Scheduling week: Day 5 - Take a break!

We did it! We made it through a whole week of talking about SCHEDULING!

To review, we covered:

Day 1 - The Big Picture

Day 2 - The Yearly Plan

Day 3 - The Weekly Schedule

Day 4 - The Daily Rhythm

Now, what’s the next step? Day 5: Take a Break!

Spend the day, or the week, or however long, doing whatever you want.

Yup. After all that work. Just take a break.

Observe your children. See what they love. See that whatever they are doing is enough. Assure yourself that what you’re doing is enough. Embrace the learning in the everyday things. Honestly, this should be the first step, too!

When Jessamyn and I first talked about writing about scheduling, the first thing we thought was, "Really? But that’s not what’s most important! What’s important is the NOT scheduling. The ability to find learning everywhere, to lose track of time immersed in interests, finding and forging our own paths!"

However, we realize that it is hard as a new homeschooler, and probably not helpful to hear. It’s even hard sometimes for veteran homeschoolers! We’ve been at it for many years, and there are still times I stop, panic, and hope we’re on the “right” path, whatever that may be.

But there is SO MUCH learning happening ALL THE TIME! Sure, all the scheduling is important for when we need it. There are many times when our family needs those things in place. Not because we need to make sure everyone is learning, but because they help our days flow better.

Much of the time in our home is spent on self-directed learning. Does that mean that we don’t have a schedule? No. It means that we are making time and space for all the things that the kids want to learn about, with a smattering of things that I think they would enjoy or I think are important for them to be exposed to. And that sure does require planning and scheduling. Signing up for classes of interest. Scheduling group learning with friends. Making sure there’s enough time in the day for projects. And chores. And contributing to the family. And so much everything!

What I want to say is, it’s really worth relaxing. It’s worth taking a break from the planning and the scheduling of all the topics, and to spend some time valuing what you are all already doing. Sit next to your child while they build Lego, or play Minecraft, and ask them about it. Go for a hike and get some fresh air. Stay longer just because everyone wants to. Spend the day at the beach, or reading books. Trust that they are following their instincts and those instincts are worth listening to. Let go of the stress and pressure to find a curriculum or get everything done and instead find the learning in everything and see what is getting done in what you’re already doing.

So, sit back, take a break, and enjoy! For more support around reducing scheduling anxiety, check out our Jessamyn’s latest post, all children want to learn.