good homework schedule

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Forums Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• School Stuff
• Managing Time During School Years

How to Plan a Homework Schedule

Last Updated: June 28, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Ronitte Libedinsky, MS . Ronitte Libedinsky is an Academic Tutor and the Founder of Brighter Minds SF, a San Francisco, California based company that provides one-on-one and small group tutoring. Specializing in tutoring mathematics (pre-algebra, algebra I/II, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus) and science (chemistry, biology), Ronitte has over 12 years of experience tutoring to middle school, high school, and college students. She also tutors in SSAT, Terra Nova, HSPT, SAT, and ACT test prep. Ronitte holds a BS in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MS in Chemistry from Tel Aviv University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 93% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 482,207 times.

It feels like homework never stops getting piled on, and keeping track of it all can feel a little chaotic. That’s where a homework schedule comes in. With a good schedule, you won’t have to worry about missing homework assignments or not having enough time to finish them, and it’s surprisingly easy to put one together. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry—we’ll walk you through what to do step-by-step below!

Setting Up a Homework Schedule

Creating a Homework Space

Understanding What Needs To Get Done

• The subject or course in which the work is assigned (for example, Spanish , algebra , French or English )
• Know what you're expected to hand in or do and ask if you do not understand (for example, turn in an essay , develop a PowerPoint presentation, or take a test.)
• The details of your assignments (for example, double-spaced or single-spaced, blue ink or black).
• Page numbers (which pages you need to read, study, or refer to complete your assignment.)
• Due date of the assignment.

Getting All of Your Homework Done

• To solve this problem, if you cannot meet all the deadlines, use a static priority rate-monotonic policy. Find the course that releases new homework the most frequently, and list it the highest (do the work first), and so forth. This is mathematically optimal among all static-priority scheduling policies. In other words, if ANY static priority scheme can meet all the deadlines, the rate-monotonic static priority scheme will meet all the deadlines, too. When the static priority scheme misses deadlines, it is deterministic - the lowest priority class assignments will be skipped, so it behaves predictably when you are overloaded. If certain assignments have the same due date, then start with the one(s) that are hardest or will take the longest.

• If you have a five-page English paper due on Friday, evenly spread the total amount of hours you believe it is going to take to complete the paper between each day.
• If you have multiple assignments to complete in one night, it may be helpful to start with the most challenging on and leave the easier ones for later.
• Reader Poll: We asked 382 wikiHow readers about how they organize their schoolwork, and 48% of them said that they tackle the most difficult topics first, while they have the most energy . [Take Poll]

Homework Planner Template

Expert Q&A

Reader videos.

• Avoid distractions such as TV, video games, phone conversation, or surfing the internet. You must fully devote your schedule to doing this. That means turning off all electronics except your lamp , clock , and room light, and, if needed, your computer. You may even want to turn off your phone. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Try writing reminders on sticky-notes about your assignment due dates or important information you really need to remember. Put these sticky notes in a place you regularly go to in your house (such as your homework area, bedroom, or closet), so that you'll see them and be reminded.
• If you're having a really hard time concentrating, take a short break (even if it isn't your schedule break time). Even taking a walk outside for ten minutes or grabbing a quick snack from the kitchen can help you reset.
• If music with lyrics distracts you, don't try to listen to it while you do homework. Consider playing white noise or instrumental music instead to help you focus.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.wssd.k12.pa.us/SettingUpaHomeworkSchedule.aspx
• ↑ https://childmind.org/article/strategies-to-make-homework-go-more-smoothly/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
• ↑ Ronitte Libedinsky, MS. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 26 May 2020.
• ↑ https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/homework-study-skills/homework-strategies
• ↑ https://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/6-proven-ways-to-make-new-habits-stick.html
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/201203/how-prevent-procrastination

About This Article

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Sandu Getty

May 29, 2019

Did this article help you?

Syroaghina Beckumnbaineo

Oct 6, 2016

Mckenzie Adams

Sep 29, 2022

Ramji Srinivasan

Dec 21, 2016

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

• Setups & Tech
• iOS & Mac

Here’s the Best Study Routine (Day & Night with Sample Schedule)

Let’s face it: your search history is probably filled with queries like “best study techniques” or “how to focus better.” Most of what you find is either too generic or not tailored to your learning style. We’re here to offer something more substantial — a scientifically-backed guide to crafting the best study routine. Let’s dive in!

Looking for more study and focus tips? Subscribe to The Flow — our free quick, snappy, value-packed focus and recharge newsletter:

• First Name First

Table of Contents

How to Make a Study Routine

• Sample Study Routines (Day & Night)

Best Techniques for Your Study Routine

Creating an effective study routine isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Here’s a breakdown to help you tailor a study routine to your unique schedule and academic needs.

• Evaluate your schedule: Before building your study routine, closely examine your daily schedule and commitments. When do your classes start and end? Do you have any extracurricular activities? Do you have to work after class? By understanding your daily schedule, you can create a more personalized study routine.
• Set realistic goals: Have you ever told yourself that you’d finish reading 10 chapters of your textbook in a single all-nighter? You’re not alone in falling into this lie countless times. That’s why breaking down larger academic goals into smaller, achievable tasks is a must. You need to be able to set specific and realistic goals for each study session.
• Plan study blocks: After being honest with yourself about your goals, decide how many hours a day you would dedicate to studying. It could be as short or as long as you want — as long as you guarantee that you can maximize your study time. The quality of your learning is more important than the quantity or amount of hours you put into studying!
• Create a distraction-free environment: Spending 10 hours studying is useless if it’s broken up scrolling through social media. Because of this, it is important to minimize distractions during your study sessions. You can do this by finding a quiet, clutter-free space where you can concentrate fully. Turn off your phone and use website blockers like Cold Turkey to maximize productivity.
• Organize your study materials : A well-organized set of resources can save you time and stress. Check out our post on the best Notion templates for students for some inspiration.
• Prioritize sleep and schedule: Studying is important, but so is your physical health! Your cognitive abilities are directly linked to your wellbeing. Make sure you get enough sleep and fit in some physical activity to keep your mind sharp.
• Stay consistent: If you start committing to your planned study schedule as much as possible, it’ll eventually become second nature and make it quicker to dive into a state of deep focus every time.
• Be flexible: Life happens, and things don’t always go as planned — and that’s okay! It just means that your routine might need adjustments from time to time. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and learn to adapt to changes in your schedule. If you accidentally missed a study session, relax and just pick up where you left off.

Sample Study Routines to Follow

Morning & afternoon study routine.

If you’re an early riser who enjoys soaking up the morning sun, a daytime study routine is perfect for you. Studying in the morning has the added advantage of being in line with our natural body clock since alertness is at its peak in the morning and early afternoon.

