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The following is a post from contributing writer, Julianna, of Petunia June. {It was originally published on The Homeschool Classroom on February 25, 2013.}
When my kids entered their middle elementary years, it was exciting to see how independent they had become. I could place an assignment before them and tend to a younger sibling and, for the most part, they’d be able to stay on task without straying too far. As helpful as it was, I still found that I was interrupted by too many “what should I do now?” questions. So I took the advice of a friend and developed a checklist.
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Over the years I’ve tweaked our list to meet current needs, but each year it has served the same purpose of helping my children follow instructions without needing constant direction from me. The list is designed to be used daily, and our most recent copy includes four columns’ worth of check mark boxes, allowing one page to be used for four weeks. Sometimes I’ll add clip art or use colorful paper to personalize the lists according to my kids’ interests, too.
Each week (or month, depending on the subject) I make sure to have a few predetermined activities posted on the bulletin board. For example, the checklist includes “Verse,” which my kids know they will find posted in the school room. They also know that “Memory Work” for this term means that we’re working on memorizing the books of the Bible. In the past it has referred to memorizing lists such as presidents, wars, or kings.
Although it takes some preparation, once the checklist is in place, it really frees up the morning for me to help my younger children for longer periods of time. Everyone understands that if I’m helping a sibling with math or grammar, they can use that time to work through the first half of their checklist; it’s all independent work. It may look like a lot of work when printed out, but if we start our day at 9:00, the activities can usually be completed well before our morning break at 10:30. Each activity takes about five or ten minutes.
Our Schedule for the Day
Bible: Quiet, independent reading.
Verse: As mentioned above, the memory verse is posted in the school room. They usually read it through three times, either independently or with a sibling.
Poetry: Each child is assigned a poet about every three months or so. They use this time each morning to read one new poem and to work on memorizing one of their own choosing.
Memory Work: The children work on reciting whatever list it is that we happen to be working on. Again, they run through the list three times, sometimes quizzing each other and sometimes working on their own.
Picture Study: I keep an art print pulled up on the laptop with the classical music station playing in the background. The kids can study the picture independently for a few minutes or join a sibling (which frequently turns into a game of I Spy). I keep a card posted by the laptop so they can also see the name of the artist, the title of the work, and the year in which it was painted.
Spelling: This is usually done in workbook form. We use Spelling Workout, so it lends itself well to being divided into daily assignments. On Fridays, we like to mix things up a bit. That often means a spelling bee or some time to play with their list words on a website.
Geography: This may include listening to and singing geography songs, coloring maps, working on puzzles or taking “Geobee” quizzes on the computer.
Reading: Each day has its own reading emphasis (for example, Monday is history day), and the children know where to find the books from which they may choose for each subject. (You can read more about our system here.)
Dictation: From the reading, they take time to copy a few lines into their notebooks. Sometimes I read aloud as they copy, and sometimes it’s done independently.
Logic: There are a number of fun ways to fit puzzles into the morning. My kids have enjoyed the Mind Benders workbooks, and they also enjoy tactile puzzles, such as pattern blocks and mazes.
After our morning break we work to make sure that everyone is on schedule (when practical) with math and grammar, ideally completing them before lunch.
After lunch, we focus on the work that is done together, such as history, science, family Bible reading, and art. Afternoons also include independent reading and music practice.
We’ve found that using a checklist has helped us develop a good rhythm to our day. The kids know what’s expected of them over the course of the school day, and they know what to do if I’m not available to help them right away. Oh — and another bonus? The checklists do wonders for keeping me on task, too!
Brit M. says
What program did you make this on? I would love to have something like this!
Julianna says
Hi, Brit! I wish I was more savvy when it comes to such things. But I just made a very basic form using Pages on the Mac. The check boxes (blush) are simply a font (like Wing Dings or something!) that give the option of making fun shapes :). As I’m trying to explain it here, I’m realizing that I really should modernize a bit! But, hey — it works for now! 😉
Gretchen says
I use a web based schedule tool for my kids. Some things are set to recurring like a daily math drill, and for other things, if they are working in a book or have a series of tasks to complete towards a goal, I type in each task and we assign dates. We normally sit down together and discuss goals and deadlines and I fill in the dates due. There are many different programs. The one I chose to use after a great deal of research and trial and error is Toodledo. Each task can be assigned to a folder, I create folders by book or by general task. The interface is pretty easy to use. Tasks can be downloaded and uploaded using a variety of different programs. I use Excel sometimes. Also there is an iphone/ipod/ipad app. The kids like the ability to see what is going to happen in the future and the ability to work independently. I like the ease of use and tracking. It is free to use. You can upgrade for $15 per year for added features. The one that I find useful is archiving of completed tasks (record keeping) for 2 years. Basic archives for 6 months.
Julianna says
That sounds like a great program, Gretchen! I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for sharing!
Shannon says
Would you be willing to share your file?
Julianna says
Hi, Shannon! I’m embarrassed that I can’t just zip it your way. I think it’s on my husband’s work computer; we just keep making copies of an original! Rather archaic, huh? I wish I could be more help. I can tell you that I made it in Pages and just filled in the columns with our subjects, using a font (like Wing Dings or something) to make the check boxes. I hope you’re able to find something that works!
Joyice says
Is there a link of PDF or link for the sheets listed above?
Angie says
Love the checklist. I am one who likes to see things checked off when completed and my son is becoming the same way.
Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Angie
H.O.P.E. Home School Consulting