We all strive to have a measure of peace in our homeschools, and those of us with preschoolers
know that peace is at a premium. I’m a
big believer that routines can bring us
some;of;that;much;sought-after;peace,
and I’m pretty sure that as a homeschool-ing;parent;of;little;ones,;you;could;use
some;peace,;too.;To;that;end,;let’s;get;you
started on a workable routine.
First,;take;a;moment;to;figure;out;what
your life is really like. Do you thrive on
routine? Or do you need flexibility be-
cause of your spouse’s or your work
schedule or other changing demands
on your time? Avoid the temptation to
compare your daily activities with those
of other homeschooling moms; you are
unique,;your;family;is;unique,;and;God’s
call on each of our lives is unique.
1. Pray and ask God for direction. Ask
Him to show you specifically what He
wants;you;to;include;or;accomplish,;and
what He wants you to drop from your
routine. This will differ greatly for each
family,;and;there;is;no;right;or;wrong.
2. Next, ask someone you trust for
input. If your spouse is not actively in-
volved;in;your;children’s;schooling,;ask
him;or;her;anyway.;Speaking;as;a;mom,
we tend to be the ones who read the
homeschooling magazines and books,
we;study;the;boards;on;the;Internet,;and
we peruse and purchase the curriculum.
It is easy to plan a whole school year
without even considering our husband’s
opinion. His insight might be a breath of
fresh air.
3. Now write down everything you
need to fit into the day from laundry to
paperwork. Then list each child’s name
and do the same for each one. From
there you can begin to plug things into
your;schedule.;For;example,;while;you’re
running;laundry,;child;A;can;be;reading
aloud;to;child;B,;child;C;can;be;building
with;blocks;in;another;room,;and;child;D
can be right at your side.
4. Determine for yourself what you can
do in the presence of toddlers and what
164;September-October;2014;•;The;Littlest;Homeschooler;www.TheOldSchoolhouse.com
Charts,;Schedules,;and
Printables for Preschoolers
. . . let’s get you started on a workable routine.