Here’s a sample schedule that you can follow:

• 5:30 AM – 6:15 AM: Rise and shine! Kick-start your day with a healthy breakfast. You can also try to engage in a short meditation or stretching session to feel more awake.
• 6:15 AM – 6:30 AM: Grab a pen and paper or your digital notepad so that you can set your study goals for the day and specific tasks you need to accomplish.
• 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM: Time to exercise! You can do any form of physical activity, from light cardio (like walking) to lifting weights in the gym.
• 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM: First study block (or attend your classes). Start your timer: 25-minute study with a 5-minute break, repeat 4x, then a long break — or use a timer that automatically does it for you .
• 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Take an extended break. Stretch, grab a snack, and breathe some fresh air. Look away from your screen to minimize eye strain.
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Second study block (or attend your classes). Start your timer and finish another full Pomodoro session (25-minute study with a 5-minute break, repeat 4x, then a long break).
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch break! This is the perfect time to refuel your body with nourishing food and prep for your afternoon study session.
• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM : Third study block (or attend your classes). Don’t forget to use techniques like active recall and mind mapping (more on that below) to reinforce the concepts you learned in the morning.
• 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Time for another extended break. Why not walk to a nearby café for a change of scenery, or go to a virtual café ?
• 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Final study block (or attend your classes). Use this final session to consolidate your learning and list areas requiring further attention.
• 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Free time! Reward yourself by unwinding and relaxing after a productive day. Pursue your hobbies, spend time with friends and family, or watch a movie .
• 9:30 PM – 5:30 AM: Get a good night’s rest to feel fully recharged the next day!

Nighttime Study Routine

Not everyone is made for a daytime study routine. You might just feel more productive at night, or maybe you’ve got daytime commitments like a job or other extracurricular activities. If you’re a night owl and not an early riser, give this sample nighttime study routine a whirl:

• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Boost your energy with a late-day workout. This will help set your mood for your upcoming study session.
• 6:00 PM – 6:15 PM: Grab a pen and paper or your digital notepad to set your study goals for the night and specific tasks you need to accomplish.
• 6:15 PM – 8:15 PM: First study block. Start your timer and finish a full Pomodoro session (25-minute study with a 5-minute break, repeat 4x, then a long break). Try starting with lighter subjects first to ease yourself into the night.
• 8:15 PM – 9:00 PM: Dinner time! Have a nutritious meal to fuel yourself for the long night ahead.
• 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Second study block. Start your timer and finish another full Pomodoro session.
• 11:00 PM – 11:30 PM: Take an extended break. You can even take a power nap if you want to. Just make sure to set an alarm to avoid oversleeping!
• 11:30 PM – 1:30 AM: Third study block. Start your timer and finish another full Pomodoro session. Try switching to a different subject to keep things interesting!
• 1:30 AM – 2:00 AM: Relax and recharge for a while. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and have a light snack if you want to.
• 2:00 AM – 4:00 AM: Final study block. Review the material you studied during the whole night. Why not try to use the Feynman technique to test your learning? (check it out below)
• 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Go to bed and make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep. Make sure to turn off your devices and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Time to wake up! Sustain your body’s needs by eating your first meal of the day.
• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Free time! Ideally, you should engage in activities to help unwind and clear your mind. You should also eat your second meal of the day during this period.

With a general framework in place and some sample routines to try, let’s explore some scientifically-backed techniques to enhance your study routine.

Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time-tested and community favorite strategy that breaks your study time into 25 minute intervals, followed by short breaks. It helps your brain stay focused and reduces fatigue.

Luckily, you can use dedicated free Pomodoro-focused tools like Flocus to automatically switch between study and break periods instead of winding up a manual timer for each interval.

Don’t know what to do during your study breaks? Here are some Pomodoro break ideas . Also, if you think that the Pomodoro technique isn’t for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best Pomodoro alternatives to try.

Active Recall

Active recall beats passive learning hands down. Instead of simply reading through material, this method challenges you to recall information from memory. In fact, passive learning is considered one of the least effective study methods. Active recall may be challenging to get used to at first, but the amount of retained information you’ll get will make the process worth it! When it comes to active recall, nothing beats the use of flashcards — whether handwritten or created using digital apps such as Anki .

Mind Mapping

If you are visual person, then this strategy is perfect for you. Mind mapping is a visual technique that helps you organize and understand complex information. Basically, it’s creating a map of your thoughts! Start with a central idea and then let it branch out by adding related subtopics and ideas. Feel free to add colors and images to make it even more memorable and effective. Just the process of creating the mind map itself already helps you solidify your understanding of the topic.

Feynman Technique

This technique, inspired by the learning approach of renowned physicist Richard Feynman, involves breaking down complex ideas into simpler terms — as if you’re teaching a concept to a total beginner. While doing this, you’ll probably identify gaps in your knowledge and better understand the topic. Generally, if you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.

Ultimately, the best study routine is the one that fits your unique lifestyle. Experiment with different schedules and see what works best for you. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, consistency and dedication are the keys to academic success. Take time to craft your best study routine, and you’ll be acing your exams in no time!

What is the best study routine and schedule for you? Any other study techniques you want to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Gridfiti is supported by its audience – when you buy something using the retail links in our posts, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.  Read more  about our affiliate disclaimer.

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• 3rd Party Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

This website uses Google Analytics and BuySellAds to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

The Tech Edvocate

• Advertisement
• Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
• Home Page Four
• Home Page Three
• Home Page Two
• Icons [No Sidebar]
• Left Sidbear Page
• Lynch Educational Consulting
• My Speaking Page
• Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
• Newsletter Unsubscription
• Page Example
• Privacy Policy
• Protected Content
• Request a Product Review
• Shortcodes Examples
• Terms and Conditions
• The Edvocate
• The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
• Write For Us
• Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
• The Edvocate Podcast
• Assistive Technology
• Child Development Tech
• Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
• EdTech Futures
• EdTech News
• EdTech Policy & Reform
• EdTech Startups & Businesses
• Higher Education EdTech
• Online Learning & eLearning
• Parent & Family Tech
• Personalized Learning
• Product Reviews
• Tech Edvocate Awards
• School Ratings

Walmart’s multi-part Black Friday plans involve new surprise deals and extra early access for members

Amazon mgm studios, excel entertainment set ‘mirzapur’ film adaptation for 2026, instagram (and meta) throttle video quality as views go down, room temp chirality switching and detection in a helimagnetic mnau2 thin film, china box office: ‘venom: the last dance’ enjoys hollywood’s second-best launch of the year, how to watch the 2024 jiangxi open online for free, how to watch the 2024 hong kong open online for free, how to watch steelers vs. giants online for free, how to watch toronto maple leafs vs. winnipeg jets online for free, tokyo film festival chief ando hirayasu emphasizes international dialog, women’s empowerment, how to plan a homework schedule.

A well-organized homework schedule is the secret to academic success and a balanced lifestyle. Proper planning ensures that you have ample time for completing assignments, engaging in extracurricular activities, and spending quality time with family and friends. In this article, we discuss how to plan an effective homework schedule to help you stay on top of your schoolwork.

