Sep. 29, 2009 - My Routine in Blocks of Time

My post yesterday on my new routine created a bit of discussion both online and via email.  I know I’ve said before, both on my blog and in my newsletter, that I use blocks of time and yet I still write up my day as if it is a schedule with time indicators (habits are hard to break).  So I am going to re-write that post to show what the day’s plans really look like. 

• I do use key times throughout the day to hang our activities on though these times are flexible, and often sway this way or that depending on the day.  We encourage the children to wake up at the same time every day, though there are exceptions.  We have lunch at the same time, roughly.  We close our day the same way and same time most days.  But what happens in between is directed by blocks of time rather than 1/2hour segments.

• My routine is more like a to-do list, rather than a schedule, each block has a purpose and a different ‘to-do’ list of its own.  My to-do lists sometimes get fully ticked off, sometimes things roll onto tomorrow.  Our goal isn’t to finish something, our goal is to learn, or create something.  This takes time, and it may take tomorrow!

• My day is arranged so we can have a balanced life, growing in all areas of life.  This is especially important if one child is having a struggle in one area of his life – he knows that the struggle will only be for a short time, and then he moves to something more enjoyable.

• My planning is so that we can use our time responsibly though interruptions, rabbit trails and opportunities often change my plans. My only guide is are these interruptions in keeping with what will benefit my family – or are they a distraction?  Opportunity vs distraction (there’s a whole new post!)

Personal responsibilities (approx 2 hours)

Get dressed, bedroom, personal devotions, breakfast, chores, exercise

Focus Time (approx 2 hours)

Including but not limited to:

Family devotions (we aim for 8.00-8.30am)

Family meeting

Bible Study (Nomi/Daniel)

Phonics/Reading (Daniel)

Independent work (Nomi, Jess, Josh)

Family read aloud (all kids)

My focus during this time is to be with the kids.

Productive Time (till lunch)

Including but not limited to (each child has their own passions and ideas to follow)

Painting war-gaming soldiers

Web building/html, Photoshop

Bamboo – Paint – drawing digitally

Lego, Pirate Lapbook,

Piano

My focus during this time is to work on my projects

12.30 Lunch this is one of those key times

Followed by chores

Individual time (1-2 hours)

Including but not limited to:

Reading

Free computer time (1/2 hour only)

Study

Productive projects

This is a time where the children don’t interrupt me; I work in the office or on a writing project.

Creative Time / Productive Time

My focus here is to be available to help the children with their projects

This is also the time we often leave the house for social commitments or town chores.

Free Relaxation Time

Down time that we all need

Read more about Routines - establishing them, maintaining them, being flexible

Oct. 6, 2009 - Yup!