The Case For Following a Traditional School Schedule

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

12 Feb 2008 05:21 PM

I have to say that in homeschooling, there really are more options than just schooling year round or following a traditional school schedule. There's no law that says you can't school and take off December, January and February instead of summer months--it's really about what works best for the individual family. But obviously, with infinite possibility, I can't cover everything. Thus, here are a few benefits of following a traditional school schedule with summer break, winter break and spring break.

A Traditional Mentality

Sometimes we have a tendency to think of traditional as 'bad' but that's not how I mean it here. If you have children that have been in school, going from having two months off during the summer to schooling year round really might not incite the enthusiasm for school that you desire. Furthermore, because most children go to school, most community activities are organized assuming this schedule.

Mom Needs a Break

I know quite a few mothers who use August as the time to get ready for school. They too need a break and need to get time off from teaching. It's the time they use to purchase curriculum, pull stuff together, research topics and just evaluate and regroup before the year.

Socialization

There's that 's' word again. But the fact of the matter is, that if your child has friends from church, from the school he used to attend or from local community activities, chances are good that they are on a traditional school schedule. That means that they are available to hang out, and do stuff during the summer and on school breaks.

Special Programs

Many special programs run during the summer. In fact, my children go to camp, attend a gardening program (which counts as part of their science), and take swimming lessons all during the summer. Teens often work during the summer and our beloved outdoor sports (soccer and baseball) are also in late spring and summer. We just work around these, but it's certainly something to consider as you're planning your year.

A Final Thought

While I love schooling year round, I imagine that as my children get older and more capable of studying longer on given days, we will tend to follow a more traditional schedule. But remember that even if you don't do 'formal learning' in the summer, learning happens through living regular life! Your kids, with or without textbook, are still learning.

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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