A Day in the Life of Matthew - Homeschool Style

The question or comment I often get when I tell people we homeschool is usually something related to socialization (or the suggested lack).  Some people assume we stay home all day.  Some may think we are always goofing around and lessons don't really get done.  Some just don't understand what you even said to them so they may just quickly bridge the subject.  So, I decided to share with you about a day in the life of Matthew.  This day took place in late May.  It is a good example of an average day for us.  Thankfully though, some days are much less hectic.  Here it goes.  I hope you enjoy your day with Matthew!

8:00 am - 9:30 am
We were ready early for our day and at 8:00 AM we sat at the kitchen table with all of our books and lessons spread out.  We worked our way through each subject - math, language arts, Bible, Latin, spelling, and science (we have already finished our history curriculum for the year).  For each subject I taught Matthew the new concept or lesson for the day and assigned his independent work.

9:30 am - 10:00 am
We were off to the Hernando County Department of Education where I volunteer once a month to do portfolio reviews for other families who have chosen to homeschool.  During the car ride, Matthew finished reading a book that needed to go back to the library the next day.  It's an 800 page book and it is the last of a Trilogy he completely enjoyed, Brisingr.  Yes, he is only 11 years old.

10:00 am - 11:15 am
While I was in that meeting, Matthew sat quietly and completed all of his independent work for the day.  Amen!  It's only 11:15 and school work is done :)  That's typical that it takes us only about 3 hours from start to finish.

11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Now it's on to the fun stuff!  Matthew has his 1 hour guitar lesson that is conveniently just across the street.  Our awesome friend, Tim, teaches him.  Tim plays guitar in our worship band at church.  He has been a wonderful encouragement to Matthew.

12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
We are hungry!  It's time to grab a quick lunch at Chick-Fil-A.  Yum!  Matthew spends a little bit of time in the play area.  He is the oldest there (no surprise), so he helps the little tots get up and down the steps leading to the slide :)

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
It's time for art class!  Matthew is taking a drawing class with our most favorite art teacher, Becky Brooks.  She offers many different types of art classes to our homeschool group and community.  We love her :)

3:00 pm -6:00pm
Now, it's time to head back home.  During this time Matthew played with his legos, threw in a little Wii game time and we played a card game together.  He also did his chore for the day.  He vacuumed for me.  We had an early dinner because it was almost time to head to karate!

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Matthew is striking a pose here as he waits for his karate class to start.  He has his 2nd degree purple belt now.  We are so proud of him!

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
My karate class!  Yes, I am a Ninja Mama!  Matthew hangs out with some of the other kids while I'm in class.

8:30 pm - 9:00 pm
We drive home (including 2 friends that we take to/from karate).  Matthew and his friends are laughing, singing and joking around in the back seat.  I'm going through the list in my head of all I need to get done when I get home and hmmmm....what do we have going on tomorrow?

9:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Shower, brush teeth, prayers and bed!  Another busy day :)  Now, it's time for me to fold the laundry, catch up on e-mail and do a little reading.  Ahhhh, it's quiet.  Hubby should be home in about an hour :)

So, thoughts? Comments?  Does this answer any questions/concerns you may have about homeschooling?  Matthew has a pretty well rounded life.  Lessons, art, guitar, karate, time with friends, out and about, helping out at home.  I wouldn't trade it for anything!  When I ask Matthew if he wants to go to a school, he adamantly says NO!  We love our homeschool life!  Tell me about your life....