I have been waiting for this video. I’m still lost on how you are getting all the actual book work done in only 3 days per week at home for such a short amount of time? We are doing 4 days and our work takes 4-5 hours per day with high schoolers and middle schoolers in the house. Also, how do you have time to make lunch or dinner, ever? I don’t think I could do so much in such a short amount of time!
We have four consistent days of book work, and one “bonus” fifth day every other week as far as time reserved during the day for school. My older ones know to work in pockets of time that they may have if they happen to fall behind, but that’s rare, save for instances of orthodontist appts, etc. They are able to complete their math and science (plus some government or economics, etc.) independently in the couple of hours they are given each morning (formerly afternoon) and then work with me daily on their language arts, logic, etc., but that doesn’t take very long each day. Family subjects are rotated so the full scope isn’t done daily. They are absolutely completing their work and doing so diligently. I adjust as I see fit, but they know to hop to it and get it done in order to maintain their outside interests, so that aids in keeping them on track and focused. We do a dance to where I am never without a student in front of me, and never without some working independently. Ten in the morning until two thirty or three o’clock each day is technically four and a half to five hours of intentional focus. As I mentioned in this scheduling video, my older kids are given time before AND after our Bible study to work on independent work so that they don’t lose that day, as well. And again, I reserve the afternoons on the Fridays when we have co-op in the morning for “catch up work” where it’s almost like a “tutoring hours” scenario and I can sit with anyone who needs assistance. Another mention that I made that may have been missed is that this is for term 1, the height of football and cheer season where practices are in the afternoon. Following the end of football in early November, they are able to continue working past 3 if they need more time. Hope this helps! Thorough answer because I’ve been getting this question a lot this summer, so I’m assuming they way we do things isn’t translating well the way I’m filming it, so I’m explaining here, and i pin your comment for people who may have the same question! Oh, also, editing to add the food question lol, I forgot - I mentioned this a lot last year, but I “pack lunches” so that I don’t have to stop to make a meal. I have a handful of those videos from last school year if that may be helpful.
@@RootedinRest thanks for responding! I think I missed the part about getting all your subjects done 4 days per week. For some reason, I thought you were saying 3.
Right, I was saying three days a week our schedule looks similar (10-12, 12-2:30, etc.) and the other days we are working around specific commitments, so I explained how we fit things around those events later in the video! Hope it clarifies!
I've gleaned so much wisdom from your channel- my oldest is in 6th this year and I've appreciated seeing how you transition your kids into more independent learning each year. I pray you have a wonderful year!
Thanks so much! I wrestle with the logistics and wanting to be done by 12 as well. Encouraged by your video to just let go and do what works best for our family.
Yay! Back to school week is my favorite on your channel! We started back to school here in our homeschool this week. All I can say is Wow, 5th grade feels like a big change for our schedule. Thank you for all your inspiration and encouragement!!
I love the idea of being super intentional “protecting weekends”❤️🙏🏽. I also love a once a month tea time, once again being intentional and stopping to pause with your family❤️. I’m such a seasonal girl & this is important in my homeschool and brings me joy🍂🍁!
Love hearing your thoughts about how you plan your days. It takes so much brain space for me to plan as well. Things are constantly changing with the kids' schedules and it really keeps me on my toes.
Thanks for the chance for the giveaway! Ive had Redefining school on my wishlist since you talked about them last year. Our school year is about to start and Im completely in planning mode and am making sure I stick to my plan more since we are being more consistent with adding in physical therapy and occupational therapy in our schedule at home since we are taking a step back from private therapies. Thanks for a great video!
I feel like the schedule changes every year but the family intention is the same. Work hard, play hard. So the challenging additions to the schedule are something we look forward to. As long as we don’t overload ourselves 😅
We enjoyed Redefining School classes a couple years ago, but stopped when they aged out of the courses offered. I have another middle schooler this year so I will need to check it out again!
