I have spent years beating my head against the wall over homeschool planning.
Part of me always wants to be chiller than I actually am. We’re interest-led learners here.
RELAX, I scream (quietly) to myself at 4 a.m.
But I just can’t. It’s not who I am, and so over the years I have tried several different approaches to planning.
I’ve tried “reverse,” planning, or writing down what we do after the fact. This is comforting to me when I get caught up in a cycle of worrying that we aren’t doing enough.
It’s also comforting when I buy my kids a new video game, and they only want to play that game, and I need written proof that they are doing other things and that I’m not just raising those children who grow up to become adults who scream their gameplay on YouTube, but let’s face it, are also millionaires.
More structure
But, there have been other times when one or more of us has craved more structure.
That’s when I implement my 6-weeks at a time planning approach, which I talk about in my book and share more about here.
The truth is, some level of planning helps me. It helps me focus on what’s most important, it helps me stay focused and it helps me know what’s coming, which means a lot for my anxious mama soul.
Even if I go willy-nilly, or skip a week – it helps me to have things written down and out of my brain.
My new favorite planner
Recently I was on my friend Jessica’s site – The Waldock Way – grabbing one of her amazing Who Was unit Studies when I stumbled across her planners.
I asked her for a peek inside and friends – you need to take a look.
Jessica’s planners are some of the most complete homeschool planners I’ve seen, including both everything you need for planning, but also specific pages for record keeping.
Maybe best of all – she has 4 options.
OK. That’s actually not the best of all. Jessica and I have a shared love of Harry Potter – we often suggest people bundle her Waldock Wizards and Wands with my Herbology Unit Study to create Hogwarts in Your Homeschool – so of course she has an amazing Harry Potter inspired planner!
But just in case HP isn’t your thing, her other homeschool planners include a bold colors option, a pastel option and a … flamingo option.
Planner Features!
All of Jessica’s beautifully constructed planners include:
- weekly and monthly planning
- a records section
- resources for unit study planning
- and a weekly meal planning page! (seriously! Bonus Jonas!)
- morning basket planning pages (and bedtime basket planning!)
- a game log
- a book log
- and a page for passwords because I can not be the only one tired of trying to remember everything plus a capital letter, plus a symbol ohmahgoodness.
What I love most!
But maybe what I love most (besides the amazing design of the Harry Potter Planner) is that Jessica gives you options:
- you can choose a Sunday or Monday start
- you receive an editable version if you are techy and fancy!
- the planners include the whole year if you homeschool year-round or don’t follow the traditional school schedule
- there are options for 4-day and 5-day school weeks
Honestly, these planners are so thoughtfully designed, and are such a bargain.
Plus, I got mine printed at Office Depot, and it’s gorgeous. š P.S. They do binding there too!
So if you are looking for a do-it-all homeschool planner this year, head over to Jessica’s shop, and while you’re there, check out her other amazing products.
Happy planning!!
Planner Walk-Through!!
P.S. Speaking of Jessica’s amazing products, I have one more for you to check out!
Her new Waldock Way Guide to Homeschooling a simple, open and go guide to homeschooling, perfect for those just starting out, those looking for a simple guide this planning season and those who would love some reassurance and new ideas.
And the bargain price, you guys – it’s just $5.
But it’s PACKED with awesomeness including …
Tips for:
– creating a routine
– turning around a bad day andĀ
– making learning fun
Plus:
– Checklists for pre-school through 8th grade!
– Tips for homeschooling high school
– Advice from experts (I even have a little blurb in there!)
– Helpful links
– PlanningĀ printables and more