subject: Scheduling The School Year While Homeschooling [print this page] Having now started your homeschooling schedule, there are probably several questions which you are contemplating. These questions may include; should study and the calendar be continuous, do you take just a couple of breaks during the day, or have several quick breaks, how do you want to handle the public holidays, or what do you do about a long vacation or a couple of shorter ones?
One of the most attractive advantages of homeschooling also produces the solution to these problems and others like them; do that which best accommodates your child's education and your family structure. It may seem like a lot of confusing decisions to make right now, but don't worry about it. As you progress through your school year, you will get better at your schedule and what works best. There's no need to decide on any hard and fast rules to the schedule right now. Just be pragmatic and go with what works best.
You are not required to take a fall break, or shut down for an extended summer vacation. Fact is, for some seasoned homeschoolers, a definitive curriculum is not essential as lessons are incorporated into daily life.
Prior to developing your calendar, give some serious thought to your comprehensive schedule, including such items as work and leisure schedules, and vacation arrangements.
For some families, short, one week vacations at various times of the year are preferred, while others like to have a more lengthy vacation all at one time.
There are several advantages to complying with the customary summer vacation schedule. The children may take advantage of the many summer pastimes, camps and courses and their schedules will mesh with that of their friends who attend regular school.
Following the normal summer recess further gives both parents and children time off from the daily routine. But this may have negative ramifications since at times it may be hard to return to the schedule at summer's end.
Alternatively, there are benefits to be realized by planning several short breaks throughout the year. The children may avoid boredom by having the opportunity to pursue other activities from time to time.
Family outings and vacations can then be taken during less favored periods of travel to miss the crowds and realize lower costs.
Homeschooling is concerned with caring for the personal needs of the child as the most important focus and with that said, the family is in control.
So, structure the school year to accommodate the needs of both the child and the family and by so doing, take advantage of one of the best aspects of being a homeschooling family, which is flexibility.