I have 5 children in grades 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8 this year. First day of school was today.. about 3.5 hours for the older kids and 2.5 for the little ones. 🥴😮💨 That's actually the fastest we've ever been. Trying out more of a Charlotte Mason/Classical approach and a schedule more based on the Well Trained mind. I have high hopes!
Have had Redefining School on my radar for a little while, thanks to you. I may decide to do it (if we can get in) next year for my 2 older kids (4th and 6th this year). I haven't made any final decisions...not sure I'm willing to commit, but Mindy seems amazing!
This will be quite the year for us as well. It’s senior year for my oldest and 10th for my youngest!! It’s going so fast!!! Trying to savor the moments.
Thanks for sharing! My oldest will be a senior this year 😭 and will be doing the C.S. Lewis high school course, I’m so excited for it! Thanks for sharing!
We just call it “family basket” nothing groundbreaking over here lol. It’s so helpful to hear how you make your schedule work with all the extra curriculars thanks for sharing
The only curriculum I think I've found that we really enjoy... Homeschool in the woods history unit studies... Also Christian light reading is awesome. We are always trying out maths language arts and science. We use the Bible for Bible study so that is not changing.
@@RootedinRest my daughter is going to do the American Literature Survey and two of the writing courses! She did the sample at the end of the last school year and LOVED it!
My oldest just graduated, so this year will be different for us not having him at home with us during the day. I will have a 11th, 9th, and 7th grader this school year. To minimize stress for the late afternoons and evening it will be very important for us to stay focused on our schedule. I don’t like having a tight schedule, because it makes our day seem less intentional, and more like just checking the boxes. With that in mind I like to keep plenty of free time in our schedule, so our days feel relaxed.
@@ThisMamasHouse We don’t get home until 7:30 or 8 so for me I can’t start cooking at that point otherwise we would be eating at 8:3-9. It typically takes me an hour to make dinner. If we eat when we get home it’s something I can pull out of the fridge and heat up. Haha
I love our family time (family subjects). I will hold tight to it through high school. My oldest school age child is entering 8th grade. I need to look at adding Redefining School.
We live so far out that we don't consider sports yet. I have no idea how we will manage if my son shows interest. Adding travel time to an already packed schedule is daunting.
I don't think the rafflecoppter is working. It wont let me enter or even login. That's an awesome giveaway!! Writing is my weakest area so what a blessing that would be! I am currently working on our schedule and we will be starting at 10 as well.
I love this week on your channel! I have a 1 year old, 3rd grade daughter, 5th grade son, 8th grade daughter, and 11th grade son. (One college son) Not much different from yours!
Hi Abby, Thanks for sharing. Can you speak to how you fit Josie’s nap and bedtime into this schedule. I am expecting # 5 in Nov and have the same age spread as you (just a 2 years behind). I find evening the most stressful as there are so many moving pieces.
Josephine is not my best sleeper. Sound machines are our best friend when it comes to naps, since her naps are inconsistent. When she falls asleep we crank up the sound machines and just keep going with school. Thankfully our dance studio is less than 5 mins away, so the late night pick ups are done by John if I'm laying her down still.
Many of our afternoons are off limits for school also, makes for jam packed days! Did you use any type of curriculum or video lessons for watercolor painting with your kids?
For the first three weeks of term two we do fun holiday themed things, and then basically only enough math and science to keep up with their requirements. It's just three weeks so it's not too rough missing other subjects.
Nope, its kind of a "me" break, too, lol! Dentist appts, deep cleaning things that can't happen during school every day (hello, little girls' closet, lol!) etc.
![Summer Walker - Heart Of A Woman [Official Lyric Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/SFddctbZzw8/mqdefault.jpg)
I have been waiting for this video. I’m still lost on how you are getting all the actual book work done in only 3 days per week at home for such a short amount of time? We are doing 4 days and our work takes 4-5 hours per day with high schoolers and middle schoolers in the house. Also, how do you have time to make lunch or dinner, ever? I don’t think I could do so much in such a short amount of time!
