We try to start our day before 9AM and finish with our English and math text book work by lunch time. We may choose to do a different subject each day. It is, however, important to set aside a certain time of day, each day, to spend on the 3Rs. The children become familiar with the routine, know what is expected of them and the amount of time it will take. On a particularly hard day when they are not motivated and I can't seem to find my enthusiasm we may even do a small fun project in between math and English.
Flexibility keeps things running smoothly.
We have a snack during this time. Noon-Dad arrives home for lunch, we eat. This is just a sample of an average day. If the principal needs clean underware we may skip school completely and clean house, and then double up on math and English the next day. A very important thing to remember is that school should be incorporated into your life- life should not revolve around school.