A Guest Blog Post written by Virtual Workshop presenter, Elan Page.

Crafting a homeschool schedule that works for your family can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re juggling your career and multiple other responsibilities. But it doesn’t have to be!

My family follows what I like to call a “framework with flexibility” for our weekly schedule. Our days are structured enough to keep us on track, but loose enough to allow us to adapt to life’s inevitable curveballs.

My Time-Blocking Approach

I’ve found the practice of time-blocking to be an absolute lifesaver for balancing my work and homeschooling responsibilities. Each day, I break down our time into three general blocks: morning (8 am to noon), afternoon (noon to 4 pm), and evening (4 pm to 8 pm). Within each of these blocks, we have designated activities and subjects, but we leave enough wiggle room to make adjustments if needed. And the best part? It gives me the freedom to fit in my own work schedule without feeling like everything is crashing down around me.

Flexibility Meets Progress

This approach really shines when it comes to maintaining consistency without the pressure of strict time slots. Take Tuesdays, for example. My husband takes the kids on a field trip with their co-op while I focus on work in the morning. 

On days when I have more flexibility with work, I’m able to be more hands-on and really dive into certain subjects with my kids, whether I’m teaching a lesson for the first time or reviewing something for more practice.

Then when my work schedule is packed with meetings, my husband steps in to keep things running smoothly. It’s all about teamwork and ensuring everyone knows their role.

One of the most significant benefits of our homeschool schedule is how it fosters independence and accountability in my kids. They know what’s expected of them each day, and as they grow, they’re becoming more responsible for managing their own time. It’s a level of self-discipline I love to encourage.

Finding Your Own Rhythm

What works for my family might not work for yours—and that’s perfectly okay! The key is finding a rhythm that keeps everyone on track while providing enough flexibility to enjoy the homeschool experience without stress. 

The beauty of this system is that we know what needs to be done each day, and it doesn’t have to happen at a set time. If the kids need extra time to explore something they’re interested in, or if we take a longer break because it’s a gorgeous day outside, that’s fine. The important thing is that we make progress, even if the schedule shifts slightly.

But the benefit of having planned out this framework that we use each week is that it helps me better keep track of my kids’ work. Without it, I’m more apt to lose track of things and find myself wondering if or when we actually studied a particular subject. But having a schedule helps me stay organized – and more importantly, it helps my kids thrive.

Join Me for a Workshop on November 19th!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of creating a homeschool schedule, I’ve got good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone! On November 19th, I’ll be hosting a workshop with The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers, called Plan Your Family’s Homeschool Year: Craft a Custom Plan That Balances Your Family and Your Career. In this interactive workshop, we’ll create a personalized plan that fits your family’s unique needs. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or managing a career, this workshop will give you the tools to craft a schedule that works for everyone.

So, if you’re ready to bring more structure (with flexibility) to your homeschool life, join me! Let’s make this year your most organized and fulfilling homeschool year yet!

Opinions expressed by individual writers in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of the Board of Directors of The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers, nor do they represent an official position of VaHomeschoolers. Writers’ views are their own, and readers are encouraged to research and explore homeschooling issues to their own satisfaction.