We have four consistent days of book work, and one “bonus” fifth day every other week as far as time reserved during the day for school. My older ones know to work in pockets of time that they may have if they happen to fall behind, but that’s rare, save for instances of orthodontist appts, etc. They are able to complete their math and science (plus some government or economics, etc.) independently in the couple of hours they are given each morning (formerly afternoon) and then work with me daily on their language arts, logic, etc., but that doesn’t take very long each day. Family subjects are rotated so the full scope isn’t done daily. They are absolutely completing their work and doing so diligently. I adjust as I see fit, but they know to hop to it and get it done in order to maintain their outside interests, so that aids in keeping them on track and focused. We do a dance to where I am never without a student in front of me, and never without some working independently. Ten in the morning until two thirty or three o’clock each day is technically four and a half to five hours of intentional focus. As I mentioned in this scheduling video, my older kids are given time before AND after our Bible study to work on independent work so that they don’t lose that day, as well. And again, I reserve the afternoons on the Fridays when we have co-op in the morning for “catch up work” where it’s almost like a “tutoring hours” scenario and I can sit with anyone who needs assistance. Another mention that I made that may have been missed is that this is for term 1, the height of football and cheer season where practices are in the afternoon. Following the end of football in early November, they are able to continue working past 3 if they need more time.
Hope this helps! Thorough answer because I’ve been getting this question a lot this summer, so I’m assuming they way we do things isn’t translating well the way I’m filming it, so I’m explaining here, and i pin your comment for people who may have the same question!
Oh, also, editing to add the food question lol, I forgot - I mentioned this a lot last year, but I “pack lunches” so that I don’t have to stop to make a meal. I have a handful of those videos from last school year if that may be helpful.
@@RootedinRest thanks for responding! I think I missed the part about getting all your subjects done 4 days per week. For some reason, I thought you were saying 3.
Right, I was saying three days a week our schedule looks similar (10-12, 12-2:30, etc.) and the other days we are working around specific commitments, so I explained how we fit things around those events later in the video! Hope it clarifies!
I love that you are prioritizing breakfast because you know how evenings are. It will be such a blessing for your family.
I've gleaned so much wisdom from your channel- my oldest is in 6th this year and I've appreciated seeing how you transition your kids into more independent learning each year. I pray you have a wonderful year!
Thanks so much! I wrestle with the logistics and wanting to be done by 12 as well. Encouraged by your video to just let go and do what works best for our family.
I’ve never heard of Redefining School! Their middle school literature survey looks amazing!
I love that it's with a Christian worldview, too, it brings depth to the discussions!
Thank you so much for all of your guidance in our homeschool journey! I would've been so lost without your help.
💛
I appreciate the content for homeschool mom with older kids. Thank you!
Redefining school looks very good. I’d love to see more samples of the writing classes. Especially the high school course.
Yay! Back to school week is my favorite on your channel! We started back to school here in our homeschool this week. All I can say is Wow, 5th grade feels like a big change for our schedule. Thank you for all your inspiration and encouragement!!
I love the idea of being super intentional “protecting weekends”❤️🙏🏽. I also love a once a month tea time, once again being intentional and stopping to pause with your family❤️. I’m such a seasonal girl & this is important in my homeschool and brings me joy🍂🍁!
We love Redefining School! Praying you all have a great year!
Teaching writing can be so intimidating and time consuming. It’s always nice to be able to outsource some things that I’m not strong in.
I love this week!! I learn so much and usually end up taking away something to add to our homeschool.
Love hearing your thoughts about how you plan your days. It takes so much brain space for me to plan as well. Things are constantly changing with the kids' schedules and it really keeps me on my toes.
Thank you!
I would love to see a video about some of the breakfasts you end up making once you get into that good routine of a bigger breakfast in the morning. ❤
Redefining School! Their middle school literature studies look amazing!
Thank you! I have 5 kids and this is my second year homeschooling. Scheduling is so difficult. Thanks for sharing your family's experience and plan.
