become her responsibility. She requires less “teaching” and more guidance. So, I set up assignment bins. She has been on a four day school week for several years. (The same bins can be used for a five day school week.) Each bin is labeled with the day and there is one for completed work. Each week, before Monday, I organize her work and sort it into the day bins. When she completes an assignment, it goes in the completed bin. I can make corrections and grade each one as I have time. For less than $20, life is so much easier!
Reminder Flaps
It may seem repetitive to the daily schedules, but we also have reminder flaps on the school room door and a magnetic chore chart. Sometimes one system fails so we always have a backup!
Learning to manage everything that needs to be done in a day, and a week or a month…, is an important skill to master, especially before being set free in college. That doesn’t mean that gentle reminders and useful tools aren’t acceptable. I need lists, reminders, alarms, you name it! to remember to do things. Part of learning is also figuring out what system works best for you. Hopefully, Sophia will be able to apply what she’s learning now to her college workload. And hopefully, some of our tricks will be useful to you and your kids.
