Our Homeschool Day

I am fairly certain that we never have the same homeschool day.     So I'll give you a run down of a "typical" day.

I try to have everyone out of bed, dressed and ready for breakfast by 8:00.  That doesn't always happen. ;)

We typically set down for breakfast together around 8:15.  Breakfast really varies.  Sometimes I feel more like a big breakfast, like pancakes, eggs, etc. Other times, we have cereal or frozen waffles.

After everyone eats, the girls make their beds and clean their room while I clear the table.

I try to get everyone back at the table for lessons by 8:45.  Earlier is always better, but we aren't always at the top of our game.

We always start our school time with prayer and Bible first and foremost.  God has to be at the heart of our homeschool or I am wasting my time. 

Because we are studying Old Testament/Ancient History, I immediately do History in conjunction with our Bible time.  We are using My Father's World Creation to the Greeks this year so our Bible and History time fit very well together.

Because our youngest is enthusiastic about the Pledge to the flag, we say the pledge after Bible and History.

This year, I opted to try the workbox method with the girls so following Bible and History the girls start their first workbox.  I split their time up through the day with various activities that are not in a workbox, do and do not require me to help, etc.  I really try to mix up our day with their workbox so that it is not predictable and boring for the girls.  I also want them to have subjects so that they don't need me at the same time.

We really have some days where schedules are completely thrown out the window.  My youngest has allergy shots every Monday morning.  Our family works the clothes closet at our church one Tuesday a month.  Of course, there is always things that come up for us.  I so try not to stress when "stuff" comes up and our "schedule" gets wacky. 

I try to have our day wrapped up by 2:30, but that may or may not always happen.  The afternoons are filled with household chores, free time, and just plain fun.  I also attempt to take the girls to the library once a week.

I like to be super organized with it all but both girls end up sick through out the year with various hospital and doctor visits.  What does your family do for their day?  Do you have a set schedule or do you generally "go with the flow" like we do?

I'm linking up with the "Not" Back to School Blog Hop this week.  Go check out other families homeschool days.



Blessings~

Kristie

Our 2011-2012 Workboxes

After much research, thought and planning, I have completed our workboxes. 

I don't have the space to implement the traditional workbox method by Sue Patrick.  However, I have come up with a system that I believe will work great for our family. 

Here's the plan . . . .

I have a grid for each of my daughters.  It has 16 blocks. All of the blocks may not be used everyday.

Names have been covered to protect the innocent. ;)

I only have 6 shoe boxes for each girl.  They will also have a folder with multiple pockets for some subjects. 

Note the frogs are for Flossy, my youngest, and the lady bugs are for Princess, the oldest.

We also have science, history, bible reading and read alouds that will be done as a family.  Most of these items will be planned for early morning.    The boxes have velcro for the numbers and one will end up being put on for a "Work with Mom" tab.  (I ended up running out of velcro; that is the only thing needed to be finished.) 

As a task is completed each day, they will remove the number or activity card from their assignment grid so that they know how close they are to being done for the day.

I also found the wonderful pouches pictured above at the Dollar Tree with 3 in a pack that holds each girls' assignment grid and tags.  I also have one that hold miscellaneous tags that I have. 

I figured that because several subjects were completed as a family I could just put a subject tag on their grid to know come see mom when they get there.  We'll see how it works out.

Homeschooling at the speed of life,

Kristie

Workboxes!!

If you are a homeschooler, you have possibly heard about the workbox system.  Well, I decided to use workboxes for the 2011-2012 school year.  I don't have my system in place yet.  Stay tuned for more info and pictures.

Are you a workbox user?  Please comment and leave links to pictures of your system.  I'd love the inspiration!

Serving Him at the Speed of Life,

Kristie