1. Assess your workload:

Begin by making a list of all your assignments, including their due dates and estimated time commitment. This allows you to have a clear understanding of how much work needs to be accomplished each week. Don’t forget to consider long-term projects and upcoming exams during this assessment.

2. Prioritize your tasks:

Once you have your complete list, prioritize tasks based on their deadline and overall importance. A prioritized list will help you manage your time efficiently, as you will know which tasks require more attention and which can be handled later.

3. Set realistic goals:

Consider the amount of work you can handle each day while still leaving enough time for extracurricular activities and relaxation. Setting realistic daily goals will prevent burnout and keep you motivated throughout the week.

4. Create a timetable:

Design a specific timetable for handling your homework, taking into consideration factors such as school hours, after-school activities, family commitments, and leisure time. Allocate time slots for each subject or task according to their priority level.

5. Break down larger tasks:

For sizable assignments or projects, divide them into smaller tasks that can be completed within shorter timeframes. This will make daunting projects more manageable and allow for steady progress during the week.

6. Stick to the schedule:

While creating a homework schedule is important, sticking to it strictly is just as crucial. Develop discipline by resisting distractions during your allocated study times and adhering to your timetable diligently.

7. Review your schedule regularly:

As new assignments are added or existing tasks are completed, revise your schedule accordingly. This will help you remain up to date with your workload and allow for adjustments in case of any unforeseen changes.

8. Find a study environment that works for you:

Identify a comfortable, quiet, and well-lit space that encourages productivity. Ensure you have all necessary resources such as textbooks, stationery, and electronic devices at hand to minimize distractions.

9. Seek assistance when needed:

If you find it challenging to keep up with your homework or have difficulty understanding certain concepts, don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers, classmates, or even tutors.

10. Reward yourself:

Celebrate small wins by treating yourself after completing tasks or reaching milestones in your schedule. This could be as simple as enjoying a snack break or watching an episode of your favorite TV show.

In conclusion, a well-planned homework schedule is essential for managing academic responsibilities effectively while ensuring a balanced lifestyle. By implementing these steps and adapting them to suit your unique needs, you’ll find it easier to stay on track with schoolwork and enjoy a smoother academic journey.

How to Build a Generator: 8 Steps

How to install skylights.

Matthew Lynch

Related articles more from author, how to lower crp (c-reactive protein), 6 simple ways to use apple health, 3 simple ways to charge an electric bike, how to make a worm farm, 10 ways to dump your boyfriend over text, 15 ways to be a good team leader.

SquareTrade Blog

6 Tips for a Homework & Studying Schedule That Actually Works

Waiting until the last minute to cram for a test or to write an essay isn’t just going to make your life more stressful. It’s also less likely to produce the results you want.

Studies have shown that the most effective way to retain new material is with spaced repetition . This means engaging with the concepts consistently over a longer span of time.

If you want to cut down on the all-nighters, try these six easy tips to create a homework and studying schedule that actually works.

1. Review Your Homework in Advance

First, set some time aside at the beginning of your semester or school term to look over your assignments. Make sure you understand:

• What each one entails
• How much time each task will take
• Its due date

Then, check to see if you need any additional resources. For example, you may need a library book to complete an assignment. Nothing will throw off your schedule more than sitting down at your desk only to find out that you don’t have what you need to do the work. Reviewing your assignments before they’re due will help with efficiency once you start working.

2. Make Your Schedule as Specific as Possible

Once you have a list of everything you need to do, turn it into a daily or weekly schedule. Decide which tasks you want to do first and when. Then, you can write it in a planner or use an Excel template to create a printable homework chart.

Avoid generalized terms like “study Spanish for two hours.” Otherwise, you’ll be tempted to fill the time with the easiest task that falls into that category.

Instead, list specific items like, “write book report” or “study flash cards.” This way, you know exactly what you need to do and are less likely to put it off.

3. Find Your Preferred Study Routine

Sometimes you have to do homework when you’re tired or aren’t feeling well, but that doesn’t mean you should totally ignore what your body’s telling you.

According to the latest research , multiple 40-minute study sessions can be more productive than three-hour chunks. Experiment with studying at different times of day and for varying lengths of time.

Take notes about which sessions were productive and which ones weren’t to help you figure out your ideal study routine.

4. Download a Studying App

There’s no denying that phones can be distracting while studying. But if you use them wisely they can be a lot of help.

Use flashcard apps to create your own flashcards and gamify your study experience. These apps help you study in small bits throughout the day plus you won’t have to carry physical flashcards around with you.

There are other apps to help you learn a language, practice math, or take better notes . You can also use a homework scheduling app and color-code your assignments by subject.

5. Create a Productive Workspace

Using the same workspace every day can help you stick to your homework schedule. Avoid distracting places like the living room or kitchen, and try not to work on your bed or in front of the TV. Even small things, like making sure your laptop is charged or putting on your favorite study playlist, can make a big difference in your productivity.

Ideally, you should set aside a desk in a quiet room that’s comfortable enough to sit at for a few hours at a time. The more you use it for studying, the more you’ll associate it with productivity and be in the right headspace to get work done.

For some tips on how to get started, check out our guide on how to create the perfect homework environment .

6. Ask for Help if You Need it

Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Even if you have a good grasp on the material, sometimes studying alone can be isolating.

From joining an online study group to hiring a professional tutor for your SATs, there are plenty of ways to get outside support. You can ask a friend or parent to check in on your progress or proofread your assignments before you submit them.

Whether you’re in middle school, high school, or college, homework never really goes away. But you can make it more manageable with these six helpful homework and studying schedule tips.

Related Stories

How To Use Password Managers To Keep Your Accounts Safe

7 Cordless Vacuum Cleaners for a Tidy Home

Spooky Season Guide to Decorating Outdoors for Halloween

Related posts.

Find the Phone Gadget That Fits Your Lifestyle

The BEST Homework Planner Every Student Needs (FREE PRINTABLE!)

This site contains affiliate links, view the disclosure for more information.

If you're organization obsessed or really trying to stay on top of your school work, this homework planner will change your life.

I have always been the type of person to get way overly stressed when I have a lot of assignments due so having a place to write out all my homework and come up with a game plan has been insanely helpful.

I mean... who wouldn't want to use this beautiful free homework planner printable?!

HOMEWORK PLANNER:

If you're anything like me, being organized about what you're doing makes you feel a million times better!

I'm a college student now, but these homework planner printables would work amazing for any grade level!

Every student learns differently (um even my sister and I have MAJORLY different studying approaches haha) so I included 3 different printables that you can choose from! 

I usually will start off with using the page on the far right in the image below and brain dump everything I have to get done. I will then take it to the Weekly Homework Tracker and write in which days I am doing everything.

Finally, I use the page on the far left below as a daily schedule and time-block when I do everything!

It's the best and makes me feel a million times more organized!

