Okay, here's a question for all you homeschool families. How do you do it?

Do you have a set schedule?

Do you fly by the seat of your pants?

Do you have children whose learning styles are dramatically different from each others or your own?

Do you plan out your year?

Do you take one day at a time?

Do you find joy in your teaching?

I'd like to hear what works for YOUR family.

I have found through solving issues of frustration that our family works best on a general schedule, although we have found that each day really is quite different from the next. I have also found that I am easily distracted without a schedule to remind me what I am supposed to be doing.

Here is my dilemma (to which I am open to suggestions): I am energized by solitude, so I really enjoy my time alone in the morning. This time prepares me for the rest of the day. I spend time each morning reading the Best Book in the World written by God. And then I check email and blog a bit. And then I want to linger more by myself before breakfast, before children, before school. I've pondered why and think it may be because after the rest of the family joins me in the morning, my mind is split a thousand different ways. God has also been speaking to my heart about finding that quiet place, learning to listen to Him, quietly. I am praying and listening and learning how to do this, but wonder if it is somehow intrinsically tied to my lack of coherent thought when I am "accomplishing all my tasks."

How do YOU find balance? (especially you introverts)

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Posted by smfeet2001

I came here to answer your question about year round here. I homeschool year round. I will touch on this when I answer your questions on my blog. BTW I am a big time introvert!!

Holly

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Posted by Anonymous

Hi. I take one day at a time although I think I can accomplish more with a general schedule. Remember, I don't homeschool but we have to do homework if there's any after school. I think I don't spend enough time with Tim.

As for quiet time, I am very much like you. I need that time all by myself , to spend time with God is so very important. It gives me energy for the day. But I also find that I am better at talking to God through the day now. He has to be present in our routines too. We pray for everything - even for cabs and lost things. God always answers.

Take care to smell the flowers. Some days, just throw the schedules out and do something outrageous with the children.

Love and blessings,
Ai Boon

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Posted by AcceptanceWithJoy

I answered your question on my blog. We "do school" year round as I want to create a lifestyle of learning rather than 9 months of school. Besides, it allows shorter "school" days.

Thanks for your encouragement regarding Marissa's ability (inability) to do math. I have a confession, I have never really worried about it. Marissa rarely cries. One night her dad was helping her with math and she began just sobbing. I asked her what was wrong, she told me, "Dad says I just can't do my math, I have to understand it!"

Well, I set her right! I told her, "Oh, Honey, you don't have to understand math. You are really good on the computer, you can balance your checkbook on the computer and still will be able to move out!"

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Posted by 3menandalittlelady

I know how it is to feel scattered when the kids ar around you. Your thoughts are flinging everywhere. I too love my solitude. I do not get much of it! But I do work best with a schedule. Without one I am a mess. We have always had a general schedule, but I have never had a good cleaning schedule-I feel like you just have to clean all the time. As far as school goes, I am not sure what I will do for next year, but I plan on having a good basic schedule to follow, yet be flexible when neccessary. It was interesting to read this post because I can so relate to it. Although, I am a night owl, so I spend my alone time at night, not in the morning. I am probably going to have to change that come next year!!
Blessings,
Beth

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Posted by shaunms

I answered your questions on my blog, but I thought I'd respond directly to the introvert question. Luckily Violet, my 7yo, enjoys a fair amount of quiet, reading time, and we do employ various computer activities, so that helps. Victoria, the 3yo, seems more extroverted to me, but then that's in comparison to this very introverted family. She too can sit and flip through a book for a long time.

I think one thing that has helped me is that I literally have a room of my own -- my office space that belongs to me. I don't spend that much time in it, but it is one place that is totally mine. (Also the messiest room in the house, except for the basement office, which is totally my husband's space.) Getting up early is a big help too -- getting the alone time *before* everyone is up and running is much better than getting it at the end of the day when I really don't have any energy to do much besides space out. Also, I do some activities that seem to encourage "going inside" -- tap dance class (I have to concentrate on what I am doing sooo hard), walking, even scrapbooking with friends can, for me, get me in that space if I get absorbed in what I'm doing. Getting absorbed in what I'm doing -- achieving Flow, as they say -- is something that can create a sense of solitude even when I'm not totally alone.

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Posted by TRINITYPREPSCHOOL

There's a survey circulating in the blog community about what kind of mother you are? It has given me some insight into my homeschooling style and why some things work and not others. The survey link is on my blog this weekend. Post a comment on what kind of mothering style you have and how it translates to your homeschooling style!

Maureen

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