Schedules

**I apologize for the large paragraph. This is not how I wrote it, but I can't figure out how to change it. I admit, I love schedules. I can handle a few weeks of no schedule, but then I need to get back into it. I do not necessarily mean busyness, but just having a routine. Otherwise, some things to do not get done...a routine helps me to not forget things. I have recently read a new book...and I loved it. It was called Large Family Logistics. It has really helped me find a schedule that works for my family. I would highly recommend it to anyone that stays home and homeschools. It really is not specific to large families. So, I thought I would share my schedule in hopes to encourage anyone, give anyone ideas, or just because :). The Lord has been very gracious to me and helped my non-morning body rise earlier...and I really like it! 7:00 am - I rise, get ready, and spend time reading God's Word and praying. When finished, I occasionally do an exercise video. 8:00 am - My children start to rise...they have chores that they do before breakfast. I start a load of laundry and begin making breakfast. After my children have finished their chorepacks (that is what we call them), we eat breakfast. I try to read a Psalm or Proverbs to them at breakfast. After we eat, the children have a checklist of things to do (getting dressed, brush teeth, etc.) 9:00 am - We head out on a walk/bike ride around the neighborhood (I walk with 2 little ones in stroller and the 3 oldest ride bikes). Our walks usually last about 30 minutes. 9:30 am - School time - yes, we started school already. I typically only do school 4 days a week, and I want to get a good start before our baby is due in October. Here is a run down of the school schedule. Bible History Science Language Arts Math Reading My oldest two follow this schedule. Garrett goes down for a nap, and the middle two do a little bit of preschool with me. Hallie mostly colors and sometimes watches a video. Makenna is learning her letters and numbers, and she also does some hands-on activities. I also have her and Hallie play on starfall.com during this time. 12:00 pm - Lunch time (When quizzing starts, we typically practice the verses during lunch). After lunch, Hallie lays down for a nap and Makenna looks at books quietly. The older two finish their school work. If they finish by a certain time, they earn Mommy Time (I will do or play anything they want with them individually). 3:00 pm - During this time is when I have a focus for each day (this is what I learned from the book mentioned above). On some days, I am doing things throughout the day, but this is when I do a bulk of it. Monday - Cleaning day - I clean the master bathroom, dust (with Makenna's help), and vacuum. Katelyn cleans the kid bathroom. I also focus on one room a week to deep clean. Tuesday - Office day - On this day I focus on finances, computer tasks, menus, school plans, etc. I also clean and organize my desk area. Wednesday - Kitchen day - On this day I clean and organize my kitchen (one drawer or shelf a week as needed, as well as wipe down large appliances). I also cook meat to freeze, bake, and try to make a freezer meal for another day. Thursday - Laundry day - I do laundry throughout the whole week, but on this day I wash towels and bedding. I also declutter and clean the laundry room. Friday - Town day - I leave this day for errands, field trips, outings, or projects. We do not do our regular schedule of school on this day...only parts of it. 4:00 pm - Snack time 4:45 pm - Jurisdictions - Each older child has an area that they clean up each day. Makenna cleans the living room. Brenden cleans up the playroom. Katelyn mops the kitchen and clears the counters as needed. 5:15 pm - Dinner prep rotations - each day the kids rotate activities while I cook dinner. The rotations are computer, Wii, and dinner helper. Garrett is usually napping during this time and Hallie either watches a sibling on computer or Wii, or she does an activity at the table (playdough or coloring). We usually eat dinner around 6:00 pm, but rotations usually only last about 30 minutes. After dinner the children each have a table job (they typically do them after each meal, but dinner is the main one). Our table jobs are clear the table, wipe the table and sweep, and load the dishwasher. After family time or evening activities we have devotions as a family. Then the kids get ready for bed, and I read aloud from a chapter book to them in bed. Well, that is our day. I love having a focus each day. I love having a routine. I hope this encourages someone or gives someone an idea for their own day! Thanks for reading!