A Step-By-Step Guide to Helping Homeschool Students Become Independent Learners

This is Why We Homeschool

"This is why we homeschool." This is what we would often say when things didn't go as planned.

The kids slept in. This is why we homeschool. We went outside to play instead of finishing the math lessons. This is why we homeschool. The school work didn't get done. This is why we homeschool. You get the picture.

Now hear me out--there is some truth to that, and I'm all about impromptu play dates and taking advantage of a good night's rest when it is needed. The problem is when this becomes an excuse for constant inconsistency and poor habits. Without a homeschool rhythm and routine, it doesn't take much for disorder and chaos to follow, none of which are good for our children---or ourselves.

Bringing Order to Our Days

Our God has designed our world with order and seasons and rhythms that guide us along each month of the each year. We know what to expect. We know how to prepare. We know what comes next.

There's a sense of peace in that knowing.

For many of us, that order came from school. We had to get up at a certain time. We had to be at school at a certain time. We knew what to do when the bells rang and when we could eat lunch. We knew when to go to our extra-curricular activities, when to go home, and when to do our homework. We also knew when to go to bed in order to be ready to do it all over again the next day.

We got used to being told what to do, and in our efforts to break away from the system and give our children a better childhood, we've somehow stumbled into the other ditch--the one full of inconsistency and poor habits.

My Own Struggles

Homeschool Mama, I've been there.

When you're told what to do for most of your life, it can really be difficult to govern your self. I almost wanted someone to tell me what to do and how to do it because I didn't know how.

Homeschooling, however, is about walking in freedom and having the ability to choose what works best for our unique families. If you have a child with special needs, you may need to be more flexible. If you have a newborn, you may need to let it all go for a season. There are truly seasons where all order gets thrown to the wind.

Having something to come back to, however, can be the sweetest of gifts for you and your children.

Why We Need Rhythms and Routines

Children thrive on structure and order. Our nervous systems regulate better when there's a sense of rhythm to our days. Sure, it will take some time and not-so-peaceful moments to get everyone on the same page, but when you figure out a rhythm that works for you and your family, it will be so worth it.

Do the work now so that your children can begin to grow in independence and self-governance. Do the work now so that they will one day be equipped to establish order and rhythms for themselves.

Roll up your sleeves and do the work. There is no better time to start.

A Step-By Step Guide

Here are some general steps you can take to help your homeschool students become more independent learners.

Step 1: Bedtime Routines

Do your children know what to expect at bedtime? Do they have a consistent time to go to sleep? Establishing a bedtime routine can be so helpful to children. Not only will it help their Circadian rhythm settle in, it will also bring them a sense of comfort at night, knowing the process of it all.

Experts recommend turning off all screens at least 2 hours before bedtime to help the body produce melatonin and all the calming needed to fall asleep easily. If your child struggles further, you may consider switching out their lamp bulbs and using something without blue light. Other possible solutions may be to try chamomile tea or warm milk or flax milk about 30 minutes before bedtime.

If a bit more support is needed, consider trying "Magnesiusm Good Night Lotion" or an herbal tincture, such as "Sleepy Time" by Earthley, or Lavender and Sleep Essential Oils. Some children also do really well with a sound machine.

For a free printable with Good Night Routines, visit my Printable Library in Member Freebies. Search for the document titled "Morning and Night Routines." You'll find a variety of options, including blank versions.

Morning & Night Routines

Step 2: Morning Routines

Once bedtime routines are in order, morning routines can soon follow. Morning routines can include things like saying a morning prayer, getting dressed, brushing teeth and hair, making the bed, eating breakfast, taking vitamins, etc. Having a fairly consistent wake time can also help make things run more smoothly, so buying a gentle alarm such as this one for younger children or this one for older children may be helpful in learning independence.

We also used a Morning Routine Form (free in my Printable Library). Originally this form was put in a clear magnetic pocket on the refrigerator. The children would bubble in their progress with a dry erase marker. Later, I made a separate copy for each child and put it in a sheet protector on a clipboard. The children would then complete the routines independently and turn in their clipboards as a "ticket" for breakfast. In the evening, I would flip the form to the Good Night Routines and have them complete them before a bedtime story.

Watch the video in this post for more guidance on Setting Up Morning Routines or download the free printable "Morning and Night Routines" in my Printable Library in Member Freebies.

Step 3: Daily Homeschool Rhythms

All children thrive with order, and giving them a visual of their day can be very motivating for them. We used Activity Cards to set the stage for our homeschool days. Each of the cards was laminated. I then added magnetic strips to the back of each card and put them up on the refrigerator. (Another option would be to hang a string on the wall and clip each of the cards to the string.)

I tried putting specific times on each card but later found it more helpful to just write in the amount of time I wanted to spend on each activity. I would then use a large timer to guide us along. When the timer rang, we would finish up our activity, then remove the card from the fridge. We would then look to see what came next. I would put up cards for breaks, field trips, and outdoor time, so it kept the children motivated throughout our homeschool day.

You can find these cards, along with blank versions, in my free Printable Library. Search for "Agenda Cards."

Activity Cards with time limits.

Step 4: Using a Homeschool Schedule/Agenda

As the children get older, you may opt for a posted homeschool schedule or agenda. This could just be a list of subjects in the order that you would like to complete them, or you can opt to complete them in any order you choose throughout the day. You may also opt to do time blocks, or you may choose to keep a specific schedule.

Simply laminate your schedule and establish your expectations with your children. Then track your progress throughout the day. I have a bit more guidance on this topic in this blog post: How to Set Up a Daily Homeschool or Routine. You can find this blank form in my free Printable Library as well.

Homeschool Schedule

Step 5: Integrate Student Planners

When you have multiple children doing school, organizing your homeschool day will require a bit more preparation. You will need to determine if your children will each work independently on all of their subjects or if you will divide the work load into Group Studies and Independent Studies.

Group Studies, sometimes called "Morning Time," can include Bible devotionals, read alouds, art, music, science, history, memory work, etc. Determine what you would like to cover as a group, then utilize the Activity Cards or posted schedule above for your group time together.

For Independent Studies, make a list of subjects for each student that will be done independently, such as reading, writing, math, etc.

List all of the subjects on a Student Planning Sheet or create a Student Planner to include daily variations as needed. For example, you may add typing or word puzzles on certain days of the week and include extra-curriular activities or appointments.

Homeschool Student Planners can later include monthly calendars, along with reflection and planning pages that can be used for goal-setting and tracking. As they take on more responsibility for their education and personal growth, they will be better equipped with the skills they need for independence and self-governance.

This is Why We Homeschool

Homeschooling is about more than academics. It is an opportunity to share life with our children and prepare them for what is to come. Teaching our children how to manage their time well and equipping them with the tools and skills they need is an important part of it all.

Are you ready to get started with Homeschool Student Planners?

Homeschool Student Planners are now available in my shop! This PDF document includes everything you need to help your children grow in independence and confidence. With multiple layouts and a gentle progression, it provides all of the planning tools your child will ever need from elementary to high school and beyond. Find out more or purchase here.

Do you have any questions? Share them below.