A typical day in a bespoke education
A typical homeschool day can vary significantly from one family to another. Unlike the structured schedule of traditional schools, homeschooling offers the flexibility to tailor a schedule that best fits the family's unique needs. This adaptability allows families to align their homeschool routines with their work schedules, sleep patterns, and childcare requirements. This post will delve into the development of homeschooling schedules, provide sample schedules, and share real-life examples to inspire and guide you in creating your own.
The Evolution of Homeschooling Schedules
The concept of modular learning, a flexible and adaptable approach to education, has emerged from decades of experimentation and evolution within homeschooling communities. These patterns are not static; they continuously evolve to meet the needs of individual families, children, and communities. The driving force behind this evolution is the desire to create an optimal education system that does not merely replicate traditional schooling but enhances learning and social-emotional outcomes for children.
The Birth of Modular Learning
Modular learning is characterized by its adaptability and continuous evolution. Unlike rigid traditional education systems, modular learning allows for customization to suit each family's needs. This system has been shaped by parents who have proactively chosen to homeschool, seeking to improve upon the conventional education system. These parents have shared their experiences and methods within their communities, contributing to a collective knowledge base that continues to grow and adapt.
Reasons for Homeschooling
Families choose homeschooling for various reasons, which can be broadly categorized into reactive and proactive motivations. Reactive reasons include dissatisfaction with traditional schooling, such as concerns about the quality of education or negative social environments. Proactive reasons involve a desire to optimize learning experiences and outcomes for children, tailoring education to their specific needs and interests.
Styles of Homeschooling
In our post, “What is Modular Learning?” we discuss five styles of homeschooling, ranging from highly structured, school-at-home approaches to unstructured, self-directed learning. At Modulo, we focus on families who proactively choose homeschooling to optimize both learning and social-emotional outcomes. These families are curious about new educational methods and are willing to challenge conventional ideas about quality education.
Research and Common Themes
Our research into secular homeschooling and unschooling movements, particularly among teachers and healthcare professionals who homeschool their children, has revealed common themes. These parents believe they can provide a better education at home, drawing on their professional insights and experiences. The patterns in homeschooling have emerged from decades of parents striving to create the ideal education for their unique children and sharing their findings with their communities.
The Radical Choice of Homeschooling
Despite its growing popularity, homeschooling remains a radical choice in many communities. Families who decide to homeschool often face opposition from their communities and even their own families. However, their commitment to providing the best education for their children drives them to persevere. These pioneering families are shaping a new education system with their dedication and innovative approaches.
Credit to Homeschooling Pioneers
The credit for the development and evolution of homeschooling methods goes to the brilliant and bold families who continuously refine their approaches to education. These families are transforming the world of education with their passion and commitment. Our role at Modulo is to document and describe the systems they build, providing a resource for others to follow and adapt.
Sample Homeschool Schedules
To give you an idea of how homeschooling schedules can be structured, here are four sample schedules that illustrate different approaches to modular learning.
Kindergarten Schedule
Monday:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Family Time (Eat breakfast, take a walk on the beach, do yoga)
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Math with Beast Academy
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Literacy with Bob Books
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Self-Directed Time
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch & Outdoor Play or Nap
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Piano Lesson
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Playdate
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner and Storytime
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Family Time
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Math with Beast Academy
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Literacy with Bob Books
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Self-Directed Time
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch & Outdoor Play or Nap
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Chess Club
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Playdate
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner and Storytime
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Family Time
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Math with Beast Academy
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Literacy with Bob Books
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Forest School
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch & Outdoor Play or Nap
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Art Class
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Library Trip
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner and Storytime
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Family Time
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Math with Beast Academy
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Literacy with Bob Books
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Self-Directed Time
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch & Outdoor Play or Nap
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Robotics
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Community Meetup in the park
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner and Storytime
Friday:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Family Time
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Group Field Trip (Museum, Hike, Aquarium, Makerspace)
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch & Play
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Babysitting Swap
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Playdate
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner and Storytime
6:00 PM onwards: Movie Night
Monday:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Family Time (Hike, Read the Newspaper Together, Have Breakfast)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Math with Beast Academy
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: All-in-one with Blossom & Root
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Self-Directed Time & Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Piano Lesson
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Forest School
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Flute Practice
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner and Bedtime Routine
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Family Time
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Math with Beast Academy
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: All-in-one with Blossom & Root
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Self-Directed Time & Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Science Class
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Playdate
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Flute Practice
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner and Bedtime Routine
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Family Time
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Math with Beast Academy
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Homeschool Co-op at Brooklyn Apple Academy
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Self-Directed Time & Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Coding Club
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Gymnastics
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Flute Practice
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner and Bedtime Routine
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Family Time
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Math with Beast Academy
