If homeschooling were the only thing we did all day, it would probably be pretty easy to get it all done. However, when there are household duties to attend to, meals to prepare, students of multiple ages involved, and babies and preschoolers in the mix, things can be a little tricky! Keep in mind that life does happen. Children get sick, Moms get sick, other needs may take precedent at certain times, and there will be a few days that we can not do all that we intend. However, with a little planning, it is possible to get it all done on most days.
At the beginning of each school year, I make a list of schoolwork that I want each child to do for each day of the week. I divide the list into two categories: things they can do independently, and things that I need to do with them. I use this information to make weekly checklists for the children and for myself. Each of us has a clipboard where we keep our checklists.
Children's Homeschool Checklists
Centered across the top of each checklist, I type the child's name, grade, and a blank line to write the week. For example: “Hannah's 3rd Grade Schedule for week of: _______.” On the blank line, I might write in “March 5-9, 2007.”
Then I create a table with five columns, one for each weekday. Underneath the weekday, I type in each ”independent” school subject and a small line for the child to make a checkmark when the subject is complete. I type in general directions for each subject; for example “Bible: 20 minutes,” “Awana Verses: 5 minutes,” or “Multiplication Flash Cards: 10 minutes.” I also leave space under each subject area so that I can write in more specific notes wherever necessary.
Underneath the table, I have some spaces for other notes: “Reading Assignments,” “Books I've Finished,” and “Notes for Mom.”
Mom's Homeschool Checklist
I create a similar checklist for myself. My checklist also contains a table with a column for each weekday. In each column, I type in each child's name, followed by a checklist of things I need to do with that child on that day. I include reminders to check their specific independent work. I also include a checklist of things to do with the whole crew together on that day (readalouds, etc.)
In this way, when I am having a school session with one child, or when I need to attend to one of the little ones, all the other school-age children use their checklist to work through their independent work. My own checklist helps me to remember what I need to do with each of my children as well.
