I have the simplified kindergarten curriculum now what? How do I fit learning into the day? ……Scheduling.

The simplified kindergarten curriculum as included in previous post, gives you a general overview and reference point. Please note that if you want/need more details on the specifics in each subject area you can find them on the provided link https://thecanadianhomeschooler.com/ontario-elementary-level-curriculum-checklists/

How much time needs to be devoted to ‘school time’? First let’s ask a few questions:

  • How much time do you have to engage 1:1 with your child?
  • Are you working from home?
  • What is your routine or what are work expectations?
  • Do you have other small children at home that possibly nap?
  • When is your child the most relaxed?
  • When do they have more energy?
  • When do they typically get cranky?
  • What are their favourite activities or interests?
  • What are your expectations…do you expect your child to work independently?
  • How much time do you need your child to work independently?

Please, remember that the amount of actual subject learning that takes place in school is not 6 hours of intense engagement. In the best circumstances, (no behaviour distractions, no announcements, transition time between lessons/activities/lunch and washroom) actual learning takes place on about 2-3 hours, the rest is usually ‘padded transition time’.

Note although there are six main subject areas of learning, namely, Personal and Social Development, Language Arts, Math, Science, Arts and Health/Physical Education, they can be combined with a variety of learning activities. Also lease note that with the full day kindergarten programming we designate 30 – 45 minutes in both the morning and afternoon (sometimes it ends up being longer) to activity time for children to explore and interact on their own. During this time the teacher is usually working with children 1;1 or conducting a small group activity/lesson. So, if you are looking at optimum learning (and engage with minimum tension with your child), remembering children love routine, I’m offering the following sample ‘routine’ focusing on specific subjects: see the following chart PDF.

Bottom line remember that this is your home, you know your kids best and you probably have to juggle other responsibilities. Consistency is important BUT be flexible and fair to yourself and your kids.

I would also recommend working with another family and trading off days in facilitating and supervising. If all families make a pledge to each other to ensure that they keep their bubbles small, then you can safely allow these other children into your space. If you are working with other families maybe you want to limit your ‘school time to outside and in well ventilated open spaces like a garage, deck.

You might only want to have more structured days Monday to Thursday then make Friday a celebration or adventure day. These days families can come together or maybe the adults will take turns taking the lead on planning that day.

It is easier if you have children of the same or close grade levels working together. On the other hand, having older children in the mix, can help with supervision and ‘teaching’. The only issue with this is then programming for the older children needs to be accommodated.

Dazzle Challenge:

  • Have a family meeting and ask some of those questions listed above. Let the kids give you input as to when they would like to do various activities or start their day.
  • As a family commit to the schedule you arrive at and make a pledge/promise to keep to it. Set up rules (guide the kids in discussion through the ‘back door’) for example:
    • Speak and act respectfully (don’t guess, ask, be kind, be patient, listen)
    • Assume everyone is trying their best (if you question if this is happening try to see the issue from the other person’s point of view)
    • Try your best with a smile even if you don’t want to try…fake it ‘til you make it lol.

Quick Take Away Links:

I have the simplified kindergarten curriculum now what? How do I fit learning into the day? ……Scheduling.

The simplified kindergarten curriculum as included in previous post, gives you a general overview and reference point. Please note that if you want/need more details on the specifics in each subject area you can find them on the provided link https://thecanadianhomeschooler.com/ontario-elementary-level-curriculum-checklists/

How much time needs to be devoted to ‘school time’? First let’s ask a few questions:

  • How much time do you have to engage 1:1 with your child?
  • Are you working from home?
  • What is your routine or what are work expectations?
  • Do you have other small children at home that possibly nap?
  • When is your child the most relaxed?
  • When do they have more energy?
  • When do they typically get cranky?
  • What are their favourite activities or interests?
  • What are your expectations…do you expect your child to work independently?
  • How much time do you need your child to work independently?

Please, remember that the amount of actual subject learning that takes place in school is not 6 hours of intense engagement. In the best circumstances, (no behaviour distractions, no announcements, transition time between lessons/activities/lunch and washroom) actual learning takes place on about 2-3 hours, the rest is usually ‘padded transition time’.

Note although there are six main subject areas of learning, namely, Personal and Social Development, Language Arts, Math, Science, Arts and Health/Physical Education, they can be combined with a variety of learning activities. Also lease note that with the full day kindergarten programming we designate 30 – 45 minutes in both the morning and afternoon (sometimes it ends up being longer) to activity time for children to explore and interact on their own. During this time the teacher is usually working with children 1;1 or conducting a small group activity/lesson. So, if you are looking at optimum learning (and engage with minimum tension with your child), remembering children love routine, I’m offering the following sample ‘routine’ focusing on specific subjects: see the following chart PDF.

Sample Schedule

Bottom line remember that this is your home, you know your kids best and you probably have to juggle other responsibilities. Consistency is important BUT be flexible and fair to yourself and your kids.

I would also recommend working with another family and trading off days in facilitating and supervising. If all families make a pledge to each other to ensure that they keep their bubbles small, then you can safely allow these other children into your space. If you are working with other families maybe you want to limit your ‘school time to outside and in well ventilated open spaces like a garage, deck.

You might only want to have more structured days Monday to Thursday then make Friday a celebration or adventure day. These days families can come together or maybe the adults will take turns taking the lead on planning that day.

It is easier if you have children of the same or close grade levels working together. On the other hand, having older children in the mix, can help with supervision and ‘teaching’. The only issue with this is then programming for the older children needs to be accommodated.

Dazzle Challenge:

  • Have a family meeting and ask some of those questions listed above. Let the kids give you input as to when they would like to do various activities or start their day.
  • As a family commit to the schedule you arrive at and make a pledge/promise to keep to it. Set up rules (guide the kids in discussion through the ‘back door’) for example:
    • Speak and act respectfully (don’t guess, ask, be kind, be patient, listen)
    • Assume everyone is trying their best (if you question if this is happening try to see the issue from the other person’s point of view)
    • Try your best with a smile even if you don’t want to try…fake it ‘til you make it lol.

Quick Take Away Links: