A Day in the Life of Minimalist Homeschooling: How Minimalist Homeschooling Really Looks

Welcome to our “Day in the Life of Minimalist Homeschooling” series!

Minimalist Homeschooling is a really individualized process for designing a homeschool.  A really common question I get when I speak at conventions is: How does your day actually look?  It is such a tough question to answer!

First of all, what happens in my home may not be a good fit for everybody else.  Your kids may be different ages, with different aptitudes; your values and goals may be different from ours; your time obligations are probably totally different from ours… and on and on.  Secondly, how our homeschool looks changes depending on the season.  We travel a lot, we have serious changes in weather where we live, and I have different busy seasons for our businesses.

In fact, one of the main points of the Minmalist Homeschooling book was to break free from that “what everybody else does” pressure.  The goal is create a homeschool that works for you, with all of the most valuable things for your family, and none of the “extra.”

Therefore, each month, for the next few months, I will try to provide a “Day In the Life” post for different Minimalist Homeschoolers in the hopes that you can find some reassurance, ideas, and insight.  In addition, I hope that you will see the variety.

So, with those goals in mind, and the caveat that the information that follows may not be the perfect fit for your family, I offer you A Day in The Life of Tracey!  Tracey has read the book Minimalist Homeschooling, and has implemented Minimalist Homeschooling principles into her days. Tracey is a former teacher, and has 2 young kids, with one on the autism spectrum.  She works, and she homeschools.  Whether you can relate to all, part, or none of her life’s circumstance, I hope you’ll still get a glimpse of how simple homeschooling looks.

I’d like to draw your attention how few things Tracey has on her “must-do” list, and that those things are not done every single day!

Therefore, her schedule is blissfully simple. Prioritizing is a big part of Minimalist Homeschooling, as well as trusting in the “most important things,” not all the things.

Enjoy, and be sure to leave comments at the end of this post about how your days look, and what you love about Tracey’s day :).

#1 – How many children are you homeschooling, and what are their ages?

I have 2 boys, ages 7 and almost 5. My 7 year old has ASD and my 4 year old is advanced…they make things interesting daily! (Tracey also works at-home.)

#2 – How does a standard day and/or week look for you? 

Quick Version:

I have found that schooling in blocks works well for us. So….

Monday/Wednesday

• Math
• Notebooking (Science/History)
• Spelling You See (Handwriting)

Tuesday/Thursday

• Reading & Language Arts for the 1st Grader
• Math & Phonics for the Preschooler

Friday

• First grader goes to Enrichment
• Preschooler continues with Math & Phonics.

Long Version:

I work odd hours. So I am in my office by 3am and come out around 7.  I typically feed the kids and then we start school around 8:30.

 

On Mondays and Wednesdays,

I homeschool the boys together.  Even though they are almost at the same level, this is challenging because my older son cannot handle my attention being divided and will start exhibiting behaviors. We typically work on Math on Mondays and Wednesdays.

My goal for my 1st grader was to learn his math facts this year (he still struggles) so we do this through a lot of games and a hands on curriculum. If my Preschooler isn’t doing math with us, he will be doing Mathseeds on the computer. He is further advanced in Math, and I usually let him do his thing on these days (since he gets more of my attention during the rest of the week.) 

We have also just started integrating notebooking into our homeschool day and this has been a big hit for the boys. We will pick a science/history topic and read a book or watch a video on the topic or just read from a current chapter book. Then, the boys will notebook about what they learned. I love this because both children can participate at their own ability level.

Somewhere during this time, my first grader will do a Spelling You See Lesson, focusing on his handwriting. He has delayed fine motor skills and I find this curriculum allows him to practice without being overwhelming.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays,

my first grader goes to his tutor from 8:30-11:30. This allows him to get some one-on-one focused time. They work specifically on reading skills. This also gives me time to work with my Preschooler and give him some extra (needed) attention. My first grader typically demands more of my time and energy (ASD), so this was a good way to give my younger son some focus time. 

I work with the preschooler on his phonics and math skills. After I pick up my first grader, we do lunch and he’s generally done for the day. I will try to do a Spelling you See lesson with him if I can, but it doesn’t always happen.

 

 

On Monday through Thursday,

typically, we are done by lunch time. After lunch, the boys are free to play. My 1st grader will usually nap or play outside. My Preschooler will entertain himself with a board game, puzzles or his cars.  The boys do their chores after dinner, before bed. 

On Fridays,

my 1st grader goes to a neighborhood enrichment program where he gets library, music, art, PE and computers. Next year, his brother will join him and I will get some planning time. This year, I use this time to work with my Preschooler and usually try to add a special activity to this day, since brother is gone until 3:30. 

And then, of course, there is always life mixed in there.

#3 – How has your homeschool changed since you implemented Minimalist Homeschooling?

Life is SO much better! I am a teacher by profession (pre-mom), and came into homeschooling with the typical classroom mindset. That failed miserably. Usually, if I find us struggling, it is because I’ve reverted back to bad habits and am trying to do too much.

My children retain more and fight me less when our days are simplified and focused. If I can let things go and really focus on what is important, I stress less and they are calmer.

I have found that we have adapted more of a learn through life mindset…even my husband is starting to “teach” during his interactions with the kids. It’s wonderful to see.

My boys ask more questions and are generally more curious. They are learning to learn through exploration… and they remember more! 

What do you think about Tracey’s simple, focused, and highly valuable day?  What resonated with you?  I’d love to start this conversation – just a few homeschooling moms chatting over coffee – in the comments below!

Wishing you all the simple things,
Zara

 

PS- If you’re curious about how to add more simple, focus, and value to your days, the Simple is the New Smart membership is open anytime.  That membership includes the book Minimalist Homeschooling, and so much more!  It is never a bad time to start getting control of your homeschool.  Nobody should have to wade through indecision, doubt, stress, or overwhelm alone!  I’m here to help.

PPS- We have a great facebook group filled with moms just like this – determined to gain MORE by doing LESS.  We’d love for you to join us and chat about your homeschool days. 🙂