Daily Routines

I follow more of a routine than a schedule, though we do try and start school up around 9:30...on a good day, so the morning is a little more timed out.  This is an ideal day, but some days are not, so I'm very flexible and get in what I can, always welcoming outings, hands on adventures, and positive social opportunities.

Morning:
7am--family scripture study and prayer
7:30am--breakfast and First Fives*
8:00am or so--Family work**
9:30 (or 10am)--school starts

Family lessons (read aloud together):
Language Lessons book
Story of the World

Snacks and Study time:
Reading (20 minutes on their own)
Math (Miquon Math and Teaching Textbooks)
Story of the World Activities (2x a week)
Science (Big Bag of Science, Apologia Science, nature study and journaling) 2x a week

Lunch, and finishing up:
Gratitude journals daily
Free Study Time (I encourage my kids to initiate learning on their own, and if they get lost in learning, that always takes priority over book work I have planned)

We're hopefully done by 2:00 or 3:00, and leave the afternoon to finish up chores and play.  Television isn't a part of our day, most of the time....though I do have one, with basic cable, and use Netflix or DVDs here and there. 

*First Fives:  Five things you need to do every morning:
1.  Morning personal prayer
2.  Get dressed (all the way so we're ready to go when we need to)
3.  Make your bed and clean up your room (I know it's two things, but the kids haven't noticed so I'm going with it)
4.  Brush your hair and teeth
5.  Have a grateful heart and happy smile
Instead of nagging the kids about each little thing, I printed up this list with cute little clip art, and hung it in each of their rooms.  I try to gently remind them about their First Fives, and set a deadline for 9:30am.

**Chores:
The kids are assigned two chores a day, Monday through Friday.  Chores are different each day to give variety, and the younger kids are assigned some of their chores with the older kids, to help each other.  Each child also gets a chance to be "Family Leader" for a week, and when it's their turn they get to go around and make sure everyone is on task and offer help when needed.  I was just so tired of nagging and following the kids around...this was a way for the kids to get leadership skills, and for me to get a break from the tediousness of chore time!