1. I am going to start working with my second grader immediately after breakfast. She fades fast and has the ability to slip away.
2. Some of the kids have asked for me to set things out for them the night before. They want to get their work done first thing. (Not what I would choose to do, but I'm glad it works for them.)
3. I continue with my notebook for my High School and Junior High students. Having all of their syllabuses in the notebook and using the trusty highlighter that confirms completion is a good thing.
4. This year I did a staggered start time. I got my high school and junior high students started one week, then another week elementary and preschool. The best thing I ever did! I believe I spread things out over 3 weeks. This made for a much less stressful beginning of the year. I am going to keep that for next year.
The other thing I did this year was have my high school students make up their own schedule. They did an amazing job and I am posting pictures below. It actually made me cry with joy since they both created them. One of them is better with Excel than the other, and I did hear the latter say to the former: "Hey, don't you owe me a birthday present?" Then he helped her create one. (Click on them to make them large enough to read.)
So what changes are you making? What awesome scheduling tips do you have? I would love to hear them.
I love their schedules. That's exciting that they were able to manage a chart like that and seem to be using it well. Last fall, when I was struggling to put together a schedule, my college aged son sat down with me on the couch and helped me put down on paper what all needed done and who to do it. We didn't quite get to the putting it in time slots stage. I have recently implemented the Chorepacks system with my 3 elementary children, aged almost 11, 8, and 7. They have extra cleaning on Tuesday and Thursday when the older children are at their co-op. It has worked well. It puts the list of things to do in their own hands so they know what to do next.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your posts. They are filled with tips and I come away encouraged.
Thank you so much, Kelly! I appreciate your kind words. Chorepacks sound very interesting. It sounds like they are working too. I am going to have to look into those. I love systems. I love other people who put together systems that I like. :-) Thanks for taking the time to comment.
ReplyDeleteBecky
We are on a similar page, lol! I found myself evaluating my schedule this week too. My first grader is oddly better after lunch for reading practice. We also did a staggered grade level start this year, and it was wonderful. My High Schooler stagger started his Math too. He has a big load this year with College classes and Josephus, so he started Math a few weeks later to give himself time to adjust. Thanks for your posts, I always enjoy them!!! I'm glad I'm not the only homeschooling mom teaching multiple levels. ;) Have a blessed year!
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful when we find positive ways to change our schedules to help our kids and family. It will change your whole day. Your staggered start sounds fabulous!I think it makes the beginning better when we do that. I am so glad you took the time to share.
ReplyDeleteMultiple levels are challenging and it is good to hear from other navigating those challenges.
Becky