It's available in 3 different color ways WITH a black and white version (aka it won't suck up all your ink...you're welcome). 

You can download this FREE Homework Planner printable for yourself by clicking here.

Other Posts You May Like:

• Dorm Room Essentials for 2019
• What ACTUALLY Happens On College Move-In Day
• 5 Dorm Organizing Secrets Every College Student Should Know

These printables are for personal use ONLY. You may not alter them or redistribute without written consent from the author, Sophia Lee.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Where To Next?

26 Luxe Apartment Sofas Under $2000 You’ll Obsess Over

The Cutest Kitchen Runners On The Market Right Now

15+ Best Places To Buy Curtains 2023

College Apartment

14 Really Cute College Apartment Ideas You NEED To See

15 Sorority Rush Week Tips You Need To Know Before Recruitment | Sorority Recruitment Do’s And Don’ts

These Christmas Dorm Decor Ideas Will Make Your Room Look A Whole Lot More Festive

By Sophia Lee is a blog created by designer Sophia Lee in 2016. From her dorm room to million-dollar restorations, Sophia is sharing the lessons she’s learned in the home space.

Make Yourself At Home

Don’T Miss A Thing

Get Inspired on Pinterest

Binge Episodes on YouTube

Discover Hacks on TikTok

Join The Club

Stay inspired with weekly house renovation updates, our favorite home finds, and exclusive emails right in your inbox.

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

By Sophia Lee is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

• Apartment Packing List
• Apartment Kitchen Essentials List
• Apartment Organization Tips 
• Apartment Cleaning Tips
• Apartment Decor
• All Posts on Apartments
• Apartment Essentials
• All Posts on College
• Dorm Room Essentials 2024
• Dorm Room Organization Tips
• Dorm Room Cleaning Tips
• Graduation Party
• Home Organization Tips
• Home Cleaning Tips
• Gift Guides
• ‘Go Big Or Go Home’ House
• The Sophmore House
• All Reveals
• BSL Studios
• How To Start a Blog
• Perfecting Blogging Website
• Sophia’s Favorites
• Sophia’s Home
• Restorations

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

TheHomeSchoolMom

Homeschooling help and encouragement from experienced homeschoolers - find out how homeschooling works and how to start, get tips & ideas for when things need adjusting, read curriculum reviews before buying, learn how online schools work, gain confidence about homeschooling high school, and more.

• How To Homeschool
• Homeschool Curriculum
• Homeschool Co-ops & Groups
• Homeschool ID Card

How to Create a Homeschool Schedule (with 10 Sample Schedules & Template)

Jeanne faulconer, m.a..

As a homeschool evaluator in Virginia and a homeschool mom for 20 years, I've worked with hundreds of kids in families who have used all kinds of weekly homeschool schedules.

In this post, I will explain some of the many different types of homeschool schedules that families have successfully implemented, including examples and a template for you to use to create your own.

As you read over the many different ideas below, keep in mind that homeschoolers sometimes find families have to change their approach and their expectations or do things a different way. Adapting to what works best for your family is part of the wonderful flexibility of homeschooling.

Video: Homeschool Schedules Overview with Jeanne

Tips for creating a homeschool schedule, 10 example schedules & template printable, homeschool schedule faqs, the effective homeschool schedule.

Creating an effective weekly schedule can look different for each family. Some families have schedules that look like school schedules, but most families use the flexibility of homeschooling to create a weekly schedule that is customized for them. How do you make a homeschool schedule that works?

Here are some tips that will help you to avoid pitfalls as you create your family's schedule.

• Start with a broad view of your typical weekly and monthly activities. With a firm grasp of those basic commitments and the needs of your family in mind, you can develop a good plan for an effective homeschool schedule.
• Before you start thinking about your typical homeschool schedule for the week, put your weekly and monthly commitments and kids' activities on the calendar so you can take them into consideration. Then focus on a creating a basic homeschooling schedule for your week around the basic commitments and responsibilities.
• Include your household weekly/daily routine in the basic commitments you include on your calendar. You will need the cushion in your schedule for these non-homeschooling responsibilities.
• Evaluate whether consistency in your daily homeschool schedule is important to you. Some of the options result in each daily schedule being different, while others may look the same each day of the week.
• After deciding on the basic schedule that will work best for your family, keep your initial planning and work assignments to a month or less until you see how the schedule is working for you. If you need to switch gears, you haven't wasted time on schedules that will need to be reworked.
• Do not plan to start off in high gear. Doing too much, too fast, and for too long often results in burnout—your kids' and yours. Instead, invest in the process of deschooling before jumping into a new schedule with both feet.
• Consider starting with one academic subject at a time and adding in more over days or weeks. Many experienced homeschoolers even do this when transitioning to each new school year.

Here are some of the different schedules I have seen work to create a productive homeschooling week. I have included pros and cons for each type of homeschool schedule, and we've put together a free printable with sample homeschool schedules since seeing an example of each schedule type can be helpful.

The Traditional Five-Day Week Schedule

Pros: Works well with pre-planned curricula

Cons: Does not take advantage of the flexibility homeschooling offers

Yes, many follow a homeschool schedule that looks similar to a school schedule, doing five or more academic subjects each day for all five week-days. This can feel familiar, and many curricula make the assumption that this is the schedule you'll follow, so if you're big into pre-planning and use a formal curriculum, the five-day school week may be the schedule for you.

The Four-Day Week Schedule

Pros: Leaves a free day for other activities; the homeschool day closely matches the public school day of other neighborhood kids

Cons: May require adjusting pre-made lesson plans

Some families do traditional academics Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and leave the fifth day free. This often morphs into "Field Trip Fridays," either as families or members of the same homeschool group or co-op plan field trips for the end of the week. Even though some families may not take a field trip every Friday, they leave that day open for errands, appointments, library day, and a head start on weekend trips. Some curricula offer both four- and five-day plans, built right into their materials.

The One-Subject-a-Day Schedule

Pros: Allows more in-depth study and less time refocusing

Cons: May require review due to longer time between covering subject material

Other families divide their learning into traditional school subjects and address one subject each day. For example, they might do math on Mondays, English on Tuesdays, science on Wednesdays, social studies on Thursdays, and electives or "anything else" on Fridays (art, music, foreign language, etc.). The order  might vary from family to family, but the idea is to focus on one subject more thoroughly and in-depth on each day.

The One-Subject-a-Day- Plus Schedule

Pros: Allows more in-depth study and less time refocusing but allows for more repetition where needed

Cons:  May require review on less frequented subjects; some kids resist repetition of more frequented subjects

The parents and/or kids in families using this type of homeschool schedule like delving deeply into one subject per day, but they also want to do some of certain specific subjects every day. The "plus" is commonly math practice, memory work practice, and/or language arts, so they'll spend time  every  homeschooling day doing those added ("plus") things, followed by one other subject.

