Have you ever considered a 4-day homeschool week?

Over the past few years, I’ve experimented with a number of homeschool schedules. After some trial and error, I have completely embraced a year-round, Sabbath week, 4-day homeschool calendar. This means that we:

• homeschool year-round (even in the summer)
• we have every 7th week off
• we take one day off per week

I want to specifically highlight the tremendous benefits of a 4-day homeschool week.

photo credit: © depositphotos.com / AntonMatyukha

As I mentioned previously, there are some fabulous benefits to having a 4-day homeschool week. Here are a few of the main advantages of this type of schedule.

A break in the middle of the week

I love that we can have a break in our week to rest and recharge. If our commitments for the week are minimal, we take our day off on Wednesdays. I love schooling for 2 days, taking a day off, schooling for two more days, and then resting for the weekend.

A day for appointments

The day off during the week gives us a flex day for dental and medical appointments.

Long weekends

Sometimes I switch our day off to fall on a Monday or a Friday. This gives us a long weekend and is especially helpful if we’re planning a small getaway. It’s also nice to piggyback our day off on an already scheduled long weekend, so that we can have an extra-long weekendt!

Catch up on chores

The extra day in the week is a wonderful way to catch up on chores or errands that may otherwise be pushed aside because we’re so busy with homeschooling. We may get the groceries, declutter a closet, or deep-clean the playroom on our scheduled day off.

Field trips

The 4-day homeschool week is also beneficial in providing us the time needed to go on special field trips and outings.

Planning

By having a 4-day homeschool week, I have less curriculum to plan for on a weekly basis. Also, if it’s necessary, I can use the extra day to gather materials and prep homeschooling lessons.

I will sometimes use the day off to do homeschool planning for upcoming weeks.

Self-care for the homeschool parent

Self-care is important for every parent, especially the homeschooler. A day off during the week gives the homeschool parent a day in their schedule to take care of themselves.

For example, every second week, I drop off my girls at their grandparents’ house and I meet up with a group of ladies from my church for Bible study. This break in my schedule nourishes my mind and soul.

Have you tried a 4-day homeschool week?

As you can see, there are many benefits to having a 4-day homeschool week. This type of schedule gives ample opportunity to catch up on work, to rest, and plan.

So what about you? Have you tried a 4-day homeschool week?

Jennifer Bly

Author of My Kitchen, My Classroom: An Introduction to Homeschool and creator of The Deliberate Mom. Jennifer writes about parenting, homeschooling, her faith, and life with her husband and two girls. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration Degree with a specialization in Early Learning in Child Care.