scheduling for 4th and 7th grade (Full Version)

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vickylynn -> scheduling for 4th and 7th grade (8/12/2008 8:18:16 PM)

This is my first year homeschooling. I have 2 boys;ages 12 and 9 and I would like specific examples of a schedule to homeschool both effectively and make good use of my time. I will be teaching 4th and 7th grade. I know with homeschooling that I may have to adjust my schedule, but I have no idea where to begin. Please help!



Ellie-Mae -> RE: scheduling for 4th and 7th grade (8/13/2008 8:47:24 AM)

A good starting point might be to schedule a half hour per lesson with a couple of minutes between subjects. Figure out when they should start and when they should end if they follow that schedule. Some things I have to make 45 minutes. When I hold to it, the kids really like it because if they get done early they can have that time to play on the computer.



vickylynn -> RE: scheduling for 4th and 7th grade (8/13/2008 10:43:47 AM)

Thanks for the suggustion! I am using Abeka material and they do have some sample schedules. They have one child doing seatwork while I am instructing the other, but the seatwork is in a subject that I haven't instucted yet and am not scheduled to until later in the day. Do you think this is review work or something that has already been covered or learned? Like I said this is my first time and I really wanted to see some sample schedules that have worked for other homeschool moms or maybe someone who has experience could make a sample suggustion for me to see. Thanks!!



Ellie-Mae -> RE: scheduling for 4th and 7th grade (8/13/2008 11:22:57 AM)

I don't do review work unless it is absolutely necessary. They only do seatwork. I take a few minutes to be sure that they understand a new concept and then let them go. I could never plan when one is going to need instruction or another because you just don't know that across the board. It is different from day to day.

I would write up my schedule for you but I am working on setting up this year as we speak and am not done yet.

It is OK to have a general schedule to go by, but you need to be flexible.



vickylynn -> RE: scheduling for 4th and 7th grade (8/13/2008 11:42:09 AM)

It sounds like the sample schedule that Abeka gives may be more complex than it really needs to be. It seems like they suggust a more structured environment than is necessary for homeschool.

Would you suggust having the children work on the same subjects at the same time so I don't have to think about different subjects at the same time?



Ellie-Mae -> RE: scheduling for 4th and 7th grade (8/13/2008 11:52:34 AM)

That may be easier. I will often do that. It is a good way to start.

Other things that could influence when to have the kids work on certain subjects might be how hard the subjects are for your kids.
You may find that you want to pair them up so that one kid is working on an easier subject while the other kid is working on a consistently more difficult one (so you can spend time instructing). Although, unless they are both having difficulty and needing individual attention in the same subject on more days than not... I wouldn't worry about it.

Another thing to consider is when they work best. Some of my kids work well in the morning, but I have one or two that are a mess in the morning. With those kids, they do their easiest work first. The other ones do their easiest work last when they begin to drag.

Starting out with a simple schedule will keep you from going nuts and help you be flexible as you learn how your children work best.

Yes, A beka makes things more complicated than need be. They do a lot of school at home instead realizing that home is a natural place to learn so you don't need all that structure and busy work. Keep it simple.



vickylynn -> RE: scheduling for 4th and 7th grade (8/13/2008 12:55:21 PM)

I really appreciate all your suggustions!! You have put me at more ease with this new experience. Experience is the best teacher.



zoebob -> RE: scheduling for 4th and 7th grade (8/13/2008 1:05:31 PM)

I have 3 kids: 3rd, 6th, and 7th grades. At the beginning of the week they get the list of what they have to do for the week. I let them work in whatever order they want. There are almost always things they can do for themselves. For example, they generally read science by themselves. Or a book they are reading a chapter or two a day. Or spelling words to write in sentences or 5X each. Most of them usually only need a couple minutes of explanation on their math and then they can work on their own while I may help another one. My oldest does most of her work on her own. My middle one most needs someone to sit next to her and reassure her. THe youngest one usually needs his work explained to him but then can work independantly



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