A Glimpse Inside: Our Homeschool Schedule for Multiple Ages

It’s been a while since I’ve posted about our homeschooilng schedule. The last time I wrote a schedule post, Bo was still napping 2-3 times a day. Now, she is a super-active toddler, and our schedule has had to shift!

Thinking about homeschool organizing and creating a routine has helped me create a homeschool schedule for multiple ages that works for both Monkey, me, and Bo.

This is what our schedule looks like right now:

• 8-9: Morning routine with breakfast, sometimes chores, usually a movie for the kids, a bit of work, and always coffee.
• 10-12: Monkey does reading, piano, history, and other subjects that she can do alone. Bo terrorizes the house and I try to fit in work in between fishing things out of the toilet (this is not an exaggeration).
• 12-1: Lunch and some clean-up.
• 1-3: If we’re lucky, Bo sleeps this entire time. Monkey and I fit in her hands-on school during this time, which usually includes science, math, language arts, art, critical thinking, and anything else she missed earlier in the day. If I’m really lucky, I get to write some during nap time.
• 3-5: Monkey takes a break from school and keeps Bo occupied while I try to keep working.
• 5-6: Chores, homework, supper, more chores, and more fishing things out of the toilet.
• 6-8: Kids play and help clean up while I try to keep up with things like laundry and dishes.
• 8-10: Bedtime routine. The start of bedtime happens at 8 with baths, pajamas, teeth, stories, prayers, and drinks. If I am lucky, the children stay in bed and are asleep by 9. If I am not lucky, this process can take until 10 or later.
• 9-12: More work for me.

So there you have it! This is our current homeschooling schedule.

Tips for Creating a Homeschool Schedule for Multiple Ages

I have a few tips for how to create a homeschool schedule for multiple ages. Not only are Monkey and Bo quite far apart in age, but I was also raised in a homeschooling family of 9, so I definitely know the struggles of teaching multiple children. Here is what I’ve observed to work well:

Work around naps. This is probably the most important step. If you have kids that nap, use that time to focus on the harder subjects for the older kids.

Find things to occupy the littles. Right now, Bo won’t sit still for long, but here is how we keep her occupied. 

Be flexible. Rigid schedules will not work in a house full of multiple ages. Be prepared to move things around as-needed.

Identify what you MUST do each day. When you teach multiple ages, you won’t always have time for all of the extras in homeschooling. Sometimes, you may just have to focus on the three “Rs.”

Outsource teaching. Monkey is still a bit young for outsourced teaching, but this can be a lifesaver. Look for online or video courses that can free you up to focus on other kids.

Make the children sit still. Some families love doing school in odd places or in strange positions (like lying on the bed or floor), but for us, this simply adds to the chaos. I have best results (and my mom did, too), when the children sit up straight at a table or desk.

How does homeschooling multiple ages work in your house? Share your homeschooling schedule with us!

Check out the REAL schedules of the other iHomeschool moms!

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