What is a typical day like for a homeschooling family? In many ways, it’s the same as anyone else’s day. Parents go to work, chores are done at home (wait), and children do their homework, either with or without the help of their parents. In many ways, however, the day is very, very different for the homeschooling parent.

The differences

The main difference is that the child (or children, but let’s work with only one), does not need to get out of bed, rush to get dressed, eat breakfast and then catch the bus. The father is not left alone for hours and the child does not attend classes elsewhere. The father does not have to guess or even worry about what is going on with his child because the child is right there.

This difference leads to many other differences. The family can go on an outing, with the parent learning alongside the child. The child’s craft can be shown to parents right away and even considered for a craft fair or exhibition. Student questions can be answered as they arise, with any necessary tutoring provided quickly and effectively. Communications are fast, loving and productive.

a possible schedule

Let’s work through a typical day on homeschooling, seeing what is done and how long it takes. A key fact to remember is that all schedules are subject to change as determined by the teacher/parent or child.

Many homeschoolers start their lessons in the morning, but note that there is no bus ride, no classroom, no assembly. Therefore, the child can take time to dress, eat and get comfortable. Lessons begin when the child and parent are ready to begin, not at an administratively determined time slot.

A typical day of homeschooling covers four or five subjects. Each lesson is created individually for the child, with input from both parent and child. Some lessons will take a short period of time, say 30 minutes, and others will take longer, up to hours. Lessons will include reading, writing, math, art, and other activities as needed and desired.

If we take an average of one hour per lesson, the student finishes in the early afternoon. Lunch is handled when there is a break between lessons, and after the lessons are over, the child can run and play with no time limit. The child can control the amount of time needed, while the parent sets the target results.

On other days, there are field trips, library visits, and other outdoor activities. The child can participate in sports, organizations, and other outdoor activities without fear or guilt about missing school. The teacher knows that the child will be able to carry out special activities without having to make arrangements with third parties, and administrative paperwork is reduced to a minimum, with almost no time during the normal day.

I guess the main point is that the day is much less structured and much more productive than is possible in a school. Time can be structured around the needs of the student, not someone else’s needs. Material can be covered as many times as needed and additional activities are welcome, not treated as a burden.

In short, the child can learn as an individual, with an individualized schedule. There is no typical day, only children’s day. Learning as it should be.