Homeschool Tips: How to Reorganize a Failing Plan

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image (c) Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved

Have you been busy at homeschooling, but the schedule or plan you are using just isn't providing the results you want or need? Maybe your children's needs have changed or you are finding it hard to stick to your plan. If your homeschool day doesn't go the way you'd like it to, you'll need to change your schedule or plan. Some people don't have a schedule, such as unschoolers. That's fine, too, but there will still generally be some sort of plan. When all else fails, change it.

Look For Flaws

Take a look at the way you are doing things now. Figure out which things are not working as planned or needed. Write down all of those things so they can be re-planned later. Think about why each item is not going as you thought it would. Write down those reasons and think about what can be done to reverse the outcome.

What's Going Well?

Check your schedule or plan to see which things are going well. Even in a failed plan, there will be some things that do go well. Take note of these things by making a list. Go over them and think about what is making them work. Write down those things for hints on how to reverse the results of other parts of the plan that don't go right.

Are You Trying To Do Too Much?

When examining your plan, you may find you are simply trying to squeeze too much into each day. Try breaking up elective courses or extra learning into increments of less time or alternating days between them. It's fine to have plenty of electives and extra learning mixed in with what's required. But it's not okay to overwhelm the kids with too much work. Doing this might actually decrease what is learned. Find a balance that allows the kids to expand their horizons without pressuring them.

Is Learning Time Too Short?

On the other hand, if your school day is short and your child does not seem to be processing things correctly, you may need to add more time. A child who is struggling to learn may need more time to do lessons than one who is not. Also, each child is different. Some kids will learn a great deal in a short time. Yet others may need an entire day of school-related work. Examine your children individually to determine the appropriate amount of time for learning.

Remember that a Failed Plan Does Not Make You a Failure

Remember that just because you need to make some adjustments to your plan does not mean you have failed as a parent and home school teacher. Not every plan is going to be perfect and the same would be true regardless of whether your child is in home school or traditional school. Each child is different. Part of the blessing that comes with home school is that you can change the plan.

This can occur as often as needed to custom fit your child until you get the right one. Sometimes even the right one will change as time goes on and your child's needs change. The fact that you have noticed it needs adjusting does not make you a failure or symbolize that your child shouldn't be homeschooled. It actually is a sign that you are a good parent and home school teacher.


*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network