School day too long? Check your times for each subject with the author!

Approximately how long should each subject take?

Great question! The Heart of Dakota message board lists approximate times for each subject in each of our guides. If your day is too long, these lists can help in pinpointing time stealers. Simply jot down the start and end times for each subject for a day or two in the guide you are using. Then, compare your times to the times provided in the links below to find your time stealers. You can see information for each of our guides in the board posts linked below!

• Little Hands to Heaven – Revival to Revolution – click here for suggested times
• Mission to Modern Marvels suggested times – click here for suggested times
• World Geography suggested times – click here for suggested times
• World History suggested times – click here for suggested times
• U.S. History I and U.S. History II – click here for suggested times

What do you do if a subject is consistently taking too long?

First, look over the plans for that subject. Ask yourself whether you are changing or adding to the subject in any way. Then, move toward doing it as written in the plans and resist the urge to add to the subject. The “Introduction” and the “Appendix” of the guide give additional helpful tips. Refer to the tips that pertain to the subject you are targeting.

Second, note whether the subject is coded as ‘I’ = Independent, ‘S’ = Semi-independent, or ‘T’ = Teacher Directed and then move toward doing the subject as coded in the plans.

Third, check whether your child needs additional help to do the subject as written. Then, do any training needed to help your child be more successful with that subject in the plans. This training can take time as you gradually move your child toward success.

Fourth, check to see if the subject is a weak area for your child. Plan to be available to help whenever your child is working on a weak area.

Do you enjoy following the clock, or do you prefer a less structured approach?

Either way, doing a time check periodically can help your days run more smoothly. See how your day compares to the times suggested for each subject in the links above. Then, follow the steps to pinpoint any time stealers. Try it, and see if your days improve!

Blessings,
Carrie

PS: Check out these other articles if your school day is running longer than you would like…

Have a Written Routine and Provide it to Your Child

Place Your Child in the Right Guide