Back on Schedule: An A+ Way to Start the Year Right

Every August is the same. I quickly realize what we need: we need to get back in to routines. My daughter loves the bedtime routine. My son loves to check things off of a list. Why not put together a schedule to keep us sane? A visual schedule to plan our day helps us keep focused throughout the beginning of the school year.

Why Use a Visual Schedule?

As a homeschooling mom, I have gotten used to having my kids around all the time. But summer is always difficult for me. Despite the gorgeous weather and essentially unlimited free time for my kids, I hear daily complaints of boredom. Can I tell you how much this drives me crazy!?

At the same time, I get very nervous about getting school done with my older child as well as my younger child. How can I get done all that needs to be done? How can I teach when my 10 year old gets distracted just going to comb his hair?

To get us ready for the first day, I made up a visual schedule. It was definitely time to get back on schedule. I love my laminator, and I love Velcro (hook-and-loop tape)! I used this roll and cut the Velcro to size (affiliate link).

When I gave my child his schedule, he could see what he needs to do at each time. It's not set in stone (it's just velcro). This schedule may help you get organized as you jump back in to school! It has already helped us stay on track, and I love that I can give my child accountability for his daily tasks. 

How to Use a Visual Schedule

For us, it was important that we not schedule too much each hour. I set the time periods to be 1 hour long, with three or four items fitting in each time hour slot. Why? Because it is really hard to stay focused on more than four things in an hour. If we have too many things on the to do list, it just is going to be overwhelming, especially for the youngest ones.

I also have to be realistic. If I put math, spelling, history, and science in an hour, what are the chances they will all get done?

Finally, I made this an editable visual schedule. I know not all my readers are homeschoolers, so if you wish you could change the schedule to be just a morning/get ready schedule or an after school schedule. Being back on schedule is helping us have a great start to our school year! 

Get a copy of this editable visual schedule for free when you sign up to become a Line upon Line Learning VIP.

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We use a visual schedule to make sure we know where our day is headed and to remember the daily priorities! Download an editable version for your own use.
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