Our New Daily Routine

It doesn't even surprise me anymore when I find that I need to change things up and sometimes even revamp our homeschool. It usually happens at least once per semester. The last few weeks have been a time of transition for us and the place we've ended up feels really great...for now. :)

Like I said a few posts ago I've been struggling with our identity as homeschoolers...not sure where we fit anymore. Well, I've come to the conclusion that it really doesn't matter. What works today may not work tomorrow and what worked yesterday may not work today. What matters is that I'm paying attention to the Holy Spirit as he works in our lives, that I'm being attentive to the needs we have as a family and how those needs change as we move into different seasons of our lives. I'm striving to do these things and to stop worrying about what that means as far as the label I've assigned myself our homeschool.

So in light of all of this I thought I'd share our new daily routine with you (and document it for me.) I'm loving it right now.

Morning Routine
Self explanatory right? Get dressed, eat, etc.

Bible and Prayer
Again, self explanatory.

Table Time
This is a fun time for us. Basically, I just set out something fun and they have at it while I do dishes and clean up the kitchen. Today I reminded them who Henry Matisse was and they made cut paper art. Yesterday it was the Duke Ellington thing. Tomorrow they're designing invitations to a sleep over they're having. You get the idea.

Writing
Right now we're working on writing great paragraphs. We're using Write What You See to get ideas as far as what to write about.

Lunch and a Show
Each day while we eat lunch I let the boys take turns choosing a show to watch online. Recent popular choices include, The Electric Company, CyberChase and JellyTelly.

Chores
The boys are great about chores. J is working on doing a better job of pulling his own weight but other than that this is an easy part of our routine.

Mom's Read Aloud Time
History, poetry, science, literature. Whatever needs read by me (other than Bible), this is the time for it. Right now we're reading poetry together because we're going to be hosting a Poetry Party next month.

Time4Learning
This is a wonderful online curriculum we've been using. Both boys work at their own levels and at their own pace.

Boys Reading and Quiet Time
While one boy is on the computer doing their Time4Learning assignments, the other one reads aloud to me and then has a little quiet time while waiting for his turn.

Play Outside or Wii Fit Time
One or the other, no ifs, ands or buts about it.

Free Time
Just as important as the other parts of the routine. Typically they will draw, play Lego's or Bionicles or K'nex or maybe play video games.

So there you have it. Our daily routine...for now. ;)
Have a great day,