What's a typical homeschool day look like?📆
One of the biggest perks of modular learning is that no two schedules are the same. You’re absolutely free to design the ideal schedule for your unique family, whether that means sleeping in, learning at 7 pm at night, or starting your day at 10 am. The flexibility of modular learning is one of its most attractive features, allowing families to tailor their educational approach to fit their lifestyles.
However, there are some best practices that have emerged over decades of modular learners (many of them teachers) experimenting, refining methods, and sharing resources and support. These practices can serve as valuable guidelines as you create your custom homeschool schedule.
Typical "Modules" in Modular Learning
1-1 Mastery Hours: This is dedicated time for focused, one-on-one learning sessions. These sessions usually last 1-2 hours and are designed to address the specific needs and strengths of each child.
Family Time: Incorporate activities that involve the whole family, fostering bonding and collective learning experiences.
Self-Directed Learning: Allocate time for children to explore their interests independently, encouraging autonomy and critical thinking.
Social Learning: Plan regular interactions with peers through playdates, group classes, or co-op activities to build social skills.
Full Day Program: Occasionally, a full day can be dedicated to a particular subject or project, providing an immersive learning experience.
Practical Life: Include activities that teach practical life skills, such as cooking, gardening, or financial literacy.
Year-Round Learning: Instead of a traditional school calendar, many modular learners adopt a year-round approach, integrating learning into everyday life.
Why Younger Kids Need More Quality Time with Parents and Caregivers
Young children benefit significantly from spending quality time with parents and caregivers. This time helps to foster a secure attachment, develop language skills, and model social behaviors. In a modular learning setup, this means integrating activities that involve close interaction and shared experiences. Reading together, engaging in imaginative play, and participating in hands-on projects are just a few ways to ensure younger children receive the attention and guidance they need.
Thinking About Scheduling Differently: Five Alternatives to Time-Based Scheduling
Tasks: Focus on completing specific tasks rather than adhering to a strict time schedule. This can be particularly effective for subjects that require a hands-on approach.
Milestones: Set learning milestones to be achieved over a period, giving a clear goal without the pressure of a timed schedule.
Blocks: Divide the day into blocks of time dedicated to different activities, allowing flexibility within each block.
Strewing: This method involves leaving educational materials around the house to spark curiosity and spontaneous learning.
No Schedule: For some families, especially those with highly self-motivated children, a no-schedule approach can work, where learning happens organically throughout the day.
Is Structure Always Better? Balancing Scheduled and Unscheduled Time
While some structure can provide a sense of stability and routine, it's essential to balance it with unscheduled time to allow for creativity, rest, and spontaneous learning. Finding this balance can help prevent burnout and keep the learning experience enjoyable for both parents and children.
Sample Schedules
Kindergarten
8:00 am - Breakfast and morning chores
9:00 am - 1-1 Mastery Hour (Literacy and Numeracy)
10:00 am - Outdoor play and exploration
11:00 am - Storytime and snack
12:00 pm - Arts and crafts
1:00 pm - Lunch and quiet time
2:00 pm - Self-directed play and learning
Elementary
8:00 am - Breakfast and morning routine
9:00 am - 1-1 Mastery Hour (Math and Science)
10:00 am - Project-based learning
11:00 am - Break and snack
11:30 am - Social learning (co-op or playdate)
1:00 pm - Lunch and free play
2:00 pm - Practical life skills (cooking, gardening)
3:00 pm - Self-directed learning
Middle School
8:00 am - Breakfast and independent reading
9:00 am - 1-1 Mastery Hour (Core subjects)
10:30 am - Group learning (with siblings or peers)
12:00 pm - Lunch and break
1:00 pm - Elective or interest-based learning
2:00 pm - Physical activity or sports
3:00 pm - Self-directed study and project work
High School
8:00 am - Breakfast and current events discussion
9:00 am - 1-1 Mastery Hour (Advanced subjects)
10:30 am - Online courses or dual enrollment classes
12:00 pm - Lunch and social time
1:00 pm - Internships or work-study programs
2:00 pm - Independent study and research projects
3:00 pm - Extracurricular activities
Slices of Life: Modular Learning in Action
To illustrate how modular learning works in real life, here are a couple of examples:
A Film: Class Dismissed
Class Dismissed is a documentary that follows a family as they leave traditional schooling and explore various alternative education methods, including homeschooling and unschooling. Watching this film can provide valuable insights into the flexibility and customization possible with modular learning. Families can discuss the different educational approaches presented, compare them with their own experiences, and reflect on what strategies might work best for their unique situation.
A Podcast Episode: Janet Lansbury’s Unruffled with Laura Grace Weldon
In this episode, Janet Lansbury interviews Laura Grace Weldon, author of Free Range Learning: How Homeschooling Changes Everything. They discuss the principles of self-directed learning and the importance of fostering a child’s natural curiosity. This podcast can inspire families to embrace a more relaxed and child-led approach to education. After listening, families can implement some of the strategies discussed, such as strewing educational materials and allowing children more freedom to explore their interests.
Fifteen Real-Life Examples from Social Media
Making It Work for Every Family Structure and Work Situation
Work Structures
Two parents with full-time jobs: Many families balance full-time work and homeschooling by taking turns with childcare and education, and sharing responsibilities with others in their homeschool community.
Single parent with a full-time job: Single parents often rely on a strong support network, carving out blocks of time for work and study, and encouraging independent learning.
Stay-at-home parent: Even with one parent at home, it’s essential to involve both parents in the child’s education and ensure the primary caregiver gets breaks.
Parents working remotely: Remote work offers flexibility. Parents can work while children engage in self-directed learning or attend local homeschool meetups.
Parent with a part-time job outside the home: Hiring another homeschooling parent or participating in swaps can provide coverage during work hours.
Parent in college or grad school: Pursuing higher education while homeschooling is feasible with a well-structured schedule that balances study time for both parents and children.
Siblings
Multiple Siblings: Homeschooling children of various ages is manageable with a mastery-based curriculum, where each child works at their own pace and receives help as needed.
Families with a newborn: Taking a break from structured homeschooling when a new baby arrives can help siblings bond and adjust to the new family dynamic.
Lifestyles
Worldschoolers: Families traveling the world integrate learning with their travel experiences, using their environment as a classroom.
Night Owls: Homeschooling allows for a schedule that suits families who prefer late nights and late mornings.
Early Birds: Early risers can start their day with learning when they are most alert and focused.
Grandparents homeschooling: Extended family members, like grandparents, can play an active role in the child’s education, providing additional support and enriching the learning experience.
Conclusion
The best part of modular learning is its flexibility. These examples provide inspiration, but remember to keep experimenting to find what works best for your family. Whether you’re balancing full-time work, single parenting, or traveling the world, modular learning can adapt to fit your needs. Keep exploring, keep adjusting, and enjoy the journey of learning together.
