Can your homeschool run on autopilot?

I sure hope so. But if not, this is the place where you will receive tips on how you can help your homeschooler do their work more independently, so you can save time by having systems in place and create routines that your children can do when you’re unavailable.

A big reason why my homeschool virtually runs on autopilot when I'm not around is because I have developed an independent learning atmosphere in our homeschool. I’ve purposely been working my way out of the job as a teacher for years now, and have become more of a guidance counselor.

Yes, purposefully.

Because when they grow older, they will need to know how to complete a task to the fullest without always coming to the boss for help.

Now, I’m not saying that they will never need help, but what I am saying is that when they get older, they will not be able to put me into their pocket and ask me questions 24/7.

I want my kids to do their work purposefully; really care about it; do it neatly and as smoothly as possible. If they know how to face their problems and solve them on their own, they will become lifelong problem solvers.

To help solve the nagging questions during school, I have them look up the answers in the dictionary, and/or look it up in a book we have here at my home library.

Furthermore, I put systems in place for them to become independent learners, so that when I'm sick, they can focus and do their work on their own. When I can not be home, or when I'm out of town, our homeschool still runs virtually on autopilot. Well, life happens, but it runs pretty darn close!

To illustrate, when I am not home, I have them call or text me when they are done with each class and have them tell me what they learned. To simplify, I have them narrate to me over the phone. When my youngest child was little, instead of her calling me, she would complete her work with one of her older siblings.

When you've put some thoughtful time and effort into your kids to mold their character and to train their habits, it really makes the homeschool run more smoothly. You will be surprised at how your kids get their work done quicker and more efficiently.

It also depends on how old each child is. Expectations and awards are different for each child based on their personality, age, and their study skills/habits.

To keep my children motivated we have a saying in our home: “Work with a positive attitude even when the task becomes difficult.” This is meant to let them know to do their best work even on those tough days, to focus on what they can do, instead of what they might feel is impossible at that time.

I tell them there will be hills and valleys during their classes, and if a class is particularly hard that day, do your best. Eventually, the work they are doing in small steps builds, and eventually they’ll find themselves sailing down that virtual long and steep hill they were previously struggling to climb in the Granny Gear just a few days prior.

Okay, enough with the biking analogy! We really do live by this and most of the time during the rest of the class, they are working harder rather than complaining about the work.

The kids enjoy their learning; they have a goal to do their work with excellence. So when they know their schedule, have a routine/system that they've done time and time again, they can really get their work done and do it with excellence.

Let’s be real, this doesn't happen overnight. Getting kids used to a new system is not easy. Just like when letters were added to math you had to get used to it. Frankly I’m not, but it did get easier over time.

I have created a special system over the years and it really works for my family. My system helps me so that all I have to do is check in with them daily. It also allows me to gently oversee their studies and provide them guidance with a quick conversation.

Do you have a system in place for when you're sick or when you're away from home? I know that many homeschool parents work part time.

Maybe your homeschool doesn't quite run on autopilot, but what system do you have so that things are still getting done when you're not home in a timely manner so the work is done neatly and with excellence? What do you have there put in place for your homeschool?

If you are struggling with your schedule, and need some help, we can hop on a call together to talk through your obstacles.