Tips for creating a homeschool schedule or rhythm and a glimpse into our current schedule!
- shoalseer
- Aug 6
- 4 min read
We love a schedule or a rhythm, and today I’m sharing some tips to help you navigate that part of your routine!
Hi! I'm Jessie!
If you're new here, I'm a second-generation homeschool mom to four kids, a small business owner, and a curriculum writer—and I love planning season. I’ve been homeschooling for about seven years now.
When I first started, I had such grand ambitions and did all the fun preschool things. But over time, I’ve developed systems that work for us without making us feel crazy.
Everyone plans a little differently, but I’ve found a few universal tips that can make a big difference. These are in no particular order, and at the end, I’ll share a peek into our current schedule.
Just a quick reminder: schedules and rhythms are meant to serve your family, not stress you out. They will naturally shift over time—as your kids get older, become more independent, or when life throws big changes your way (like a new baby or a move). So don’t feel tied to any one routine forever. Give yourself permission to adjust as needed.
Tip #1: Choose a day that’s just for being home.
I know this one might be a little controversial—but I truly believe it’s a key to success.
In our homeschool, Monday is our “big home day.” We don’t book appointments, join enrichment activities, plan outings, or schedule anything else on Mondays. We stay home, together.
Because I’m most available on Mondays, we pack in a lot:
Experiments
Starting big projects
Writing first drafts
Doubling up on math
Ending with a cozy tea time
It doesn’t have to be Monday for you—but I encourage you to look at your week and find 1–2 days where you can be most present and available to your learners. Then protect that time fiercely. This is especially important if you also work.
Tip #2: School doesn’t have to happen at the table.
Some of our best homeschool days don’t look like “school” at all. They happen outside, lying in the grass at the park, or curled up on the couch with a blanket and a good book.
School can happen anywhere—and that’s one of the beautiful things about homeschooling! So don’t feel tied to the kitchen table.
Take advantage of your freedom:
Bring your read-alouds to the backyard or the park.
Listen to an audiobook while running errands.
Clip some copywork to a clipboard for those days you're on the go but still want to get something done.
Be creative and flexible—learning doesn’t stop just because you’ve left the house (or the table).
Tip #3: Plan a start and an end date.
This might seem like a no-brainer, but it really helps to give your school year some structure by choosing a clear start and end point.
At the beginning of the year, take some time to:
Decide how many school days you need or want.
Choose when you’d like to finish.
Then work backward to figure out your start date.
Once you have those dates in place, plan a fun way to kick things off! Maybe it’s a special breakfast, a back-to-school “party,” or an ice cream outing after the first day. Little traditions like this can make the transition into a new year feel exciting instead of overwhelming—for both you and your kids.
Having an end date to work toward also helps everyone stay motivated and on track when the mid-year slump or February blues hit!
Tip #4: Know your why.
This might be the most important tip—especially in your first year.
Understanding why you’re homeschooling can be the thing that keeps you going when the excitement wears off, when a day goes off the rails, or when doubt starts to creep in.
Your “why” will look different from someone else’s.
Maybe you want a safer learning environment.
Maybe you want to pass on your values more intentionally.
Maybe you’re craving more adventure, more connection, or just more time together as a family.
Whatever your reason, take time to identify it—and write it down. Post it somewhere visible. Revisit it when things get tough.
A clear sense of purpose will carry you further than the perfect curriculum or the most organized planner ever could.
Here’s a glimpse into our weekly rhythm.
In our home, we have a pretty firm weekly routine that we don’t often deviate from. Not everyone needs that kind of structure—but for us, having a rhythm keeps things flowing and helps everyone know what to expect.
We typically school 4–5 days a week. The boys follow their own individual schedules with shared learning time built in throughout the week.
Monday
This is our big home day—the day for all the beautiful things. We stay in and fill our day with yard work, tea time, launching writing projects, experiments, group reading, baking, and anything else we want to do together. It’s busy, but meaningful.
Tuesday
Tuesdays start early with one-on-one help for my oldest before he tackles his independent work. My kindergartner has his enrichment classes and afternoon club, so the day is split between focused learning and fun community time.
Wednesday
Wednesdays are flexible. Sometimes we repeat our Monday rhythm, other times we’re out and about on a field trip day. We bring school along for the ride—reading in the car, doing light work on the go—and finish up any extras in the afternoon. (We’re especially excited for our trip to Bear Creek next month!)
Thursday
Thursday is a bit of a role reversal. My younger learner works more independently while my oldest has his enrichment classes. In many ways, it mirrors Tuesday—just flipped.
Friday
And that’s our rhythm!
We’ve found that a weekly routine works much better for us than trying to plan every hour of every day. It gives us structure and breathing room—and that balance helps keep our homeschool peaceful and productive.
So what is your schedule like? Do you have one? I'd love to hear about it!
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