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: All-in-one with Blossom & Root
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Self-Directed Time & Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Community Meetup
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Dance Class
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Flute Practice
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner and Bedtime Routine
Friday:
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Group Field Trip (Science Center, Art Museum)
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Self-Directed Time & Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Babysitting Co-op
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Flute Practice
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Playdate
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner and Bedtime Routine
Monday:
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Read The New York Times Together as a Family
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Math with Right Start Math
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: All-in-one with Khan Academy
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Self-Directed Time
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Debate Club
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Hang out with friends
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Practice Oboe
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner as a Family
6:00 PM onwards: Read, Go to Sleep
Tuesday:
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Read The New York Times Together as a Family
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Math with Right Start Math
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: All-in-one with Khan Academy
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Self-Directed Time
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Oboe Lesson
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Hang out with friends
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Practice Oboe
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner as a Family
6:00 PM onwards: Read, Go to Sleep
Wednesday:
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Read The New York Times Together as a Family
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Math with Right Start Math
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: All-in-one with Khan Academy
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Self-Directed Time
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Volunteer at Local Food Bank
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Hang out with friends
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Practice Oboe
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner as a Family
6:00 PM onwards: Read, Go to Sleep
Thursday:
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Read The New York Times Together as a Family
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Math with Right Start Math
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: All-in-one with Khan Academy
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Self-Directed Time
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Science Lab
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Hang out with friends
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Practice Oboe
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner as a Family
6:00 PM onwards: Read, Go to Sleep
Friday:
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Read The New York Times Together as a Family
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Math with Right Start Math
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Community College Physics Class
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Self-Directed Time
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Film Club
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Hang out with friends
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Practice Oboe
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner as a Family
6:00 PM onwards: Watch a Documentary Together
Monday:
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Read The New York Times Together as a Family
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Math Tutor with Art of Problem Solving
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: All-in-one with Khan Academy
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Self-Directed Time & Lunch
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Ukulele Lesson
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: French Class
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Soccer Practice
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner as a Family
6:00 PM onwards: Read, Go to Sleep
Tuesday:
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Read The New York Times Together as a Family
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Math with Art of Problem Solving
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: All-in-one with Khan Academy
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Self-Directed Time & Lunch
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Ukulele Lesson
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: French Class
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Soccer Practice
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner as a Family
6:00 PM onwards: Read, Go to Sleep
Wednesday:
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Read The New York Times Together as a Family
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Math with Art of Problem Solving
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: All-in-one with Khan Academy
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Self-Directed Time & Lunch
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Volunteer at Animal Shelter
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Physics at Community College
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Practice Ukulele
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner as a Family
6:00 PM onwards: Read, Go to Sleep
Thursday:
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Read The New York Times Together as a Family
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Math with Art of Problem Solving
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: All-in-one with Khan Academy
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Self-Directed Time & Lunch
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Work at Local Book Store
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Hang out with Friends
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Practice Ukulele
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner as a Family
6:00 PM onwards: Read, Go to Sleep
Friday:
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Read The New York Times Together as a Family
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Math with Art of Problem Solving
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: All-in-one with Khan Academy
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Self-Directed Time & Lunch
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Work at Local Book Store
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Hang out with Friends
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Practice Ukulele
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner as a Family
6:00 PM onwards: Documentary Night
Real-Life Homeschooling Examples
Here are some actual schedules we’ve compiled from families on social media. These examples showcase how real families are making modular learning work in various circumstances. We aim to provide examples for all types of families, whether you have full-time jobs, are a single parent, work remotely, are pursuing a degree, or have children of different ages.
Work setup:
Two parents with full-time jobs outside the home Many families balance full-time work and homeschooling. Remember, mastery hours can be scheduled at any time of the day and typically only require 1-2 hours daily. Taking turns with childcare and education, and sharing skills and childcare within the homeschool community can be beneficial.
Asking for help is back in fashion and more crucial than ever—a reminder from SorrelD to seek support. Grandparents, relatives, and others in the homeschool community can provide invaluable assistance.
Working remotely The rise in remote work has significantly contributed to the growth of homeschooling. A block schedule can be very effective. Depending on their age, parents can carve out 2-3 hours at a time when they work and their children study or engage in other activities. It's also common for remote workers to bring their laptops to local homeschool meetups and work while the kids play.
