Schedule & Reward: The Best Way to Pace Homeschooling

A Seton student once decided that she was going to read what she wanted to read and put her regular school work to the side.

Two years later, she suddenly woke up to the fact that colleges were going to want a graduation date on her transcript! Her next year and a half were spent catching up on three years of work.

Needless to say, she didn’t have much of a life during this period and she still graduated a bit late in spite of her efforts.

This is not a recommended course of action!

Seton does demand a fair amount of work in the curriculum, but even so, there should still be time left for other pursuits: art, music, sports or other healthy activities.

What students must guard against is the temptation to place these other things first, thereby neglecting the daily grind of intense study.

Resist this temptation! No matter what sort of life is led after schooling, it is necessary to discipline one’s own wayward inclinations in order to perform the duties of one’s state in life.

Business deadlines, the needs of an ailing child, or religious obligations cannot simply be set aside to gratify a wish for recreation.

On the other hand, it is necessary to get away from the studies a bit now and again to refresh your intellectual focus. Part of forming good habits of self-discipline is learning to include an appropriate schedule of vacation from the books.

Strive always to maintain a good balance, but never, ever, allow yourself to neglect any part of your duty as a student!

As you enter into what is most likely your second month of the academic year, take some time to look honestly at how you’ve been organizing your schedule so far. What are your priorities? Could you be focusing a little better?

Challenge yourself to commit more fully to your academics, and look at recreation as a reward for serious study.