For example, on Mondays they might do math and spelling, followed by science. On Tuesdays they might do math and grammar, followed by history. On Wednesdays they might do math and writing, followed by geography. And so on.

For a younger child, the language arts portion might be a reading lesson or reading practice each day. For a child who wants to write or who needs practice, it might be writing each day.

Memory work, which is an approach some families might take for learning facts like state names and locations, multiplication tables, geologic time periods, or U.S. presidents, is obviously something that works better when revisited frequently.

In any case, homeschool parents using this kind of weekly homeschool schedule may have several things that are done daily because they are seen as the priority or because they are "practice-oriented," while they designate other subjects for each day to give time for real exploration. If science can take up more time on Tuesday instead of switching from subject to subject every 45 minutes to an hour, then you have time to watch a documentary, read a passage, and do an experiment, all related to the same scientific concept. You will be building a lot of context for that science learning all within the same day, making it easier for a child to make connections rather than shifting gears constantly.

The Co-op-Driven Schedule

Pros:  Helps families be more realistic about the amount of time a co-op commitment takes

Cons:  Can sometimes squeeze out time at home and relaxed learning opportunities

Some families belong to academic homeschool co-ops that meet on a regular schedule, commonly once per week. While some co-ops are self-contained, with the kids doing enrichment learning at co-op with no expected follow-up, other co-ops have the core academic subjects. Students are expected to do assignments at home and study for tests given by co-op teachers.

Parents will arrange their weekly schedules at home to help their children prepare for the coming classes at co-op. In my homeschooling life, I've been involved in Monday co-ops, Wednesday co-ops, and Thursday co-ops, some of which had homework expectations and some which did not, driven by the type of learning situation my kids wanted. If the co-op has the core academic classes a parent or child wants covered, then other academic interests that are independent of the co-op are also worked in around co-op homework, spread throughout the other days of the week.

The University-Model Schedule

Pros:  May cover all subjects with teachers who are experts in their fields

Cons:  Not a good fit for kids who are not traditionally academic or have poor executive function skills

In some states, there are university-model homeschool co-ops where classes meet twice a week, using the same type of scheduling you'd commonly find on college campuses. A student might attend four classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and have Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to complete homework at home. At other such co-ops, a child might be in the classroom four days a week, with a Monday/Wednesday set of classes and a Tuesday/Thursday set of classes.

Yes, this really does become somewhat more like a private school (and some private schools do operate this way), but in some cases, the kids really aren't there more than several hours per day and don't have access to the kind of comprehensive services that a school offers. Their education continues to be directed by their parents, and there is no official diploma awarded by the co-op.

Obviously, this kind of co-op has a lot of the same kind of scheduling and homework challenges that attending school has. On the other hand, it may give students access to teachers who are more expert in their fields or to a more structured type of learning that they want or that the parent is seeking.

These kinds of co-ops may sound like a dream come true for someone who has recently taken a child out of school in order to homeschool ("They cover all the subjects!"), but don't be fooled; using a co-op as a replacement for school does not always work well, especially immediately following withdrawing from school. Instead, consider deschooling first.

Some families use this kind of block scheduling at home without attending a University-Model school. Implementing this model at home is more flexible for students who are not working on the same grade level in all subjects and for families who like the block scheduling but don't want to (or can't) participate in a co-op.

The Shift-Work Schedule

Pros:  Can tag team homeschooling between parents; kids see more of their employed parent(s)

Cons:  Odd schedules can make sports, activities, and social time more difficult to arrange; hard to homeschool when neighbor kids want to play after their school

Some families have a parent who is working a more unusual shift or schedule, such as a hospital nurse or a firefighter who works three or four days on with three or four days off. Homeschooling can be coordinated to take place while  the parent is working -- if the other parent is an at-home parent doing the homeschooling. This way time off can be maximized with togetherness rather than worries about academics.

Another approach may be scheduling the academics purposely during the off shift. This way, in a two-parent family, both parents can participate in the homeschooling, or in a single-parent family, the homeschooling can take place during time off with child care covering the work hours.

You can definitely create a homeschool schedule that takes your work schedule into account.

The Extracurricular and Class-Driven Schedule

Pros:  Can increase commitment to specific priorities like sports or a special class

Cons:  Easy to over-schedule and leave too little time at home

In a large or busy family, extracurricular activities, sports, volunteering, and classes in the community go on the weekly schedule first. For example, the local science museum may be offering an eight-week class in archaeology on Tuesdays, and all three kids go for piano lessons on Thursdays, followed by library story hour. Fridays may be the day that your family volunteers at the animal shelter or at the food pantry.

Families who make liberal use of these kinds of resources work other academics around these outside activities. I have known many families who have found that their kids took off with Scouts and 4-H projects to the extent that they actually became a large part of their academic learning, so prioritizing them made sense.

Just as a matter of practicality, outside activities aren't going to bend to your personal schedule unless you are the organizer, so putting outside commitments on the calendar first is just a reality, especially as children get older.

Sometimes the "other things" on the calendar really do drive your homeschool schedule, and that's okay!

The What-We-Need-to-Do and What-We-Want-to-Do Schedule

Pros:  May help develop executive function, planning skills, and creativity if parent partners with child or teen

Cons:  May be easy to leave kids on their own without resources they need for their studies and projects

Families who use project-based homeschooling , interest-based homeschooling , unschooling , unit studies, and interdisciplinary homeschooling may not find school subjects or community activities to be the most compelling aspects of their weekly schedule. Instead, their homeschooling may revolve around where the project or interest or study leads . Their days of the week are organized around what they need and want to do to follow up on interests or projects.

That might mean a day at home to research and plan and make lists. This might be followed by a day out to shop for supplies and materials. Then a day at home to build and create the project, along with more list-making and research for another round of resource-gathering. There might need to be a day to visit with a mentor or go to the library for books, or a day to wait for help from Dad or Aunt Janie.

Homeschooling parents using one of these approaches may keep their weekly schedules fluid and ever-changing with each project, or they may have designated days that they know they will "stay home" or "be out," and they tack on what is needed for the week's learning to certain days. That way, material gathering will always be done on Tuesdays -- a designated "out" day, while kids can look forward to help and undisturbed time for working on projects on Wednesday -- a designated "home" day.

The Alternating Home/Out Schedule

Pros:  Balances time at home with time going to classes, sports, co-op, and errands

Cons: Outside activities may not fit your out days; packing so much into "out" days is challenging with babies and young children

In fact, many homeschooling families, especially those with young children, find that a mainstay of organizing their homeschool schedules is that alternating pattern of home- and out-days. A big day of errands, lessons, grocery shopping and volunteering needs to be followed by a slower paced home-based day to give everyone time to recover and have time for reading, playing, exploring, and helping with home maintenance. This may especially be true for people living where there are a lot  of activities available to homeschoolers, so they have to be careful not to over-schedule.

However, it can also be a wise rhythm for families who live in rural areas who have to drive long distances to activities: scheduling firm home days can be a relief from being in the car too much and valuing outside activities over home-based ones.

