Unless you are mandated by law to use them in a particular fashion feel free to use them to suit your needs. Please always be sure to check your state laws concerning homeschooling before following advice or directions from an article or person. If your state does not require hours of school to be used in a particular time frame either by hours or months of year, then please do not feel confined to follow the traditional school year or school hours.
During my 10 years of homeschooling my lifestyle has changed and a traditional school calendar was not always a good fit for my family. When my husband worked second shift our day did not begin at 8:00am with math or science. It began with “daddy time”. At that time our day was in reverse of the traditional schedule. Currently, he works swing shift so our days can fluctuate to accommodate family time and my husband’s vacations. If possible, allow your husband’s schedule to be the master schedule to ensure proper family time.
Another helpful tip is to plan your year by your lifestyle. For instance, if December is particularly busy for you due to holidays, take the entire month off. Make up for those weeks by having a shorter summer or spring break. Maybe you don’t need two weeks off for Christmas but would like a longer spring break, Easter break, summer or need a long Memorial Day weekend. If you have an unpredictable lifestyle than plan your year but not all your vacations up front to accommodate last minute visits from grandma and grandpa or three day vacations.
This is your homeschool and it should reflect your family’s lifestyle. If you try to insert a schedule that places stress on your family you will end up frazzled and possibly not finishing your school year on a high note. Always remember that when unexpected events occur you have 12 months to work out your school year not the traditional 9 months. Relax and plan a year that suits your family’s needs to increase your ability to have a successful school year.