Our schedule.. (?)

After a homeschool meeting last week in which some great moms shared thier daily schedules, I left feeling a bit overwhelmed. So many moms that homeschool have such strict schedules, and even have those written down for the kids to follow. It seemed to me I didnt have much of a schedule, and nothing compaired to other moms. BUT today.. as our day began I started to notice the time and became more aware that I DO have more of a schedule than I first realized. So.. for the sake of having it written down, here is our schedule

8:15 to 1030- do book work (this includes math, spelling, english, handwriting, and journal). During this time I am in the room and there to answer questions, help with reading of story problems, and just guide the kids through thier work. While this is is going on the younger two children either play on the computer or watch educational tv. They can also draw or play with toys but have to do this quietly so the other children can concentrate.

1030-1130- free play time, building with blocks, playing outside, etc

1130-1230ish.. help with lunch, eat lunch, at the same time watch educational dvd or listen to stories on kiddierecords

1230-200- Reading time.. during this time I read our history, science, 2 picture books usually to do with our history or science and then read from a chapter book.. (i have yet to find a chapter book that will fit with all the children so I read longer in the picture books today)

200.. quiet time starts... Kamie goes down for a nap .. each child reads quietly to him-herself for atleast thirty minutes... Kamie has about 15 mins and then lays down and naps.

245- Catherine and I do our Latin for Children, The other children play on starfall.com, color or draw, play chess, or read quietly

330- Kamie can wake from her nap, We have a snack and the kids have free time until Kerry arrives.

After the school day is over the swed kids have a 10 minute clean up and then get to play.

so I guess I DO have a schedule.. just never wrote it down to see how organized I really was :) Of course I try hard during this time to do a bit of housework but most of the time that only consists of doing the dishes and a bit of laundry. I try to do about a hour of cleaning after Ks kids leave so I can stay on top of the housework.. many days.. it doesnt workout but I try. As will most homeschooling moms.. the house is always a challenge.

So... now for the fun stuff...

Books we read:
"T is for Texas" by Mary D. Wade
"The Master Swordsman and The Magic Doorway" Two Legends from Ancient China Retold and Illustrated by Alice Provensen

Science we studied Comets and learned Comets can be Astroids. We also learned some have short orbits (200 years of less) and others have long orbits (a thousand years)..and they are made of ice, dry ice, and rock. We spent quiet a bit of time reading in our science... I am working hard to get finished with our science book by the second week in May.

In history we are now to Julius Ceasar but today I decided to read the ancient Chinese story so i didnt cover the next section in History. We will continue the JC tomorrow during Kamies nap time. Although it is sooo hard to leave China in our history.. I must keep going so I can finish our Story of the World by May.