Tips for Creating Fun & Flexible Daily Schedules

from Molly | Buffalo, NY

International Baccalaureate (IB) is an educational philosophy for students ages 3-18 that values student agency, inquiry-based learning, and intercultural understanding to inspire lifelong learners. The ideal IB classroom gives students ownership of their own schedule, with no blocked off times because all subjects areas are meant to be transdisciplinary and connected. The following tips are ways you can incorporate some of the IB principles into your own learning routine and rhythm at home:
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• Provide broad and flexible blocks of time by topic/subject/area of focus, rather than limiting yourself to specific 45-minute or 60-minute time limits. Doing this alleviates the pressure and anxiety that comes with having time constraints, and gives you and your child the freedom to learn at your own pace.
  
  
• If something takes longer than expected, let it! In my IB classrooms, I’ve seen 3 learning blocks in a row taken up by math or a Unit of Inquiry, all based on student interest.
  
  
• If something needs to be cut short, let it! Having an off day? We all need brain breaks now and then, especially during times like these. Don’t be afraid to end an activity, project or lesson early. Go outside, have a snack and some water, and reconvene when you and your child are feeling refreshed and ready to learn!
  
  
• Don’t be afraid to switch it up! Pay attention to your child’s needs and adjust the schedule accordingly. For example, if you find that you both aren’t “morning people,” maybe do a less mentally demanding task first thing in the morning, such as art, reading, or writing. If you both tend to be the most focused in the middle of the day after lunch, plan to do more demanding tasks during that time.
  
  
• Make it fun! Every class I’ve taught in, my students have loved the way I write my daily schedules with different types of fonts and text. It always excites them to see which new style I am going to write next, and I’ve had students practically begging for turns to write the schedule themselves in their own style! Give your child the marker or piece of chalk, and let them create the daily schedule by drawing pictures and experimenting with fun ways to write. This is such a small way to make the schedule more fun and make you both excited for a day of learning!

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