Okay. It’s almost December and I am just now getting around to updating my boys’ schoolwork checklists! I’m thankful for grace! Anyway, it is done!
Here are the basics of our system:
- Each child has his own checklist.
- The checklist is divided into three categories: Independent, With Mom, As a Family.
- The “Independent” section is work that they can do without my help. (or should I say that they SHOULD be able to do it by themselves…)
- The “With Mom” section is work that I will do with that child. This is where he gets his new lessons and individual instruction.
- The “As a Family” section is work that everyone will do together.
How it Works:
- Each child wakes up in the morning. After relaxing on the couch and morning snuggles, he must begin his checklist. Some mornings he will be working straight out of bed and other times he will rest on the couch for 30-45 minutes. Our rule is you may rest as long as you want as long as you stay on the couch and be peaceful. But, when you are awake (AKA: wrestling with your brothers), you must start your schoolwork. We do not allow tv…….just relaxing.
- He will begin on his independent work. He must start at the top of the list and continue in the order listed.
- While they are working on their independent work, I am pulling each child out to complete his “With Mom” section. For example, while I make breakfast, my 5yo is doing math with me. Later in the day, my 5yo might be looking at books on the couch, my 10yo might be doing his handwriting, and I might be introducing a new math concept to my 9yo. Each child is expected to continue working on his independent work until I ask him to come and work with me.
- At various times during the day we will do the “As a Family” section. During breakfast, I read everyone the Bible. Generally, our family read-aloud will be read during lunch. After all of the “Independent” work and the “With Mom” work is complete, we will do “Explore” as a family. Explore is a term to describe all of our extras…further reading on science or history, a hands-on project, a field trip, watching videos related to our studies, library books….anything! The amount of time we spend on “Explore” will depend on how long the rest of the work takes. Some days, we will skip it. Other days we will spend two hours exploring!
- One other thing to note…..my 5yo can’t read his checklist. But, I make him one so that I can keep myself on track.
Additional Info:
- We keep the same checklist for the entire week.
- I keep the titles of the subjects generic. Just do the next math lesson in the book. If we get behind, then I don’t have to redo my entire list. Just do the next lesson.
- Keeping it generic keeps the list flexible. For example, “computer learning” includes some of the computer software that we own and educational websites that my boys enjoy. If our day is long and tedious, I might just have them hop on and play a non-stressful math game or the Oregon Trail game. But, if we have extra time, then I might have them tackle a new typing lesson. Fliexibility helps me keep my sanity when life doesn’t go as planned! Also, it allows me to apply grace to their workload if I know that they have had a hard day.
Here are my checklists. For some reason, when I copied and pasted them, it took out all of the boxes! On my computer, it is an Excel document with boxes for each piece of information. The kids just check off the subject for that day of the week. But….technical difficulties…..the boxes disappeared!! I would try to figure it out for you, but….I must school my children! So, use your imaginations and picture these lovely little organizational boxes. While we are dreaming, imagine a room full of three little boys happily checking off their boxes and filling their brains with useful information……….
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10 year old’s Work
INDEPENDENT
Subject Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri
Calendar
Math- 1 lesson
Xtramath – 1 lesson
Handwriting – 1 lesson
Grammar/Writing- 30 min.
Fiction Reading – 20 min.
Non-fiction reading-20 min.
CC Memory Work review
Computer Learning
WITH MOM
Subject Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri
Math
Grammar/Writing
Phonics/Spelling
Preview tomorrow’s work
CC memory work
AS A FAMILY
Subject Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri
Bible
Explore
Read aloud
—————————————————————————————————————-
9 year old’s work
INDEPENDENT
Subject Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri
Calendar
Math – 1 lesson
Xtramath-1 lesson
Handwriting – 1 lesson
Fiction Reading – 20 min.
Non-Fiction Reading-20 min.
Grammar Charts-15 min.
CC Memory Work Review
Computer Learning
WITH MOM
Subject Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri
Math
Grammar/Writing
Phonics/Reading/Spelling
Preview tomorrow’s work
CC memory work
AS A FAMILY
Subject Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri
Bible
Explore
Read-aloud
—————————————————————————————————————-
5 year old’s Work
INDEPENDENT
Subject Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri
Xtramath
Handwriting
Puzzles
Look at books
Drawing/Coloring/Cutting
Legos/Blocks/Pattern Blocks
Room time
Starfall
WITH MOM
Subject Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri
Math
Phonics
Read-aloud
CC memory work
AS A FAMILY
Subject Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri
Bible
Explore
Read-aloud
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How do you organize your child’s school day? How do you juggle multiple children? I would love to hear your ideas!!
