Ultimate Homeschool Planner

Unbelievably, its all here! Correctly labeled a planning system, veteran homeschooler, Debra Bell, has given us the ultimate tool in preparing for and implementing a God-honoring, highly effective school year. In addition to the twelve monthly planners and the 48 weekly planners, there is a one-year planning grid, a student goal setter, pre-planning guides, record-keeping section, and year in review as well as a high school planning guide and example. You would expect all that, wouldnt you? But, theres more! The introductory Users Guide amounts to about three planning seminars wrapped up into one concise, how-to-do-it tutorial which includes sample pages, step-by-step plans, and a healthy dose of common sense homeschooling philosophy. And, just so you dont feel overwhelmed, theres an excellent Teaching Tips section in the back which includes information on learning styles and motivating the reluctant learner. Moms are encouraged to Count Your Blessings, Encourage Independence, and Record Your Progress and assured that Order brings peace. (St. Augustine). A common theme in Debra Bells writings and one that peeks out in many places in this planner is the need for raising our children to be independent learners.

Homeschool planner options used to be, well, utilitarian. Now, theyve burst into the realm of color and graphic design and I, for one, am applauding. But theres been no sacrifice of utilitarian aspects in this planner. Spiral-binding allows lay-flat usability. Plasticized card stock covers include inside storage pockets. Each planner section is color-coded (within the overall purple-gold-green theme). The one-year planning grid (on two facing pages) provides a small segment (1/4 by 1 1/8) for each day of each month (listed July through June). The weekly planner (each two facing pages) provides lined (1 by 1 7/8) spaces for six children and six subjects. One additional sidebar provides space for notes, supplies, and appointments. In addition to this weekly record-keeping space there are another two pages per week: one for recording the Bible Plan, the Battle Plan, specific Prayers, and noting Hospitality/Outreach and the other for recording the Weeks Memorable Moments and Evidences of Grace. I especially like the provision of this last weekly page because these types of notes buried within typical planner pages can be difficult to extract and sometimes going back to them are exactly the antidote needed for a homeschooling moms sagging spirit and resolve. The record-keeping section in the back includes places for grades, reading lists, and activities; each for six children. The planner concludes with a bibliography and a place for year-end review and notes. The planner is undated which means you will have maximum flexibility at the expense of having to write dates in.

Its obvious that this planner was designed from cover to cover by a homeschooling mom with years of experience, mountains of practical insight, and an eye for beauty. Enjoy! ~ Janice