Rachael Dean
Part 2: Homeschool Planning Resources and Methods
Click here to read Part 1
Now that you have decided what your family’s and individual children’s needs are for this school year let’s talk about planning! Over the years I have used many different systems, and some have worked best for different seasons. Here are three different methods to help plan your homeschool year.
Paper planner- I’m a sucker for a cute planner! In the early years of homeschooling, I used a paper planner to plan our school year. I loved that I could keep all of my plans in one place. Here is the planner I used- The Ultimate Homeschool Planner
Pros-
- Everything is in one place. (Some planners even include a meal and budget planner!)
- Easy to transport: You can take it everywhere you go!
- Helpful for new homeschoolers: It can be a great planning guide.
Cons-
- Use a pencil! For even the most intentional planner, life happens. Or you may not have time to get to everything you planned and have to move it to the following day. Erasing and rewriting can be a tedious task.
- Spilled coffee (which can be found on most homeschool moms’ tables) can be treacherous for your beautiful planner. One year I almost cried when I spilled my coffee all over my open planner!
- It can be bit bulky.
Spiral notebook method- This worked great when my kids were able to read. With this method, each student had their own spiral notebook where I wrote their weekly assignments, usually on Sunday evening. I appreciated it because it helped them to be a little more independent in their schooling. For in-depth information visit- The Spiral Notebook Method
Pros-
- This is the most cost-effective option!
- Promotes independence and personal responsibility.
- It is easy to carry around.
Cons-
- It can be time-consuming to write out for each student each day, especially if you have multiple children.
Digital planner- This is my current and absolute favorite way to plan our school year! This may not be as beneficial with younger learners, but now that my kids are older (9, 12, 15, 17) and have access to a computer this has been the easiest way to plan by far! To check out my favorite digital planner click here Homeschool Manager
Pros-
- NO WRITING!
- If plans change it’s easy to update.
- It is easy to copy and paste.
- Each student can easily access their individually planned assignments for the day on their own page.
- The system will track grades and even create a report card and transcript for you!
Cons-
- You will need to have internet access.
- It does take a little while to learn how to use the program.
- It works best if your child has access to a computer.
Planning your homeschool year doesn't have to be an overwhelming task! Breaking it down into smaller tasks and having the right tools can make all of the difference. I hope I have been able to encourage you as you begin planning your homeschool year.
We would love to help you in person at our upcoming Ask A Homeschool Mom: A Panel Q&A