Confessions of a scheduler

[mskogen]

I LOVE to make schedules. The process is soothing and relaxing. I love to make lists, too. However, I live with 5 people who "think" they don't like schedules So, here comes the confession: We have not been using a schedule. And as one would suspect things where not being done to there fullest. Sure, every year I make a school schedule, family schedule and chore schedule to "help" our family with the flow of the day. But the other 5 people do not want to use a schedule. Well, honestly it's the oldest 3 that have not wanted too much structure to our life. Don't get me wrong I don't want a life that is structured to the point there is not room for impromptu moments or just life to happen (this leads to stress). So I have been a agreeable mommy these past couple of years, no structured schedule. Until last week! I sat down with my dear hubby to discuss our school day. He works out of the house, so he sees all. We agreed the time it was taking our oldest two to finish was not acceptable. He asked why on some days did they finish earlier than others I explained that it was the boys decisions and how they were handling there independent work. We decided I should make a schedule for them that was detailed, telling them how long a subject should take and what order to do them. I set to work, eagerly. Well a week and half later I am happy to report that all is flowing well in our household. We have just as many distractions in our life but school is being finished in a timely manner. Most days we are done by lunch time (which is 12:00) and we start at 8 am. With the running of 4 programs, 2 of which I do all the teaching I am very happy. My two oldest boys were sure they would not like the schedule. Fortunately, they have seen the light. They both agree this schedule works better than our last schedule (they really called it a schedule) The training is priceless and sooo worth the little bit of extra time I spent the first day. They see the wisdom of how I scheduled their subjects. I rotated hard with easy, favorite with nonfavorite, and writing with non-writing. My ds9 said, Yeah I would do all the easy subjects first but you make me mix it up. It goes faster. So glad they are seeing the beauty of schedules. I am even getting better quality work from all in shorter time frames.
Thanks for listening to my confessions. I wanted to share, just in case it would help any one else with the idea of not wanting a "structured" day. It has enabled us to have soooo much more fun when school is over.

[mom23]

Ooooh, I can second this one. I also implemented a schedule at the beginning of last week, and it has made a tremendous difference in the atmosphere around here . I'm one of those "think" I don't like it people, but I really do love it deep down-because it works! So far, it's only me that sees the happiness in our new schedule-free afternoons , but I'm hopeful that soon my kiddos will understand why we're doing things this way as well.

[NicoleJ]

That is great to hear! It is just the kickstart I need to get our schedule up and running! Thanks!

[annaz]

Care to share your CTC schedule?

I loosely have a schedule, but we never complete a day. I really battle between doing it to get it done vs trying to make it enjoyable without the hurry up and finish attitude that kills the love of learning.

[sharonb]

That's funny; I was just telling someone on another thread how I decided to drop our schedule. I too love to make the schedules, but I don't love to follow them. It was more stress trying to keep everyone doing exactly what they were supposed to be doing, when they were supposed to be doing it, than it is to just have checklists and tell everyone what they are expected to complete each day. My oldest 2 thrive on checklists, and complete their work in a timely manner. Everyone else still needs me to tell them what they need to do, and help them with it, so I manage their checklists.

I do have a chore chart that is working great, because it gives every child a different job each evening after dinner. I have enough dc that they only have to do that job by themselves once a week, so they don't complain! On the weekends they all help wherever I ask them to.

ETA: Like annaz said above, I found that having a schedule made it "hurry up and get it done" around here.

[Heidi in AK]

I agree with Sharon. I LOVE the idea of a schedule, but only when nothing better is available to do. Just sayin'. I'm really working on it, as I think it provides more sanity for all, when we can stick to a schedule!

[KristinBeth]

Very interesting post! I have never been a scheduler/planner so your love of scheduling is a foreign language to me , but I can see that it has really improved things in your school! Kudos!

[MelInKansas]

I'm glad your kids are now more on board and I hope it continues! I can see even in the little independent work my 6YO does that it has to be hard to keep a child on task or convince them that its actually best for them to just sit down and focus and get the work done quickly. She is a dawdler, through and through.

I used to hate schedules, and now I like them. I don't really like making them, but I like having one because I have seen how much it helps, and how it does provide more time for the things that are really important (like message boards ha). I think our school day would be totally chaotic and difficult if I didn't have a schedule in place. That being said, I don't schedule down to the 10 minutes of time. It can vary what time we start school, but if we finish about 2 hours later then I consider it to be a well-run scheduled school day. I don't micro manage within that time either, I don't worry about 10 minutes of this and 20 minutes of that. But with independent work I can see that it would be good for the children to know how long they should be working on something.

[abrightmom]

Michelle,

Everything about your post hits home here....

Would you be willing to share the details or your scheduling process? Do you start with a spread sheet? For some reason making the schedule is grueling for me. I do it. I have done it. But it's grueling. I also don't know how to troubleshoot or tweak very well. I'm hoping to glean some fresh inspiration and practical ideas. You sound like a pro . There are a lot of details to put on paper with multiple guides, kids, etc. I think I get overwhelmed with the details and sink.

[my3sons]

mskogen- This window into your thinking about scheduling is so enlightening! I think your musings are much like many of ours in regard to scheduling. I have found the same thing to be true in our home. I love to make a schedule, but then I sometimes let it begin to slip more and more each day until one day I realize our days are not going as well as they used to. I like the routine a schedule gives, but I don't stick to exact times really. I bet you could really help abrightmom if you get the chance, mskogen. Great insight here!

In Christ,
Julie

[blessedmom]

I would love to see your schedule. I tend to make them, but I have a hard time keeping everyone on it!
I feel like we are in similar situations.
My dd11 is in RTR, dd8 is in BHFHG, dd6 is about to start Beyond, and ds2 keeps us all smiling and very distracted!!
Do you mind sharing?
Nicole

[mskogen]

Sorry for the delay getting back. I have been busy following our schedule It is working out terrific. We are getting EVERYTHING done and without stress!

I would love to share my schedule except I can't figure out how... If someone can help me