I reallllly want to give redefining school a try! It seems so good!!
Thank you for sharing! It’s always helpful to hear how other moms balance the day.
Thanks!
Love your back to school videos.
I wish the Redefining School high school courses weren’t closed. It sounds fantastic.
Excited for this giveaway! 🎉 I’m very interested in the creative writing & research writing for my oldest! ❤ Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing! And thank you to redefining school for the giveaway.
Love these videos ! Look forward to them every year !
Yay!
Love the video relating to homeschooling older kids, too!
Love all your videos ! Thanks for sharing
Thanks for showing us that school is totally possible despite all the crazy side activities!
Yess love this series, glad it’s back! 🎉
Thanks for always sharing great content! And what a wonderful giveaway!
Thanks for the chance for the giveaway! Ive had Redefining school on my wishlist since you talked about them last year. Our school year is about to start and Im completely in planning mode and am making sure I stick to my plan more since we are being more consistent with adding in physical therapy and occupational therapy in our schedule at home since we are taking a step back from private therapies. Thanks for a great video!
I always enjoy your back to school videos ❤
I feel like the schedule changes every year but the family intention is the same. Work hard, play hard. So the challenging additions to the schedule are something we look forward to. As long as we don’t overload ourselves 😅
We enjoyed Redefining School classes a couple years ago, but stopped when they aged out of the courses offered. I have another middle schooler this year so I will need to check it out again!
Looks like there is a lot of in depth information with the Redefining School and every Education that comes with it will be useful! Thanks Abbey!
We have seen the benefits 100%!
I have 5 children in grades 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8 this year. First day of school was today.. about 3.5 hours for the older kids and 2.5 for the little ones. 🥴😮💨 That's actually the fastest we've ever been. Trying out more of a Charlotte Mason/Classical approach and a schedule more based on the Well Trained mind. I have high hopes!
Love your back to school videos!
I might try family gather time after individual lessons also, instead of morning time. Thanks for sharing!
Have had Redefining School on my radar for a little while, thanks to you. I may decide to do it (if we can get in) next year for my 2 older kids (4th and 6th this year). I haven't made any final decisions...not sure I'm willing to commit, but Mindy seems amazing!
Always love your back to school week videos ❤
❤Thank you so much for sharing so many wonderful resources and helpful guidance❤
Our homeschool is always changing. I've yet to find curriculums that we love and stick with from year to year.
Always look forward to this week :)
This will be quite the year for us as well. It’s senior year for my oldest and 10th for my youngest!! It’s going so fast!!! Trying to savor the moments.
Thanks for sharing! My oldest will be a senior this year 😭 and will be doing the C.S. Lewis high school course, I’m so excited for it! Thanks for sharing!
I've had my eye on the Redefining School courses for awhile! Thank you for sharing!
It's so good!
We decided to give Redefining School a chance this year !
My middle schooler would benefit so much from the raffle
We just call it “family basket” nothing groundbreaking over here lol. It’s so helpful to hear how you make your schedule work with all the extra curriculars thanks for sharing
Haha I love it and didn't even think about that - stealing it!
Thank you for sharing and your dresses are always so cute!
The only curriculum I think I've found that we really enjoy... Homeschool in the woods history unit studies... Also Christian light reading is awesome.
We are always trying out maths language arts and science. We use the Bible for Bible study so that is not changing.
Looking forward to using Redefining School for the first time this year!
Great! What are you all going to use?
@@RootedinRest my daughter is going to do the American Literature Survey and two of the writing courses! She did the sample at the end of the last school year and LOVED it!
Would love to see how your tea party day goes!
My oldest just graduated, so this year will be different for us not having him at home with us during the day. I will have a 11th, 9th, and 7th grader this school year. To minimize stress for the late afternoons and evening it will be very important for us to stay focused on our schedule. I don’t like having a tight schedule, because it makes our day seem less intentional, and more like just checking the boxes. With that in mind I like to keep plenty of free time in our schedule, so our days feel relaxed.
