Great Expectations

In establishing a new routine, expectations also get revamped a bit, and I like to write them out so there is no question.


About 8 months ago I did a thorough job of this and now I just jump on the computer and tweak and reprint as necessary.


For example, here is my Bible time expectation card:

Bible time

• Sing one chorus (kid choice) and one hymn (mom choice)
  
• Read daily verses in Bible
  
• Draw applicable stick figures
• Discuss applications -- what does this mean to us today?
  
• Recite memory work (verses and books of Bible)
  
• Read mission focus for the day
  
• Pray
• Read biography

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Here is the Desk work card:

Desk work

(9:30-12:00 and 1:15-2:15)

• Have the appropriate materials and tools
• Work without disturbing others
• Stay in your seat
  
• If you get stuck, reread the instructions
• Skip a task if necessary and go on
• Save questions for time with Mom
• Stay on task
• Work diligently as unto God

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We have other cards for desk work time, PE, piano, narrations, cleaning the school room.

These cards help by:

• Clarifying expectations
• Assuring nothing gets accidentally forgotten (like memory verses, for some reason I forgot to review them some days, but not any more!)
• Encouraging participation (we all know where we are headed, and I even include directives like "listen to instructions" and "encourage one another" on some cards where appropriate. It doesn't mean they will always do it, but the reminder is there for all of us to honor God in our schooling)
• Keeping us on task
• Giving us the framework to always come back to
• Giving us a common vision and goal

These have provided us with a solid framework for our homeschool day even when things may get off track, we know where to get back to.


These are a great help for me and the kids and have been such an asset to our homeschool day.

Enjoy more Thirsty Thursday.