Kids need the security of routine. Right now with everything in their world a little off kilter, they need it more than ever. I know that some of you suddenly find yourself teaching school at home unexpectedly. That may feel overwhelming and scary, but I’m telling you. You can do this.
You were your child’s first teacher. You cheered them on as they took their first steps. You helped them learn their colours and shapes. You know your child best. I’m telling you. You can do this.
I homeschooled for 19 years. Ironically, this year, most of my kids were in school and I now find myself with them all home again!
One of the things the most common questions I’m getting about schooling at home is how to set a schedule. This is obviously something that will vary by family due to circumstances, age of kids, and other factors. But I wanted to give you some general sample schedules to help you plan and find something that’s right for your family.
While it’s okay to relax and not keep a perfect schedule, right now, kids are needing some kind of a routine. With all the changes happening, one thing you can do to create a feeling of security for your child is to give them a routine they can count on.
When school were first cancelled, I just assumed we would settle into some kind of natural routine because of all our years spent homeschooling. The first few days were chaos! There were lots of big emotions and little squabbles. It soon became obvious that we were not going to just naturally slip into anything positive.
At the end of day three, we sat down and had a family meeting. We talked about the current situation and its challenges, acknowledged and validated everyone’s feelings, and laid out the new plan. We allowed the kids to have some input into the schedule and I wrote it up on the white board.
The next day went much more smoothly as the kids knew what was expected of them, what was coming up when, and they had the security of some structure.
I’ve kept the time slots blanks on these sample schedules so that you can fill in what works for you. Some families are early risers and others, not so much. This is only meant to be a guide and jumping off point to help you create the best routine for your unique family.
It’s important to note that depending on their age, grade, and ability, kids only need between 1 and 3 hours of actual sit down schoolwork per day. You are not attempting to recreate a school in your home. Play and connection are still the most essential things you can provide your child with.
If you’re looking for information on how to help your kids learn during this time, check out Your Complete Guide to School at Home.
School at Home Sample Schedule:
Wake Up
Breakfast
Mindfulness
- breathing, mindfulness exercises, positive affirmations
Movement
- walk, stretches, crossing midline exercises, bike ride, play outside
Reading
- silent reading or read aloud
Snack & Water
Schoolwork
Sensory Break
- stretches, playdough, sensory bin, moon dough
Lunch
Chores
- include heavy work for mood and anxiety
Schoolwork
Play
- board games, puzzles, toys, scavenger hunt
Snack & Water
Art or Craft
- drawing, painting, paper crafts, art tutorial online
Movement
Dinner
Free Time
- reading, electronics, family fun, baking
Bedtime
School at Home Sample Schedule (religious):
Wake Up
Breakfast
Devotions & Prayer
Movement
- walk, stretches, crossing midline exercises, bike ride, play outside
Reading
- silent reading or read aloud
Snack & Water
Schoolwork
Sensory Break
- stretches, playdough, sensory bin, moon dough
Lunch
Chores
- include heavy work for mood and anxiety
Schoolwork
Play
- board games, puzzles, toys, scavenger hunt
Snack & Water
Art or Craft
- drawing, painting, paper crafts, art tutorial online
Movement
Dinner
Free Time
- reading, electronics, family fun, baking
Prayer
Bedtime
Preschool at Home Sample Schedule:
Wake Up
Breakfast
Mindfulness
- breathing, mindfulness exercises, positive affirmations
Music & Movement
Snack & Water
Fine Motor
- playdough, sensory bin, auditory station, sensory play
Lunch
Chores
- include heavy work for mood and anxiety
Gross Motor
- dancing, jumping, animal walks, hokey pokey, yoga
Play
- board games, puzzles, toys, scavenger hunt
Snack & Water
Art or Craft
- drawing, painting, paper crafts, collage
Movement
- walk, stretches, crossing midline exercises, hopscotch, play outside
Dinner
Free Time
- reading, electronics, family fun
Bedtime
Preschool at Home Sample Schedule (religious):
Wake Up
Breakfast
Prayer & Scripture
Music & Movement
Snack & Water
Fine Motor
- busy bags, threading, tracing, sorting
- playdough, sensory bin, auditory station, sensory play
Lunch
Chores
- include heavy work for mood and anxiety
Gross Motor
- dancing, jumping, animal walks, hokey pokey, yoga
Play
- board games, puzzles, toys, scavenger hunt
Snack & Water
Art or Craft
- drawing, painting, paper crafts, collage
Movement
- walk, stretches, crossing midline exercises, hopscotch, play outside
Dinner
Free Time
- reading, electronics, family fun
Prayer
Bedtime
To get printable versions of these sample School at Home Schedules, simply enter your email below. You’ll also receive our Parenting in the Pandemic email series designed to help you through these strange times.
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