It's fairly accepted, and proven out by the hundreds of thousands of homeschool families, that you only need one hour of book work on average per day at first grade. Add 15-20 min/day for each year afterwards. The time obviously doesn't need to be continuous- sometimes an enthused kid will do all their math for the week in one day, or their geography or reading etc. That just confirms their brain and that curriculum get along great at that moment, thank God for those moments!
But yes, they can play (NOT ON THE COMPUTER) or build, deep dive into anything they're interested in, help their parents around the house, read or draw, start some plantings or pets or chickens or make something for fun and profit etc. Set some time up to watch historical videos, religious channels, music or art appreciation, language, get creative and expand everyone's horizons. How It's Made, Modern Marvels and other educational but fun programs are out there free, along with exercise programs! Training in martial arts, general fitness, and hey, we recently realized that the Presidential fitness programs were really good and kids (and adults) should be training to these goals!
It's fairly accepted, and proven out by the hundreds of thousands of homeschool families, that you only need one hour of book work on average per day at first grade. Add 15-20 min/day for each year afterwards. The time obviously doesn't need to be continuous- sometimes an enthused kid will do all their math for the week in one day, or their geography or reading etc. That just confirms their brain and that curriculum get along great at that moment, thank God for those moments!
But yes, they can play (NOT ON THE COMPUTER) or build, deep dive into anything they're interested in, help their parents around the house, read or draw, start some plantings or pets or chickens or make something for fun and profit etc. Set some time up to watch historical videos, religious channels, music or art appreciation, language, get creative and expand everyone's horizons. How It's Made, Modern Marvels and other educational but fun programs are out there free, along with exercise programs! Training in martial arts, general fitness, and hey, we recently realized that the Presidential fitness programs were really good and kids (and adults) should be training to these goals!