Creating an academic homeschool calendar can help you organize lessons, track progress, and maintain a balanced schedule. Here’s a guide to help you set one up:
Set Your Yearly Goals
Define learning goals for each child based on their abilities, learning style, and specific needs (e.g., ADHD, SPD, APD).
Ensure goals align with state homeschooling requirements, if applicable.
Choose a Calendar Format
Traditional Academic Year (August/September – May/June): Follows a typical school schedule with summer off.
Year-Round Calendar: This calendar includes shorter, more frequent breaks spread throughout the year (e.g., six weeks on, one week off).
Custom Schedule: Tailor breaks and school days around family plans, extracurriculars, and your child’s needs (frequent breaks may benefit kids with ADHD or SPD).
Tip: If you choose a year-round schedule, 180 days of typical school would mathematically break down into three weeks of schooling and one week off each month.
Map Out Holidays and Breaks
This should include public holidays, family vacations, and rest periods for mental health or recovery from intense learning periods.
Divide Subjects and Topics by Term
Break down the curriculum into manageable units for each term or quarter. Focus on core subjects (math, science, reading) while integrating subjects like art and social skills, especially for students with language or sensory challenges.
Weekly/Daily Schedules
Block Scheduling: Focus on fewer subjects per day for longer blocks. This can help children with ADHD or APD who may struggle with rapid transitions.
Daily Rotations: Rotate through several subjects daily, with adjustments for attention spans and sensory needs.
Adjust for Flexibility
Allow flexibility for extra support, therapy appointments, or if your child needs more time for certain subjects due to processing disorders or language difficulties.
Build in days for catch-up or hands-on activities that promote movement and sensory engagement (helpful for kids with SPD or dyspraxia).
Plan Assessments and Reviews
Schedule regular assessments or reviews to track progress, but adapt these to your child’s comfort level (oral reviews for language difficulties or project-based assessments for children who struggle with written tests).
Extracurriculars and Life Skills
Include time for art, physical education, and life skills. This is especially beneficial for children with ODD, OCD, and other behavioral or cognitive differences.
Would you like help drafting a specific calendar or lesson plan tailored to your homeschooling setup?
