Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Schedules

Anyone who has been reading this blog for more than a month, knows I am BIG into schedules. My children thrive on them, and so do I. I have gotten some criticism, especially within my own extended family, but it works for me. One Christian Mom asked in a blog post this morning about schedules. I told her I would share mine. If you are not familiar with scheduling, it can be overwhelming. I have learned alot on the subject through many different blogs. I took a little from each and formatted what works for us. Here it is (again for my older readers). This is the NEW Master Schedule for me and the kids. It was made to meet the needs of our upcoming home school year. I keep it in the front of my Home Management Binder.I have been hanging out with my Aussie friends...I spelled organized with an "s" instead of a "z"! The Master Schedule is the only one that has actual times on it. These are guidelines, and time goals, but in no way does everyday follow that exact time frame. If you have nothing to aim for, you will miss it every time!
Each child has their own "schedule" to help them stay on track. The Master Schedule is still THE schedule, but this makes them feel like they have some control. They actually helped with what went on their own schedules, as you could guess by looking at Zach's list. Here is an example. These hang on their bedroom walls.
On the Master Schedule, where it says "Morning Routine", those things are listed on each "personal" schedule. They include, shower, teeth, making your bed, etc. They also have an evening routine. I have my own routines in my binder.
The children also have their own "school schedules" in their school bins. Note, there are no times listed, though the time goals are on the Master Schedule. The time thing can be used against you, but it can also be a great tool to keep the kids on track.
There it is One Christian Mom! What works for one family will not work for another. Schedules will only work if they are adapted to fit the needs of your own household.
Today, I plan to declutter the coat closet. We house games and puzzles there, and it is time to move them to a more suitable place. I plan to work on my book list for school, and do some sewing on the next Sunbonnet Sue. My plan for a block a day fell apart.
The kids got gift cards to Toys R Us from my Aunt Robin. Instead of spending them individually, they decided to put their money together to buy this...

They are both so excited. I am certain it is not high quality for the price, but if you are 7 and 11, it is perfect!
Have a blessed day!

14 comments:

Carolina Girl said...

Awesome! Thank you so much for posting this! I think what I might do is print out a bunch of "your" schedules (bloggers who post them, I mean) and create one based on that, because without your help and the help of others, I don't think I will ever get through it. LOL I tried today, and it all fell to shambles. Oh, well - we can always try again tomorrow. And writing it down will probably be key :-)
One Christian Mom

In Pursuit of His Call said...

Wow, very impressive!!!

My children thrive on routine also and so do I...However, are there times when you deviate from your routine because you've added something new to your schedule...Then, when you get off track from your schedule, how do you get back on without feeling completely overwhelmed that you are behind tasks and chores because stuff didn't get done the day before or even the days before?

em's scrapbag said...

I love schedules. It makes life run so much more smoothly. We revamp ours every year before school starts as schedules and needs change the most at that time. I enjoyed your ideas. I am going to try some of them out. Have a great day! Em

Sweet P said...

Great schedules! If I had children I would have to be that organized. With just me and DH our schedule is a lot easier.

~Bren~ said...

G- when you get off track...and you will...just start from where you are. Do not go back and try to catch up. That is the wonder of a schedule...it is a guide, not the gospel. ;)

Patty said...

We kept a schedule when homeschooling, it kept us all in line, but now, with just emery and I at home, we don't keep one.
We had charts on the wall, that outlined the childrens chores and character traits.

Mrs. Sew and Sew - Karen said...

Bren, Thank you for posting this schedule. I love the morning schedule and think I will make one for myself. I am a slow morning starter. And I hate to admit that I sleep in alot. I always feel guilty that hubby went to work and I sleep late. Guilt is a big problem for me. I seem to feel this way alot. Anyway, I am going to try a morning routine and get up earlier to see if I can accomplish more. Also I am trying a morning schedule so I get up early and see if that helps my night time sleep problem that I have had my whole life. Anyway, thanks again. You are an inspiration to me. Karen :)

Susan said...

I love the idea of a schedule, but I have never been able to stick to one consistently. I do love looking at them, though, so this was a treat for me.

And I would love to have a set like the one your kids decided to get! I think it would be fun. Why is it that "school stuff" is so much more interesting now than it was 30 years ago? LOL

Brenda said...

I love schedules. I can't imagine anyone criticizing a schedule ????? Cool science set.

Love Bears All Things said...

You are a very organized lady. I have master lists for housecleaning and grocery buying, lists for things to do for the packing and move, a budget list. I have to make lists when going on a trip of what to take. I make lists for holidays of the dishes to make and supplies to buy for them as well as gift lists. I just couldn't live without lists.
Mama Bear

~Niki~ said...

Man...You ARE orgain(s)ed! :)
I don't think I could stick to a schedule. LOL. I'm always crazy busy. Maybe I need one lol

Anonymous said...

Hi Bren -

Thanks so much for coming over and registering for the give-away! It's always nice to meet more mom's that love to schedule!!!

By the way - I LOVE the background on your blog. That's one thing I miss about Blogger! On Wordpress you can't fiddle with the look unless you pay (and know CSS).

Niki said...

I loved my homeschooling schedules! Yours look great. But I do keep a relaxed schedule for me. It helps to keep things going smoothly.

moreofhim said...

I love a schedule!! I was introduced to the "Managers of Their Homes" system and used it for many years. It was great! With just my one son left to homeschool this year, I will do something more simple. I really like your system! Thank you for the great idea!

I love what your children picked out with their gift cards! I'm sure they will have a lot of fun and learn a lot with those. Don't you love when your children work together and get something like that? I used to treasure those rare moments when my children did that! LOL I loved your comment on my blog about being done with HS when your 58. LOL You crack me up!

Thanks again for sharing your schedule. I'm inspired!

God bless you ~ Julie