Kathie’s Day

Kathie’s day with five children, aged 6-16.

I have five children, aged 16 to 6, and all have been homeschooled since the beginning (ie. forever!)

7 AM: I am up and running. Colin, my early bird, is usually up before me, and is busy entertaining our house bunny. Breakfast preparation is minimal. The children are all adept at getting breakfast, in some form, on the table. Michael, my reluctant riser, is persuaded to join us at the table.

7:30 AM: Breakfast is well underway. I start the read-aloud of the day. My two oldest sons are being confirmed in May, so we are doing a Bible study on Acts of the Apostles. As ‘Efficiency Queen of the Household’, I read to everyone and ask oral questions at random around the table.

8 AM: Teeth brushed, hands washed, laundry tossed, and all kids start their school day! The four oldest start with an hour of Saxon Math. I sit beside my youngest, Brigid, and navigate her through her various subjects. I have time for my breakfast, and do the breakfast dishes.

10 AM: Math is corrected, and nearly completed. I teach some grammar (Warriners) and biology (Apologia Biology) and history(ecclectic mix of books and resources- were are studying the 20th century this year) lessons to the oldest three children. They finish off their math, and proceed to finish their morning subjects. Colin, who is 10, is working on spelling, reading comprehension, daily grams and reading on his own.

11 AM: Brigid and Colin get a religion lesson each. Brigid has a piano lesson from her older sister. I do some more corrections.

11:30 AM: Morning walk.

Noon: Lunch and dishes and general tidy-up- with the kids actively participating in all three events. During dessert, I read our historical read-aloud novel (the younger two children are studying Canadian history and I am reading a novel set in the War of 1812).

1 PM: The older three children have time to work on their weekly writing assignments (generally history-based) and complete morning lessons, while Colin and Brigid share history and science lessons.

2:30 PM: Hike or bike ride

4 PM: Supper preparations, and ‘assorted’ activities. We have no television, so the children are all avid readers. I have to admit that reading is a major passion around this house (as evidenced by the sagging bookshelves). My children are involved in chess, so plenty of time is allocated for chess games during the week. Physical activities are also plentiful. The oldest three children all have part-time jobs, and our schedule freely fluctuates around them. Household chores also receive a high rating, and everyone, with a bit of persuasion, pitches in. Kaitlin will practice her piano at this point. The children are also encouraged to maintain a lively correspondence with Grandma and Grandpa on the internet, too.

6 PM: Supper

8 PM: Bath and bedtime for Colin and Brigid. The older ones spend some time reading.

9 PM: Bed (and computer time for mom!) I like to get some of my preparation work for tomorrow done during the day. But, there is still an hour or two of preparation work for tomorrow at this point. Call me fanatical, but I like the house and tomorrow’s lessons organized the night before, so the morning can flow smoothly. I know that school will flow smoother, if the day gets off to a good start. My children and I function better in a structured school setting, so our days are pretty regular. Most weeks we school Monday to Thursday, but there are exceptions when we homeschool on Friday, too.

11 PM: My bedtime. I usually have time for my Thomas a Kempis reading and a quick chapter from the next novel to be studied before my eyes shut.

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