One of the smartest things you can do with setting up your homeschool flow is to start with the breaks, vacations, down-time, rewards.

Think for a little bit on what made you the happiest when you got time off from school. Which days were your favorite days? What did you love to do to help blow off steam after a tough semester?

Think about the seasons...

Fall - Beautiful fall days....nice moments outside, hikes through the woods, pumpkin patches, bonfires.

Winter - Snow days, Hot Cocoa by the fire, Holidays with family, traditions, lights in the house, indoor games and activities.

Spring - garden planting, afternoon picnics, days at the park, kayaking along the river.

Summer - Beach vacations, swimming at the pool, lazy days, garden parties, harvesting veggies, farmers markets, camping outside

What made you feel better after a rough day of work?

Going out for ice cream, a lunch at the local cafe, a trip to the library, an art class, having a party with friends, jumping at a trampoline park, book store with a nice mocha....

Or what helped you feel accomplished after finishing a large project:

Posting it up on the wall, getting a prize out of a prize box, having a pizza night, giving away your craft to a needy neighbor...

Take some time to think through a list of things you plan to do when school needs a break or reward. Work with your calendar so you can add in these days when needed.

On your yearly calendar, plan in any weeklong vacations or family requirements for holidays.

Then back track to your start time...and stay flex! Start each day well but if it's rainy and dreary and you just want to cozy up and read for the afternoon with a cup of tea....DO IT!