I recently shared my curriculum choices for my three middle schoolers. A few friends asked to see a sample schedule of how this would all flesh out. What a great request! It was helpful for me to map out what a sample day might look like with this particular pile of curriculum.
We are not rigidly structured with certain subjects at specific times. Rather, our homeschool style is a relaxed and flexible flow (I like to think I’m relaxed and flexible too, but some days that is not so much a reality!)
No two days are ever the same, and if you homeschool, you will probably agree. So, I’ll share what a typical day {might} look like for my middle schoolers this fall. Of course, it all remains to be seen, and we might have to change some plans mid-flow. But that’s okay – we can use the flexibility that comes with homeschooling to make the curriculum work for us, instead of the other way around.
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{These are sample times only — of course, the earlier the boys get up and “get going” the earlier their day will finish.}
Sample 8th grade schedule
- 7:00 – 7:30 wake up, breakfast, chores, personal Bible study, instrument practice
- 9:00 Morning Subjects Together (multi-grades)
- Bible Loop: catechism & verse memory (daily 5-10 minutes), book of Numbers study, I John inductive Bible study
- History or Science Loop
- 10:00 Start independent work until lunchtime
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{it MIGHT look like this, but can really be in any order}
- 10:00 Math (at least watch DVD lesson and start assignments. might need to finish later)
- 11:00 Analytical Grammar
- 11:20 Writing With Skill
- 12:00 Vocabulary Vine
- 12:10 Typing
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12:30 Lunch Break
- Toddler takes a nap after lunch, so now is a good time for my 6th, 7th & 8th graders to work on their combined subjects, done in a loop.
- 1:15 Combined Loop: Fallacy Detective or Personal Finance
- 2:00 French (only my 8th grader is taking this independently this year)
- 2:45 Required Reading List (1 hour)
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School day could be done before 4pm. We don’t have “homework” like traditional schools. So the rest of the day is technically free. Of course, we may have scheduled activities, or side jobs, or music lessons to go to. If the boys start early and work diligently, they could even be done earlier than this.
- 8:00pm Free Reading (1 hour)
When I wrote out a sample day’s flow, my 7th grader could be done his work by about 3pm, with no homework required. My 6th grader would finish by 2pm and have the rest of the day for hobbies, play, and free time.
One final thing – I ask the boys each year if they want paper checklists, assignment notebooks, or laminated cards with their schedule, and they still seem to like the cards. (Edit: We like to use Trello now)
I simply write a bullet list of daily requirements onto an index card, then “laminate” it with some contact paper. The boys can use dry erase markers to cross off subjects as they complete them each day.
And in case you’re wondering what the “task folder” is? It’s a folder that good old mom can put extra work in that is tailored to that child. It might be states and capitals review sheets, fire safety assignments (required by our state), or a poem to memorize.
This schedule also helps to ensure that I will have some much needed “free time” when the toddler naps and into the afternoon to get all my own tasks done. I am around all morning to help as needed, but most of the afternoon work can be mainly independent.
Hope this helps!
What about you? Would a day in the life of your homeschooled middled schooler look much different? What are your non-negotiables? Are you more flexible or structured?
I love how we can craft our curriculum choices and styles to fit both mom and kids. There is no one right way to homeschool. This is just what works for us right now. Happy homeschooling!