Enrolling children in extracurricular activities can allow parents to work for a few hours while their children learn and play.
Single parent with a full-time job Being a single parent is challenging, whether children are in school or homeschooling. Many single parents successfully homeschool, potentially because they don’t need to get a partner’s approval to make what is still considered a radical choice in many circles.
Homeschoolers rely on their “village” for support, which is integral to the culture. In this way, homeschooling as a single parent can sometimes be easier than sending a child to a traditional school, where resource-sharing is not as ingrained in the community.
Like parents working remotely, single parents can carve out blocks of time for work and study, rotating between child-led and parent-led instruction. This process becomes easier as children grow older. Many younger children can work independently for long periods, especially if parents accept their kids being bored and don’t feel pressured to constantly entertain them. This fosters intrinsic motivation.
Stay-at-home parent Having one stay-at-home parent and one working parent is the easiest setup for homeschooling, but there are still considerations. Both parents need to take an active role in their child’s education, and the primary caregiver needs breaks and self-care time.
Regular check-ins between parents to align on learning goals and outcomes are beneficial.
Here’s a day in the life of a stay-at-home dad.
Sometimes, the stay-at-home parent can feel overwhelmed or resentful if the partner does not participate equally in the child’s education. The working parent may realize too late that their children aren’t learning critical skills.
A working parent may feel they contribute significantly to the child's well-being through their financial support. However, personal engagement is critical too. Education is about raising a child well, tending to their intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development, and their present well-being. Lack of personal interaction from a primary caregiver can negatively impact children’s development and mental health.
Not all motivations need to be goal-related. Spending time with your kids is a joy in and of itself and should not be wasted. This dad shares that his biggest regret was not getting involved earlier in his child’s education.
This can be avoided by parents building a successful framework for experimentation and checking in at least once a month about homeschooling. A weekly date night focused on the parents, not the kids, can also be beneficial. Babysitting swaps can make this possible.
We discuss this further in our post on the pros and cons of homeschooling.
Parent with a part-time job outside the home Homeschooling with a part-time job is possible, even if you're not working remotely. This parent hired another homeschooling parent to help her kids a few days a week while she worked. Swaps are also a great option if hiring a teacher or caregiver isn’t in the budget.
Parent in college or grad school Families who choose modular learning often value education, so it’s natural they might pursue a higher degree themselves. Modeling learning to your child is a great way to motivate them. This graduate student studies in the evening and helps her kids with learning during the morning and early afternoon.
Multiple siblings Homeschooling children of various developmental stages is entirely possible. Parents don’t need to use a lecture-style approach. Homeschooling is much more like helping with homework but with the advantage of having context for what's happening in the classroom. A strong mastery-based curriculum allows kids to work through exercises and get help as needed, taking turns asking for support from a parent.
Enrolling kids in co-ops can provide additional support. This parent takes turns with her two kids, as she found it works better for her to have one-on-one time.
Family with a newborn & older kids Families can continue homeschooling with a new baby. This mom recommends taking a break from homeschooling when the baby is born to allow siblings time to bond. Focusing on reading to both kids can help everyone stay engaged and learning.
Lifestyles:
Worldschoolers You don’t have to be single to be a digital nomad. Like any homeschooling plan, scheduling mastery hours frees up the rest of the day for immersive travel experiences. This family does reading and math in the mornings and spends the rest of the day visiting museums, parks, and learning science and social studies through their environment.
Night Owls Many families choose to homeschool because they enjoy sleeping in. Getting enough sleep at the right times is gaining popularity in health and wellness. Homeschooling allows you to study when you want and sleep when it suits you best. This family stays up late and starts mastery hours around 11 am.
Early Birds Early birds can homeschool too. Schedule mastery hours when your child is most fresh and well-rested. This family’s child starts at 7 am because he naturally rises early.
Grandparents homeschooling Remote work has made it easier for families to live near grandparents and extended family. Don’t hesitate to draw on grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends to help with your child’s learning. Everyone benefits from contributing to a child’s growth and development. You never know who will leap at the chance to help and how rewarding this can be for your child and for them.
As this grandparent says, “The freedom is the best part. Do whatever works for your family and don’t be afraid to try something out and tweak it until you find what really works.”Conclusion
Homeschooling schedules are as diverse as the families who create them. The key to a successful homeschool schedule is flexibility and adaptability, ensuring that it meets the unique needs and goals of each family. By exploring different scheduling options and learning from the experiences of others, you can develop a homeschool routine that supports your family's educational journey and fosters a love of learning.