The home/out alternating schedule also provides relief for both your extroverted children and introverted children -- who can look forward to having time to recharge with the level of interaction that helps them function best.

How do I create a homeschool schedule?

• Put high priority weekly and monthly activities on a weekly schedule worksheet first—things like library days, homeschool co-op, music lessons, sports practices, and grocery day.
• Consider grouping some regular “out-of-the-house” activities on the same day. 
• Look at days without outside activities and the time between commitments.Those days and those blocks of time are the time you can help your child learn at home. 
• If you are using curriculum, space lessons out in the available time, leaving time for meals and breaks. If you are using an interest-led or project-based approach, you’ll want a more fluid schedule that includes time to gather resources or meet with mentors. 
• If shift work and employment are part of your picture, you’ll account for work schedules, so you can homeschool around work commitments. 

We have example schedules in this post for many different scenarios, and our free printable with example homeschool schedules includes blank worksheets you can customize with your activities.

How many hours a day should I spend homeschooling?

There are two factors when deciding how long to homeschool each day: what’s effective and what’s required . 

Most states do not have any required hours while a few states require homeschooling parents to log hours in writing. Homeschoolers in your state can give you tips for meeting requirements. If it’s not required in your state, you do not need to meet a certain number of hours “just in case,” and your homeschool day does not need to look like a school day. 

Remember, you aren’t teaching a large “class” of students, and your children are also learning when you are not actively teaching. You may formally work with a kindergartener or first grader for an hour, spread out during several parts of the day because of short attention spans. 

A six year old may have an attention span as short as eight to ten minutes! But lots of things count: following a recipe while cooking with Mom or Dad, listening to a bedtime story, watching a dinosaur documentary, gathering wild flowers and talking about how they need sun, earth, and rain to grow.

As kids grow older, homeschooling can expand to fill more hours of the day. Remember that insisting on completion of a lesson, chapter, or complete problem set may not be as effective as stopping after a certain amount of understanding or effort. You’re homeschooling—you can meet the needs of your child rather than your curriculum. 

How many days a week should I homeschool?

Homeschool for the number of days each week that creates a positive experience for you and your kids. 

Many curricula assume five days a week or have a second option for four days a week. However, you can spread lessons over more or fewer days depending on what works for your family. This may vary from year to year and even from child to child and subject to subject! 

Some homeschoolers homeschool year round and don’t worry about a certain number of days each week. Some homeschoolers do not separate “homeschooling days” from “non-homeschooling days,” since learning happens all the time. That five-day-a-week “schedule” originates with schools rather than families and may not apply to your family. That’s especially true if you’re using resources rather than a paced curriculum or if you are homeschooling through projects or your child’s interests. 

Check your state law to see if there are requirements for tracking hours or days of homeschooling, and learn how homeschoolers in your area meet the requirement. There is often more flexibility than you expect.

What does a homeschool day look like?

While many families start with a schedule planned to the clock, a flexible approach is to start with a rhythm or routine, often organized around meals, snacks, the baby’s naps, afternoon walks, or other “anchors” to the day you choose. This way, you and the children always know, after breakfast, you gather to read aloud and have “morning time” discussions. Then math. After math, a snack and time to walk the dog. Then a music listening activity or science documentary during lunch, and so on. 

Homeschool days vary so much depending on the ages of children in the family, how many outside activities they are involved in, and whether parents are employed outside the home. One family’s days may involve theater rehearsal twice a week at 1 pm. Another family may do farm chores before breakfast. 

While some parents structure their days so all homeschooling is done in one block, other parents may discover that after 45 minutes of concentration, the kids do better if they play outside for an hour and then resume homeschooling. If you could peek into the homes of a hundred different homeschooling families, you’d see a hundred different homeschool days, most looking not very much like school schedules. You can structure your homeschool day so it works for you and the kids. 

How do I loop a schedule for homeschooling?

To create a loop schedule, list all the homeschool subjects and activities you’re planning to do. Begin with the top item on the list, and then spend time each day working on “what’s next” on the list. 

If you get through three subjects on Monday, then on Tuesday, begin with the fourth subject on the list. Perhaps you get through just two things that day, so on Wednesday, start with the sixth item, and so on. When you get to the end of the list, loop back to the beginning, no matter what day it is.

You can have “repeats” in your list intentionally, so you hit those activities or lessons more often. You can also mix and match looping with one of the other approaches to scheduling. Commonly, parents might do math and language arts every day, but create a list of looped studies or practices for history, science, music, art and interest-led learning.

Looping might be activity-based rather than subject-based, too. Instead of listing English, math, science, history and so on, you might list activities such as read aloud, nature walk, handcraft/art, project time, etc.

You can fit “what’s next” on your looping list into specific hours of the day (which gives you a good stopping time each day), or you can keep your hours open ended so you stay with a project that is engaging the kids, knowing you can pick up on other priorities on a different day. Start with the next thing on your list! 

The truth is, most homeschooling parents have to consider many of these things in creating a strong homeschool schedule for their week.

They may participate in a co-op, have regularly scheduled outside activities, do shift work,  and  use a curriculum alongside interest-based learning and projects. Or, they may be unschoolers whose kids nonetheless participate in a co-op and a lot of community activities, service work, and time with mentors.

Everyone also has to figure in time for grocery shopping, meal preparation , laundry, home maintenance, and appointments, and many have to include part-time or full-time work.

An effective homeschool schedule takes these things into consideration, along with time for the student to do independent work and for the homeschooling parent(s) to take a break and pursue their own interests .

You might find some kind of weekly planner to be a useful tool in scheduling your homeschooling and as something you can post on the fridge to keep your whole family aware of the regularly occurring weekly events (TheHomeSchoolMom has a free homeschool planner here ).

In any case, thinking not only about your homeschool year but also your weekly homeschool schedule can be valuable in preparing for your upcoming season of homeschooling. Rest assured that not everyone follows a school pattern for their homeschool schedule, and you can flex your week to meet your family's needs—and your own.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Thank you for all this information. I have been a high school certified math teacher for over 20 years. I have also taught K-12 grade in various other subjects. I decided this year not to return to the classroom. I have been asked by a family member if I would consider homeschooling their 3 year old. I am considering this. The idea of homeschooling has always interested me but my hubby was not on board with it when our children were younger. I have learned a lot from your website but I am apprehensive about taking this on.

Do you have information or advice in regards to homeschooling someone else's child. What are some pros and cons?

Homeschooling someone else's child may or may not be legal in your state, so that's the first thing to figure out. And, it may be legal in some states when conducted by a certified teacher like you. This article, Can Somebody Homeschool My Kids? will have more relevant information for you.

Keep in mind that you may be able to "homeschool" a child before compulsory attendance age without any special laws coming into play other than those that may be in place for child care.

