How to Schedule Your Homeschool Curriculum (3 Ways for 3 Kinds of Moms)

Every homeschool family is different—some thrive on structure, others crave flexibility, and some of us just need a simple way to keep the chaos at bay. Whether you're a seasoned planner or the kind of mom who flies by the seat of her denim jumper, there is a way to schedule your homeschool curriculum that works for you.

Let’s start with the genius method recently shared by @redbrickschoolhouse on Instagram. It’s a flexible yet structured approach that’s become a favorite in many homeschool homes:

1. The “Lesson Landmark” Schedule Method (Inspired by Red Brick Schoolhouse)

This method is perfect for the mom who wants structure without overwhelm.

How it works:

• Write the date you begin the course book at the top.

• Mark the 10th lesson with a date one month out.

• Mark the 20th lesson with a date two months out, and so on.

• As you go, check off each lesson completed (kids love this).

• Celebrate each unit finished—make it special with a treat or fun outing.

• Optional: Record the date you finish the course book.

  
  

Why it works:

✅ Takes just minutes to plan

✅ Helps you see your progress

✅ Allows for natural flexibility

✅ Encourages early completion

✅ Lets you "bank" time for trips, breaks, or sick days

✅ VISUAL progress boosts motivation

This is a low-fuss, high-reward way to pace your year. It’s perfect if you want to keep your eye on the big picture without locking yourself into a rigid daily plan.

2. The “Check-the-Box” Weekly Grid (For the Ultra-Organized Mom)

If you love spreadsheets, color-coded folders, and that crisp “start of the school year” feeling, this one’s for you.

How it works:

• Divide the curriculum into the number of weeks you plan to school (e.g. 36 weeks).

• Create a weekly checklist with boxes for each subject and lesson.

• Assign specific pages or lessons to each day/week.

• Use a printed planner or spreadsheet to keep track.

• Schedule in planned breaks, holidays, and buffer weeks for margin.

  
  

Why it works:

✅ Gives a crystal-clear plan for the entire year

✅ Keeps you on pace with little guesswork

✅ Perfect for co-op requirements or transcript needs

✅ Built-in accountability

This is the method for moms who want to stay on top of things and avoid the panic of falling behind. It’s especially helpful for families juggling multiple ages and outside commitments.

3. The “Progress as We Go” Tracker (For the Free-Spirited Mom)

Maybe you’re new to homeschooling—or maybe you’ve just realized life is too short for daily planner guilt. This simple method gives you freedom with a dash of direction.

How it works:

• Start the course when you're ready.

• Set a loose goal: “We’ll aim to finish by spring,” or “We’ll do 3 lessons per week.”

• Keep a sticky note or notebook where you jot down what you did that day.

• At the end of each month, review how much progress you’ve made and adjust your pace if needed.

• No pre-set dates, no fixed deadlines.

  
  

Why it works:

✅ Totally customizable

✅ Great for relaxed homeschoolers or interest-led learning

✅ No stress if life gets unpredictable

✅ Still lets you track and celebrate your progress

This method shines when flexibility is your top priority—especially with younger kids or big life transitions.

Which One is Right for You?

You might be a mix of these. Maybe you plan like a boss for your high schooler but go with the flow for your younger kids. That’s the beauty of homeschooling—you can adjust your approach by kid, by subject, and by season.

No matter your style, here’s the real secret: The best schedule is the one that gets used.

Don’t be afraid to experiment, adjust, and give yourself grace.

And whether you’re checking off boxes, hitting lesson landmarks, or just writing it all down as you go… you’re doing a great job.