Table time refers to the dedicated block in a homeschool routine where children complete focused academic work at a table or desk, typically following morning time and lasting one to two hours.
What is Table Time?
Table time is homeschool community shorthand for the portion of your school day devoted to concentrated, individual academic work. Unlike morning time or circle time—which gather the family for shared reading and group activities—table time is when students sit at designated workspaces and tackle subjects requiring focus: math problems, writing assignments, grammar exercises. The term comes from the literal activity: children seated at a table, working through their individual curriculum. It's the workhorse of the homeschool day, typically the longest block and often the most academically intensive.
Key Takeaways
- Usually follows morning time and lasts 1-2 hours depending on age and attention span
- Focuses on individual academic subjects requiring concentration
- Common table time subjects include math, language arts, and independent reading
- Differs from morning time, which involves group activities and shared learning
- Term is popular in Charlotte Mason, classical, and structured homeschool approaches
How Table Time Fits the Daily Routine
Many homeschool families structure their day in three parts: morning time (30 minutes of group activities), table time (1-2 hours of focused academics), and an optional tea time or wrap-up period. Morning time sets a positive tone with poetry, music, read-alouds, and discussion—subjects that benefit from shared experience. Table time follows while minds are still fresh, tackling the work requiring individual concentration. This rhythm works because it front-loads demanding cognitive work before afternoon fatigue sets in.
What Happens During Table Time
What Happens During Table Time
- Math
Often done first when mental energy is highest for problem-solving
- Language Arts
Reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary work
- Independent reading
Assigned books or free reading related to current studies
- Written assignments
Composition, copywork, dictation, and other writing practice
- Workbook pages
Curriculum-based exercises in various subjects
Table Time vs. Morning Time
The distinction matters for planning your day. Morning time is communal—everyone gathers together for shared experiences like reading aloud, singing, reciting poetry, or discussing ideas. You're building family culture and covering subjects that benefit from group engagement. Table time is individual—each child works at their level on subjects requiring personal focus. An older student might tackle algebra while a younger sibling practices handwriting. Parents float between children offering help rather than leading whole-group instruction.
Making Table Time Work
Start with math when minds are sharpest. Keep sessions age-appropriate—young children can't sustain focus for two hours, so build up gradually. Written timetables help children understand expectations and work independently. Charlotte Mason recommended brief lessons (15-20 minutes per subject for young children) to maintain attention before switching tasks. If your child consistently struggles during table time, the issue might be timing, environment, or curriculum fit rather than the child. Experiment with morning versus afternoon scheduling, different workspace arrangements, and how subjects are sequenced.
The Bottom Line
Table time is simply the focused academic work portion of your homeschool day—nothing more complicated than that. The term helps families distinguish between group activities and individual study, making schedule planning clearer. Whether you call it table time, desk work, or seatwork, the concept remains the same: dedicated time for concentrated academic subjects. Adjust the length and content to your children's ages and attention spans, and don't be afraid to modify what isn't working.