Best of luck, Jeanne

Wow! This is incredible. I'm homeschooling my 3rd child - my other two are homeschool graduates now. Even though I've been through this twice before - this is soo helpful! Child #3 has some medical issues so her schooling is a little more challenging. Thank you for sharing! You made my day!

It always helps to see examples of how various families are working out homeschool schedules, doesn't it? So glad you have found this helpful. Yes, even though you've been through it before, you're still revisiting the basic challenges of homeschooling, especially with those added medical issues.

Thanks for letting us know we made your day. That makes our day!

What about a 2 subject a day schedule? Monday to Friday, then Saturday Physical Education? What are the pros and cons? I was planning 2 hours a day, since I work from 1:30pm to 5:30pm so it would be from 6pm to 8pm. My son is 3 years old, he's very physical, easily distracted unless I put his hands on something, then he pay attention, hyper and speech delayed, taking speech/occupational therapy on mornings, I'm a book freak, I prefer planned things, checklists, organization, etc.

-What are the pros and cons of 2 subjects a day schedule? -Can I make it work for my boy needs (Speech delay, kinesthetic learner)? -Will we crash together as a textbooks freak, organized, schedule mom vs kinesthetic learner, hyper, speech delayed kid?

Two subjects a day will work if it works for YOU and for your CHILD. That is the most important aspect of any homeschool schedule.

The "cons" with a 3 year old are mainly related to attention span and developmental stage. I would expect most 3s to pay attention to an adult agenda for about 5 or 6 minutes with a break for 30 minutes to an hour for play. Yes, if you are trying to use textbooks and if you are inflexible about lesson times with a 3 yo, you may find challenges in making that work.

Many 3s are kinesthetic and easily distracted, which is developmentally appropriate for that stage, so it's not just your kiddo. For preschool (and honestly for a lot of kids well beyond that stage), I like to recommend that parents think of using a routine rather than a strict schedule, so that parent and child can have expectations about the ways their days usually progress—but without an inflexible schedule that is unrealistic for such young children.

Remember to claim the "book freak" aspect of yourself as your OWN without feeling it necessary to apply it to your 3 yo, who may or may not grow into the same proclivity you have!

And look for your child's responses to guide you in what is working. A young child who engages is showing you what works. A young child who resists is showing you what doesn't work. The goal of any routine or schedule should be to cultivate those moments of engage them and then "quit while you are ahead," before going on "too long" accidentally creates resistance. That's because with a 3, your primary goal should be helping them begin to love learning. Extra lessons that are taking place without engagement because of a "schedule" will create negative associations with learning.

Watch your child, not the clock!

Looking forward, Jeanne

Great article. Detailed and simplified for first time homeschoolers looking for schedule options to explore for their homeschool.

I'm glad you found the article helpful, Tiffany. There are so many ways to arrange homeschool days and weeks. That said, it seems like specific examples help newer homeschooling parents really comprehend the amount of flexibility they have.

Thanks for commenting! Jeanne

I'm making a few prints of some of the documents from the Master Planner pages. There is a Menu-To Do List-Chore Chart page that has B L D S labels and slots for entries. What's the S?

Hi Theresa - The S is for Snack.

I'm wondering how single/divorced parents work out a homeschool schedule. My children are old enough to be home alone while I work but aren't keeping up with the schedule I planned. The goal was that they'd work independently while I'm at work and I could pick up on more difficult lessons when I get home but that's more of a dream than reality. I don't have any family or friends who could "oversee" them and am having difficulty finding a sitter or tutor who would work 3-4 hrs a day to keep them on task. I'm not sure I can keep up with spending all my time after work and on weekends homeschooling without burning out pretty quickly. Any advice?

Hi Anonymous,

Sounds like your kids are old enough to be home alone, but not ready to be home alone and responsible for school work of the type you are expecting. I hear that your goal of them working at home and then you helping with difficult things at night is not working out.

It's pretty common for homeschooling not to work out the way people hope. Many people find they have to change their homeschooling approach and their expectations or do things a different way.

You don't say what type of homeschooling they are expected to do while you're gone, but it's really not unusual for kids not to be able to work independently, especially if a program is not engaging them.

My suggestions are to try something that is more engaging for them, that they want to work on while you are out. This could be a different approach to homeschooling altogether or a different curriculum.

You might also try flipping the timing - with them doing homeschool work in the evenings when you are home. They may gradually become more independent, partly in an effort to get their evenings more free - or they may really need the assistance to stay on task, which would not be unusual. Many people who work do indeed homeschool at night and on weekends to make things work.

You might also try finding another homeschooling parent who needs to earn extra money, who might be interested in having your kids several days a week and helping them with what they're learning. A university student might also be a good option, if you have a university near you. We have an article called Can Somebody Homeschool My Kids that explains some of the possibilities.

I would also suggest that you find and network with other employed parents who are homeschooling, so you get support and ideas about how they are working things out.

While many employed parents do make homeschooling work well, there are a lot of variables that can make it easier or harder in some families. Some kids are just compliant about doing expected work, or they so strongly desire to learn at home that they are willing to do it while a parent is away. However, many of us don't have those kids, and we have to find other ways to help them learn - a different schedule, a different program, a different setting, etc. Some people find they are able to take kids with them to the office or work part-time from home to make it work. Some check in using Facetime or Skype to help kids keep things on track.

When something isn't working, homeschoolers tweak and change to try out new ideas. Good luck in finding something that will work for your family!

I would say, maybe try giving them incentives to finish their work. Give them a schedule to follow, and as soon as they finish their core subjects, they can have a hour or two of free time (a movie/documentary, video games, or hobbies) and a snack. As soon as they are done they can check in with you (call or text) and you can give the okay for their free time. You can help them with whatever they had issues with when you get home. If they don't fulfill their responsibilities they lose privileges. If they do, then they maintain or gain privileges. If there is anyone who would be willing to give them a call or stop by to check on them, this can be helpful too, to hold them accountable. Maybe the other parent if he or she is still involved. I'm going to say a prayer for you right now. I'm sorry you are going through this difficult situation. I was a single mother of 4 once, so I understand. I pray that you will have a blessed homeschool journey and that you will find the resources and people who will support you along the way.

As I’m sitting here contemplating our 6th year.. can’t believe it’s been 6 years.. I’m considering how to adjust our schedule for the changes that inevitably come with growing kiddos. Your article was a huge relief for me to read. We do not only a 4 day week but have a field trip Friday! Also, I had never considered a subject per day. With the kids getting older the subjects become more in depth. This is my solution subject per day plus! Love it. Thank you so much for writing this article. Even though we have our RE we still stay ahead of the PS curve 🙂

Jen, the "one-subject-per-day-PLUS" is a really workable solution. Many people find they are "almost" doing it, but their brain hasn't quite freed up that idea that they could have Science Mondays, History Tuesdays, Art Wednesdays and so on - but do their math and language arts every day. I love how this option allows for deep dives.