I get that! Staying focused on the schedule is the only way to stay consistent for us!
Could you please do a video with the crock pot meals you usually make? Every recipe I find is usually not that healthy or tasteless.
Thanks, I'll add that in to my fall video schedule!
Late start for us as well! Chores in the morning, educate from 10-2 and then dinner by 4 in order to attend sports in the evening. 😅
I love it!!! Dinner at 4 is not an uncommon experience here, either 😅 whatever keeps us together 😂
I’ve been trying to navigate if we should eat dinner at 4 or at 730 😬
Same
We do the same!
@@ThisMamasHouse We don’t get home until 7:30 or 8 so for me I can’t start cooking at that point otherwise we would be eating at 8:3-9. It typically takes me an hour to make dinner. If we eat when we get home it’s something I can pull out of the fridge and heat up. Haha
Love the video!! Do the children do math and LA everyday?
I have been so interested in redefining school. Especially the writing classes not my favorite subject to teach.
I love our family time (family subjects). I will hold tight to it through high school. My oldest school age child is entering 8th grade. I need to look at adding Redefining School.
It's totally worth all of the scheduling gymnastics to make it happen!!!!
We live so far out that we don't consider sports yet. I have no idea how we will manage if my son shows interest. Adding travel time to an already packed schedule is daunting.
I relate!
If we did not live within 10 minutes of everything, it would certainly look much different for us!!! I get that!
How are your older kids able to get their English, Math and science finished in that 10-12 block before lunch time?
I don't think the rafflecoppter is working. It wont let me enter or even login.
That's an awesome giveaway!! Writing is my weakest area so what a blessing that would be!
I am currently working on our schedule and we will be starting at 10 as well.
Wanting to take another writing course from Mindy as Elements of writing was great! Probably creative writing 1.
Oh I'm glad you enjoyed it! She's so great.
I love this week on your channel! I have a 1 year old, 3rd grade daughter, 5th grade son, 8th grade daughter, and 11th grade son. (One college son) Not much different from yours!
Yes! So similar!!! It's funny potty training AND looking at colleges haha!
First video I watched here. Thanks for sharing. i will be back
Thanks for sharing! When do you stop and start terms 2 and 3?
Love your videos!
Where on the redefining school website can you sign up for emails? It’s probably right in front of my eyes and I’m missing it. 🤔🤷♀️😂
Hi Abby, Thanks for sharing. Can you speak to how you fit Josie’s nap and bedtime into this schedule. I am expecting # 5 in Nov and have the same age spread as you (just a 2 years behind). I find evening the most stressful as there are so many moving pieces.
Josephine is not my best sleeper. Sound machines are our best friend when it comes to naps, since her naps are inconsistent. When she falls asleep we crank up the sound machines and just keep going with school. Thankfully our dance studio is less than 5 mins away, so the late night pick ups are done by John if I'm laying her down still.
Thanks for sharing!
:)
2nd yr. of homeschooling but first for 2 kids.
Many of our afternoons are off limits for school also, makes for jam packed days! Did you use any type of curriculum or video lessons for watercolor painting with your kids?
We used the free lessons from Lets Make Art on RUclips!
@@RootedinRest thank you!
Curious how you do Christmas school? You said you do that as term 2. Do you do any regular book work?
For the first three weeks of term two we do fun holiday themed things, and then basically only enough math and science to keep up with their requirements. It's just three weeks so it's not too rough missing other subjects.
Maybe call it Family Basket!
Question for you , when you take a break with the little ones like in October do you still do you calendar time or morning basket ?
Nope, its kind of a "me" break, too, lol! Dentist appts, deep cleaning things that can't happen during school every day (hello, little girls' closet, lol!) etc.
How does your house not be a mess after school
We keep up with it throughout!
Hi! Can I ask where you got your dress?
Amazon!
@@RootedinRest would you mind linking? Thanks!
Yep! Here you go: amzn.to/3Ysplrk