Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular for parents and kids alike. More parents are now choosing to teach their children at home rather than sending them to a school and those kids have special needs or have different learning abilities. However, when homeschooling, it can be difficult to decide on how much time should be spent on each subject.
In this article, we will cover the 15 most important questions to consider when deciding on homeschooling time per subject.
1. How much time is required for each educational subject?
The amount of time that should be spent on each educational subject varies depending on the child’s age, academic ability, and the type of material being covered. As a guideline, primary school children should spend around one hour per day per subject, rising to two hours by the end of their education. Secondary school children should spend around two hours per day per subject.
However, this may vary depending on the particular course the student is taking.
2. How much time should be spent on independent study?
Independent study is very important for homeschooling. It allows the student to practice their skills and consolidate their understanding of the material. This can also be beneficial for problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
As a guideline, primary school children should spend around 20 – 30 minutes per day on independent study while secondary school children should spend around 45 minutes – 1 hour per day.
3. How much time should be devoted to writing?
Writing is a great way to practice communication skills, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills. Both primary and secondary school children should spend around 30 minutes to an hour per day engaging in some form of writing. This could be anything from journaling to writing essays.
4. How much time should be spent on research and study?
Research and study are important activities that help children learn more in-depth facts and theories. Depending on the age, research and study activities should take up around 30 minutes to 1 hour per day. This can take the form of reading a book, watching a documentary, or exploring a virtual world.
5. How much time should be devoted to practical activities?
Practical activities are great for helping children discover new information and learn in a hands-on manner. For primary school children, practical activities should probably consume around 30 minutes to an hour per day while the same should apply to secondary school children.
This could include crafts, cooking, science experiments, or gardening.
6. How much time should be spent on physical activities?
Physical activities are beneficial for both physical health and mental wellbeing. Primary school children should participate in physical activity for about 30 minutes to an hour per day while secondary school children should ideally spend around 45 minutes to 5 hours per day.
Some good physical activities include dancing, running, jump rope, tag, and riding a bike.
7. How much time should be spent on artistic activities?
Artistic activities can be great for encouraging creativity and improving focus. Primary school children should spend around 15 – 20 minutes per day on artistic activities while secondary school children should spend around 30 – 45 minutes.
This could include anything from drawing and painting to playing a musical instrument.
8. How much time should be devoted to physical education?
Physical education is a great way to get children active and teach them the basics of exercise, nutrition, and healthy habits. Primary school children should spend around fifteen minutes per day engaging in physical activities while secondary school children should spend twenty to thirty minutes.
This would include activities such as basketball, football, or other sports.
9. How much time should be spent on learning a foreign language?
Learning a foreign language can be a great way to improve communication skills, explore different cultures, and increase problem-solving skills. Primary school and secondary school children should both spend around thirty minutes per day engaging in activities such as reading, writing, and listening in almost any foreign language.
10. How much time should be spent on social studies and history?
Social studies and history are two very important subjects to cover as they can help kids better understand the world in which they live. As a guideline, primary school children should engage in social studies and history activities for around an hour per day while secondary school children should spend around two hours per day. This could involve reading, writing, and researching.
11. How much time should be devoted to life skills lessons?
Life skills are vital skills that everyone should be aware of, no matter their educational level. Primary school children should spend around fifteen to twenty minutes per day on life skills activities while secondary school children should spend around thirty minutes to an hour.
This could involve learning about budgeting, first-aid, goal-setting, and much more.
12. How much time should be spent on technology lessons?
Since technology plays a large role in everyday life, it is important to teach children how to responsibly and effectively use it. Primary school children should spend about thirty minutes per day introducing them to technology, such as typing and navigating a computer.
Secondary school children should aim to spend around 45 minutes to an hour on technology lessons.
13. How much time should be devoted to religious studies?
If the student is being homeschooled by a parent or guardian of a particular faith, they may wish to include religious studies in their homeschooling schedule. Depending on the religion, this could involve reading, prayer, or attending ceremonies/services.
Most religions will recommend daily or weekly study times, so the amount of time should be allotted accordingly.
14. How much time should be spent on relaxation activities?
Relaxation activities are important in the homeschooling schedule as they help the child to stay mentally relaxed and refreshed. Both primary school and secondary school children should spend around five to ten minutes per day engaging in activities such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and more.
15. How much time should be spent on fun activities?
Fun activities are an essential part of homeschooling as they allow children to have fun and take a break from their studies. It is important to allot around fifteen minutes to an hour of fun time per day to promote relaxation and a sense of balance in the child’s life.
Conclusion
When deciding on how much time should be spent on each subject when homeschooling, it is ultimately up to the parents or guardians to decide. They should consider the age, academic ability, and type of material that the child is learning. Generally speaking, primary school children should spend about one to two hours per day on each educational subject, depending on the material.
Secondary school children should spend around two hours per day per subject. It is also important to include activities such as independent study, writing, research and study, physical activities, artistic activities, physical education, foreign language studies, social studies and history, life skills, and technology lessons.
Finally, fun activities and relaxation activities should also be allotted some time each day.