Homeschool Schedule . . . . or Not

One of the best things about homeschooling, in my opinion, is the fact that we build our own schedule.  Just like everything else, our work has an ebb and flow.  Sometimes we're on fire and really enjoy getting all the work done that we possibly can.  I give the children a bit of leeway in this, in that as long as they're completing quality work, and understand the assignments, they can go as quickly as they like.

The beauty is that even when they're taking online courses, ones that Mom isn't in charge of, those surges of energy make it possible for them to have an occasional lazy week, or a week in which they just aren't in the mood for that subject.  As long as they're on pace, I don't sweat it and then I'm able to give them the flexibility to explore things that pique their interest, no matter how unexpected.

This is also really useful this time of year when there are so many social opportunities and community events that we barely have the time for traditional classes.  Again, if they're on pace we don't give it a second thought.  This really gives us the ability to say yes to every opportunity that comes our way.  And if they're not exactly on pace, homeschooling gives us the flexibility to work on Saturday or Sunday or Thursday night, or whatever.

In most of the rest of the country, students work nine months and then take the summer off.  Here in Florida, I find it suits us better to work hardest at our studies during the summer months when it's just too hot to go outside for very long.  Again, this schedule, or lack thereof, allows us to do what fits us best, not someone else's idea of how it should be.

Another thing I've come across are families who have family run businesses and they also use this "system" when their business hits its season, or has a much welcome spike in orders – in this economy, no one can afford to say no to new prospects and homeschooling is just another way that we can shape our own lives and our own futures.