We have been doing formal "schoolwork" a bit more lately, so I decided it was time to post an update.
We have a daily schedule (no times, just a list) that we use about half of the time. It includes several times of "Sonlight - read books" (which are me reading aloud), handwriting, math, DS1 reading to me, a physical activity break between some of the seat/table work, and lots of play time. We also go to outside PE and dance/music classes for DS1. (DS2 was enrolled but has not participated... maybe next year.)
DS1 seems to particularly like using the list to go through things during the day. He gets to choose which Sonlight books we read, then we often have an "extra" non-SL book, too. Currently he is on a Geronimo Stilton kick.
Having the list helps me, too. I am planning on using the SL Instructor's Guide a bit more and have added a "Sonlight - Mom chooses" item to our list. I don't think we'll completely convert to using the Sonlight schedule (at least not in the near future), but adding a bit more structure is going well for everyone. DS2 is even sitting with us for reading sometimes, and he has done a little in his handwriting book (Pre-K HWT) and Developing the Early Learner.
Life around here was very unfocused for a while after Grandpa died. Adding the school day structure has helped stabilize us and give us focus.
It's great that you have a plan that's working well for you. It's hard to strike that balance between structure and freedom.
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