And enjoy those Field Trip Fridays!

Well done! I have only been home schooling my kids for 5 years, but find this info to be on point with what I have observed. We do the 4 day method and reserve the 5th day for a co-op that does the fun, elective type stuff like art and gym. Next fall we are also looking at adding homeschool partnership classes...drums, piano, and swimming lessons. I get overwhelmed wondering how I will pack it all in, but every year can look different...so I know I can change it up if it gets go be too much. Anyway, thanks for the great article! I enjoyed reading it.

Glad you found the info to be on point. You are right that homeschooling changes from year-to-year. That's one reason why we want parents to be aware of the many ways they can schedule their weeks.

There are lots of great options for scheduling, and homeschoolers' schedules don't have to look like school schedules.

Good luck adding in the new activities. You'll find your rhythm!

I really love this article. You explain the different schedules so well. Thank you!

As featured on

Keep kids calm and on track.

Homework is something every student will eventually have to face and whether you’re 7 or 17, it can be a challenge making the time to get the work done. Some families have a policy that all homework must be complete before play time. Others allow a window of rest at home before tackling the books, but even with those structures in place, keeping track of assignments and forthcoming tests can be tricky. That’s why so many parents rely on the structure that study schedule templates can provide — so much so that Pinterest saw a 1600% increase in search for these types of templates this year.

A tool kids and parents can use together, a study schedule template allows you to keep tabs on all the many tasks your child need to complete. But because every school or homeschool set up is unique and every child learns differently, no one template will fit all learners. Fortunately, Etsy has a ton of options in all kinds of styles that can be printed at home.

For kids that need to look at completing homework in terms of goals, there’s a template for that. For others who need reminders to stay off their devices and focus on homework , there’s a template for that. There are even templates that include water break checks to ensure little scholars remember to stay hydrated. And the best part, you can use these study schedule templates together to check off completed assignments and help your children prepare for tests. Here’s the best of the bunch.

We only include products that have been independently selected by Romper's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

1 Remote Learning Study Schedule Template

If your child has opted for remote learning this year, you might want to consider this study schedule template designed specifically with distance learning in mind. The 18 page printable planner includes all kinds of important information, like a page just to write down passwords so no one has to stress — or run and find a parent — when they have to log into Seesaw or ABCMouse. A managing homework page spells out what students need to do including noting not just the due date but the time due to ensure they get the work done before the lesson begins.

2 Daily Study Schedule Template

For older kids that might need a little bit more structure, this is a great printable study schedule template. Not only does it give space to write out the due dates for assignments, it offers a space for a daily goal and objective, that way kids can remind themselves why they’re doing what they're doing. In addition, this planner comes with a mobile phone usage tracker to ensure that their device doesn’t eat up all of their study time. And to manage their free time or after school activities, there’s also an area to write down that day’s to dos, be it packing basketball clothes for practice or tuning up the violin for orchestra.

3 Minimalist Study Schedule Template

Color coordinating can really help young learners understand time management better. And for that there’s this study schedule template. Very simple and straight forward, this is a weekly breakdown of events by the hour. Using colored pens or pencils you can fill in time chunks, noting what each is for. For instance you might color in Monday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in purple and mark it as Reading Review. That way your child knows that every Monday after school, they need to review their reading, be it working on vowel sounds or finishing a chapter in a new story book.

4 Goal-Based Study Schedule Template

Want to personalize your child’s template a bit? This organizer can be printed in 8 different colors. So if you need one for multiple children, you can give them each their own color to help you keep track of what’s what. With a sleek design that’s easy to read, they can fill in their daily schedule then on the right hand side, keep track of things like their study hours goal and their actual time spent studying. By keeping an eye on this figure, you can review over a week or month and see how they’re doing in attempting to reach their goals for studying.

5 Class Tracker Study Schedule Template

Some students do better viewing their assignments by class and not by a calendar. For those kids, this class tracker study schedule is ideal. It includes space for five color coded classes then includes space to write out the name of the teacher, class location, how to reach a teacher, and then space to fill out assignments. Kids can then check off what they’ve completed to make sure they’re not missing any work. And if they do forget an assignment, they’ll have their teacher’s contact info at their finger tips so there can’t be any excuses for not tracking down what they were supposed to have done.

6 Kid-Friendly Study Schedule Template

Have a visual learner on your hands? Great. They too can find a helpful study schedule template. This one seems perfect for young visually inclined kids because it doesn’t just use words, it uses pictures to spell out assignments. At the top they can work on learning the days of the month by filling in the bubble for that date. They can circle a little image for the day’s weather then even circle a different happy or sad face to indicate how they’re feeling. As for keeping track of homework, this template simply uses Now, Soon, and Later as indicators of dates things are due. Those terms are a lot easier for young learners to understand and can help them prioritize work better.

7 Super Simple Study Schedule Template

Want something even more simple than that? This is just a weekly calendar that you can print at home. If the study schedule template is more for your own use than your child’s, you might just want to opt for this. With this guide you can print and reprint pages to put in your own three ring binder to review at your leisure. Without special sections to fill out, you can enjoy the freedom of documenting just the essentials like what homework your child has each week and how long they need to spend working on it — easy as that.

8 Exam and Study Schedule Template Bundle

If your child has entered the stage where test scores really matter and you want to help them prepare and keep track of their many classes without stressing out, you need this study schedule template that includes a 7 day plan to follow in advance of exams, as well as pages for daily homework. As any parent will tell their kids, having a plan makes all the difference and it can be a major way to mitigate anxiety. Sit down with this template and help your child layout a plan of attack for every big assignment or test and they’ll not just be a better student but likely a calmer one as well. This bundle comes with 35 templates.

9 Homeschool Study Schedule Template

Believe it or not, home school students have homework too. When it's time for some independent study, help your homeschooler put the right foot forward with this clean and crisp study schedule template they can easily follow. Void of hours or dates, it’s really just a chart they can fill in with the work they need to do each day. And because often work bleeds into the weekend, there’s room for that too here. Kids can fill this page out themselves or complete work a homeschool teacher assigns them then have it checked off each day to show the work has been completed.

10 Plan Timetable Study Schedule Template

Does your student need help keeping better track of the exact amount of time they spend on a given assignment? This study schedule template includes a graph filled with 5-minute increments of time. By filling in the box, they can keep tabs on how much time they spent to the minute on each and everything they work on after school. Why does this matter? This can be a great indicator of which subjects they might need more help on or which classes are demanding all of their time. From there, parents can help a student better manage their time or seek additional help or tutoring.

Get your child on the right track with homework by investing in one of these very affordable print at home study schedule templates.

Excited about your Back-To-School style? Enter Bustle x Pinterest Storm the Dorm Sweepstakes . Inspired by actor and incoming college freshman Storm Reid's wave-making personal style, this sweepstakes offers a chance to win one of five $1,000 gift cards to put toward expressing your own aesthetic through your dream bedroom.