Creating Consistency and Priorities: A Day in the Life Series - Weekend Edition

 

Posted on March 31st, 2025 by Makenzie Oliver

As we step into a new season of growth and productivity, I am beyond excited to launch our Day in the Life Series. This series is all about creating consistency, setting priorities, and establishing thematic days that align with our responsibilities as teachers, parents, micro-school builders, and homeschool hybrid program leaders.

We have been blessed with the incredible opportunity to shape young minds and build educational experiences that truly matter. But how do we manage our time effectively while juggling multiple roles? How do we ensure that we are fully present in our personal and professional lives without feeling overwhelmed? That’s exactly what this series is designed to help with!

The Power of Scheduling: From Public School to Micro-School Mastery

Time management looks different when you’re no longer bound by a traditional school schedule. In public school, every minute of the day is accounted for—but when you’re building a micro-school, running a business, or homeschooling, you become the master of your own time. This freedom is both exciting and challenging. Without structure, it’s easy to feel scattered, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to prioritize tasks.

Throughout my journey—starting as a public school teacher, transitioning to building a micro-school, and now thriving in my fifth year—I’ve seen firsthand how intentional time management can transform not just productivity, but also peace of mind.

Why A Schedule Matters - Even on the Weekends

Many people associate schedules with workdays, but consistency is key—even on weekends! Think about it: the sun rises and sets on a schedule, airplanes follow strict departure times, doctor’s appointments are scheduled in advance—everything in life operates within a structure. Without one, we run the risk of feeling constantly behind, forgetting important tasks, and becoming overwhelmed.

At different stages in my career, I’ve approached weekends in various ways. When I was a first-year teacher, weekends were filled with lesson planning, grading, and catching up on administrative tasks. My personal time often took a backseat. Over time, I realized that a lack of balance led to burnout. Passion for teaching is wonderful, but without boundaries, it can consume every waking hour.

Now, I’ve structured my weekends to be productive without work overtaking my life. Here’s a glimpse of how I prioritize my time:

My Weekend Routine for Productivity & Balance

Friday Night: Date night with my husband or family time with my daughters. This helps transition from the workweek into the weekend.

Saturday:

  • Extended quiet time and reflection A morning walk or run

  • Meal planning and grocery ordering for the week

  • Tackling a home project (decluttering, organizing, or deep cleaning)

  • Family Sabbath time with Bible study and prayer

  • Evening bike ride or dinner with loved ones

Sunday:

  • Self-care and personal growth time

  • Finalizing laundry and home organization

  • Planning and preparing for the upcoming week

  • Family dinner and relaxation

Having a structured yet flexible weekend routine ensures that I am refreshed and ready to tackle the week ahead.

Building Themeatic Days for Consistency

In my micro-school, I’ve also established thematic days to ensure that everything gets the

attention it deserves. For example:

Mondays: Administrative tasks and goal-setting

Tuesdays: Curriculum planning and student engagement strategies

Wednesdays: Marketing and community outreach

Thursdays: Field trips and outdoor learning experiences

Fridays: Wrapping up projects and preparing for the next week

Each day has a focus, which eliminates decision fatigue and ensures that I stay on track.


Join the Microschool Masterminds Community!

If you’re building a micro-school, homeschool hybrid program, or simply looking to enhance your educational leadership, Microschool Masterminds is the place for you! This program provides resources, templates, and live group coaching sessions covering curriculum, finances, marketing, and more.

➡️ Ready to take your micro-school journey to the next level? Join us at teachersletyourlightshine.com/masterminds! Stay tuned for the next part of the Day in the Life Series, where I’ll walk you through what a typical Monday looks like in my schedule!

 
 
Previous
Previous

From Dread to Delight: A Monday in the Life of a Micro-School Leader (Copy)

Next
Next

Mastering Your Time: Creating Consistency as a Microschool Builder