My Matrix

Now that we know the importance of a schedule and the need for flexibility in making one of our own, let’s consider how we go about preparing one that works for our family.

I’ve talked a lot about the schedules and programmes that the P.U.S. schools used. I think it is worthwhile to really study these.

Every year things change, your children change forms, you add another piece of the CM puzzle to your schedule, another child becomes old enough to officially be schooled, so it’s important to go back to the true foundation each year as you begin making your schedule.

(Click on any of the images to look more closely.)

After years of studying all of this myself, I created a matrix of subjects based on both the PUS schedules and programmes. I needed a more orderly look at what the students were doing, and found that by re-ordering the schedules I was able to see so much more.  (Click here to print it out or save for your own use as you work on your own schedule.)

If a subject was on the PUS schedule, then I marked how long the schedule noted. If it was not on the schedule, but it was listed on the programmes, then I marked it with “yes”. Sometimes I marked “afternoon” if it was noted to be done during that hour before tea time.

This way, I am able to see clearly what all forms have in common. What subjects ALL students were doing, and therefore, what subjects I might be able to combine:

• Bible and hymn
• Much of the language arts: copywork, poetry, some literature, and memorization
• Shakespeare
• Foreign language (if your children are at the same level)
• Nature Study
• Some geography
• Some history
• Folksong
• Picture Study
• Drawing/Painting
• Handicraft
• Drill or Dancing
• Singing
• Music Appreciation

There are other subjects that a Form I (1-3 grade) child would not do, but the rest might be able to do together:

• Composition (written and oral)
• Grammar
• Other foreign languages and Latin (again if they are at the same level)
• Maybe math, particularly mental math
• More history
• Plutarch/Citizenship

Remember that a Form I student should be done earlier that the others, and even more so if you have them do some of their scheduled morning activities in the afternoons with your other children, such as handicrafts.

• More foreign language
• Botany
• Upper level sciences
• Current events

And there are a few other things here and there:

• Dictation
• Natural history
• Some science
• Map quizzes
• Some history

This is all very reassuring to a mom who is trying to school several children. Overlapping is possible. It is not necessary to have your children all doing completely separate work.

Related:
Preparing a CM Schedule Main Page